How to Identify and Remove Smell Of Dead Possum?

How to Remove the Smell Of Dead Possums? Identify and deal with dead possums in your house

Are you worried and wondering how to remove the smell of dead possums? The odor of a dead possum is quite distinctive. This is a very dirty and unpleasant smell that you cannot tolerate for a long time. You don’t even know if there is an animal in your house and if any incident happens to it, the smell starts coming from the dead carcass. This is a clear signal to you that some unwanted guest was living in your house. When a rat kills in your house, the smell of its dead body lasts for 3 to 4 days where we talk about possums that are much larger 2.5 feet long in size than rats due to which its body take more days to decompose than a rat, brushtail possum or a ringtail possum decay can trouble you for 2 to 3 months.

Not only can bad odor bother you, but it can also make you very ill if not dealt with quickly. So what is the most accurate and simple solution to get rid of this? So the first thing you need to do without any delay is to locate the dead possum on your property. To find it you just have to follow its scent and you will easily reach the dead carcass. If you are comfortable then you can remove it yourself, but before that, you will have to take some safety precautions which you will learn later, or you can take the help of a professional.

What does a dead possum smell like?

A strange smell which is difficult to digest, it is a foul smell which will make you ill if you have this kind of smell in your house or garden then you should pay special attention to it. You may have a dead animal or a dead possum in your backyard or garden. In a country like Australia, Possums are a protected animal under the Wildlife Act it is known as Possum Protection (Wildlife Act 1975). Therefore, it is illegal to harm, rescue, or release this type of creature and you must seek the help of licensed professionals to remove dead possums from your property.

Potential health risks associated with a dead possum

Because deceased possums can contain bacteria, parasites, and diseases, handling one could be harmful to your health. The following are some possible health hazards connected to dead possums:

• Bacterial Infections: Numerous bacteria, such as Salmonella, E. Coli, and other diseases, can be found in decomposing animals. Gastrointestinal tract infections may result from contact with these microorganisms.
• Parasites: External parasites such as fleas, ticks, mites, etc. can spread on dead possums, which can cause disease in humans and other domestic animals.
• Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that spreads through contact with contaminated urine or tissue. Possums can be carriers of Leptospira bacteria.
• Rabies: This is rare in possums but it cannot be ruled out that it has several potential risks. It is safe to exercise caution and avoid contact with any dead animals.

Also Read: How to Do Pest Control at Home by Yourself: A Comprehensive Guide

Identifying the Presence of a Dead Possum

1. Recognizing the distinct odor: Determine the powerful, disagreeable decay smell that comes from a deceased possum.
2. Visual signs of a dead possum: A deceased possum can be identified by its motionlessness, stiffness (rigor mortis), and obvious injuries.
3. Listening for unusual sounds: To identify a dead possum, listen for movement sounds, rustling, and other usual nocturnal activity. If there are none, look for the absence of vocalizations.

Locating the Dead Possum inside and outside

• Common areas where possums may die: Look at places where possums might take refuge, such as crawl spaces, basements, attics, and heavily vegetated outdoor areas. Check areas near food sources, such as dumpsters, where they may have come into contact with dangers.
• Tools and equipment needed for detection: Put on a mask, gloves, and a flashlight to protect yourself. Investigate hidden areas gently using a probe or long stick. For proper disposal, a plastic bag or container might be helpful.
• Conducting a thorough search: Examine possible hiding places methodically, paying special attention to isolated or dark places where possums might hide. Seek out visual cues, track the unique scent, and pay attention to odd noises. When conducting your search, take your time and be sure to look everywhere.

Also Read: How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Australia?

Safety Precautions While Removing Dead Possums From Your Property

If you decide to remove a dead possum’s body yourself then you must take care of some of the safety precautions. Using these safety precautions while removing a possum carcass will keep you safe from any internal or external parasites and bacterial infections. These are some of the safety precautions to get effective solutions to our topic How to Remove the Smell Of Dead Possums.

• Wearing protective gear: Remember while disposing of the dead possum’s body, you must wear gloves, a mask, and protective clothes to minimize exposure and prevent direct skin contact and odor inhalation.
• Minimizing direct contact: To lessen the chance of illness and contamination, handle the possum with tools like shovels or tongs rather than your hands, and keep your face away from it.
• Handling potential contaminants: To stop the spread of pollutants, dispose of the deceased possum by placing it in a plastic bag, properly wash your hands afterward, and clean and sanitize all of your tools.

Eradicating The Dead Possum Smell

Even after removing and disposing of the dead possum’s body, you may not be able to completely rid yourself of the foul smell, this bad smell can last for a week to months. For this, you should take the necessary steps. but there are necessary steps you should take to avoid it. Along with cleaning the area thoroughly, you should also spray chemicals and deodorant spray on it.

How to Remove Smell Of Dead Possums – Try DIY Solutions To Eradicate Dead Possum Smell

There are many effective DIY solutions to eradicate the dead possum smell. Following are the recommended 7 DIY solutions that you can use to get rid of foul smell.

1. Baking Soda and Vinegar: Place bowls of baking soda or vinegar in affected areas to neutralize odors.
2. Activated Charcoal: Use activated charcoal bags to absorb and eliminate unpleasant smells.
3. Coffee Grounds: Scatter fresh coffee grounds in the area for natural deodorizing.
4. Air Fresheners and Odor Absorbers: Use commercial products designed to neutralize odors.
5. Ventilation: Increase airflow by opening windows and doors to disperse the smell.
6. Essential Oils: Create a natural air freshener with water and essential oils like tea tree or citrus.
7. Deep Cleaning: Clean surfaces with a mild detergent or odor-neutralizing cleaner.

Preventive Measures and Possum Protection

By taking some preventive measures and possum protection steps, you can easily get the answer to your question about how to remove the smell of dead possums.

• Secure Trash Bins: To reduce food waste and deter possums from scavenging in residential settings, use firmly sealed trash cans.
• Eliminate Food Sources: Keep pet food indoors and clean up spilled bird seed and fallen fruit right away to keep possums away.
• Seal Entry Points: To keep possums out of the house, seal any holes and entry points including foundation openings, chimneys, and vents.
• Use Possum-Proof Fencing: Install fencing that has a smooth top to keep possums from scaling it. To discourage digging, bury the fence a few inches below the surface.
• Apply Repellents: Use natural or commercial possum repellents around the property to discourage their presence.

Seeking Professional Possum Removal Help

If you are struggling with an ongoing problem of possums and wondering how to remove the smell of dead possums? then this is the time that you should seek the advice of licensed professionals rather than take any action on your own as catching possums or rescuing them is illegal in Australia. Possums are a protected animal under the Wildlife Act. Possums can be handled by skilled experts humanely and safely, they will protect your property as well as the animals’ well-being.