Decomposition? (Details inside)
Asked by
rojo (
24179
)
November 21st, 2014
A rat (Rattus rattus) has decided to expire in my wall. The smell has gotten progressively worse for the last three days. Unfortunately it is in a bathroom wall so I can’t just stay out.
Scented candles and incense mask it for short periods of time. Since I am not going to tear into the wall and eliminate the source does anyone have a suggestion for covering up the smell?
From those who have experience with this kind of thing, how long does it take for a rat to either dessicate or decompose?
How much longer must I suffer? When, oh when, will I once again have an odor free toilet (at least until I use it)?
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16 Answers
Bummer. If it weren’t the bathroom wall, I would say that it would dry out and stop smelling in about a week. But being the bathroom, near water and humidity, it would take longer. (assuming your walls are like mine – pretty well sealed, but not hermetically so)
The other question: what other vermin (insects, etc.) will the rotting corpse attract?
Just a shot in the dark, but is it near the shower? You might be able to go through the shower access panel.
Haha….sorry, but, kinda funny. Well….given that the weather is cold right now and elevated humidity depending on your geographic locale the body will take longer and smell more during its decomposition process. If it were 100 degrees it would just be really nasty for a few days and then dehydrate pretty quickly, become mummified. You have the long lasting, time release factor at play right now. lol
Also the size of the rat. If it’s a hefty ½ pounder more provocative odors are forthcoming. haha
@Coloma unfortunately, the weather has warmed up over the last couple of days.
WINTER COLD! Please come back!
@Adirondackwannabe I don’t think so. I have been unable to identify the exact location but it is not strong by the access panel.
Hate to say this, but I strongly recommend cutting open the wall and extracting it. A little sheet rock and some paint will be worth it.
The odors never go completely away, I have a friend whose house would get “aromatic” every warm day in the summer.
You really need to break in there and remove it. Seriously, do not just let it stay there.
And don’t forget to always italicize your Latin species names. ;)
You might try crawling under the house wearing a mask, knee pads, gloves and eye protection to see if there is a dead animal under the floor of your bathroom. Also bring a bag to put the body in.
You can hire an exterminator to vacuum it out.
Wear a mask too in case it is Ebola rat or Hanta Mouse. lolol
@Coloma – at this time of year, that Hanta Mouse grows Hanta Claws.
HafuckinHaHa to both of you^^^
Hanta baby hurry down my chimney tonight, and bring cheese! lol
Day 53
It has finally happened. I can no longer smell the putrification. All these days and two plug in air freshers later I have the answer. I has been a long, lonely ordeal but, like Marie Curie before me, I have sacrificed my health and well-being for science and elightenment. We are indeed in a new age!
I know it is too late for me cough, cough I leave this record for those who will follow on behind me furthering mankinds unquenchable search for knowledge and the challenge of the unknown; in the hope that they will not have to endure that which I have and the horrors I have wrought.
Fifty-three days! That is the answer we were searching for my inquisitive collaborators! Fifty-three days and we are once again nasally free of assault! Fifty-thr…..................................................................................ack.
@rojo Yay! Just be glad it was a mouse or rat, not a horse.
That would probably take 1553 days. lol
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