Mice are small creatures that some might say look quite cute. The problem with these small, fragile creatures is they reproduce at extraordinary rates. A male and female mouse can produce upwards of 100 offspring in a year, meaning an infestation can spawn thousands of rodents in the same timeframe. Mice removal is the only surefire way to treat an infestation and avoid the inevitable stench of death.

When mice die inside a home, it is often in the wall cavities or places humans can’t easily reach. That is problematic for the homeowners who have to live with the smell of decay for possibly weeks with little solution or abatement from the scent.

The Undeniable Smell of Death

A dead mouse gives off a pungent aroma, similar to rotten or rotting cabbage, sour and ammonia-like. The smell is likely the only sign a mouse died in your house — other than a body, of course.

The smell will not start strong; it will begin randomly. Some people might notice an off aroma, but then it seems to pass. Unfortunately, the odour will only worsen over the next two weeks as the mouse’s carcass begins to dehydrate. Once fully dehydrated, the mouse will no longer emit smells.

The Solution Is Simple

Eliminating the smell is only possible in one of two ways: removing the deceased mouse or waiting. Removing the mouse is the quickest way to return to a fresh-smelling home, but that is easier said than done because you first must find the mouse.

Common locations to find dead mice include cupboards, behind refrigerators and in wall cavities. If an initial inspection of the home doesn’t turn up anything, the mouse likely died in the wall. Because of the difficulty of locating a dead mouse in a wall cavity, it might be best to mask the odour until it is gone, usually between two and three weeks.

The Process of Elimination

If a mouse dies in a wall cavity and you do not want to wait it out, you can call a professional for help. They can look for evidence of mouse holes or entrances to wall cavities. They can also follow their nose. 

To remove the mouse, they will need to open the wall. Because locating a dead mouse is not an exact science, the professional may open several areas in the wall to locate the critter. Once they find and remove it, open all your windows and allow your home to air out.

The DIY Fallacy

Wildlife removal on Vancouver Island consists of professional services. While some homeowners might feel that the DIY removal of a dead mouse is okay, they are mistaken. Removing one dead mouse doesn’t seem like a big deal, but it is rarely the entire story. A single dead mouse likely belonged to a colony, so removing the one will do nothing to treat the many.

Also, a dead mouse can still transmit bacteria and viruses. Professionals know how to handle wildlife, whether living or dead, to ensure safety. A wildlife control specialist will also clean and sanitize any affected surfaces, eliminating any threat to you or your family. Finally, if there is evidence of an infestation, the pro can use exclusion methods to resolve the matter humanely.

If you experience a strange smell emanating from your walls, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control and schedule a property inspection. The company will send someone to your home to address and resolve the issue quickly and safely. Also, remember that it is rare for a single mouse to lodge in your home, so one dead mouse is likely a sign of a more significant problem.