Dealing with a Dead Animal Carcass in Your Yard: A Guide to Safe Disposal

Posted on February 29, 2024 by smokywildlife

Discovering a dead animal carcass in your yard can be an unnerving and often distressing experience. The sight and smell that come with this scenario warrant immediate action, but many homeowners aren’t sure about the right steps to take. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through the process of safely and efficiently handling a dead animal carcass, reinforcing the importance of prompt action for both your health and the environment.

Call 615-610-0962 For Dead Animal Removal Service in Nashville & Clarksville Tennessee

Why You Can’t Ignore a Dead Animal in Your Yard

Before we move on to the practical aspects of animal carcass removal, it’s crucial to understand the seriousness of the issue. Deceased animals, no matter their size, can present significant health hazards. They often carry diseases, and their remains attract a variety of pests, including flies, maggots, and larger scavengers. Leaving a dead animal to decompose in your yard not only poses immediate risks but can also contaminate soil and water sources over time.

Health and Safety Concerns When Handling Dead Animal Carcasses

There’s a laundry list of health risks associated with dead animal carcasses, from bacterial and parasitic infections to the spread of zoonotic diseases like rabies and leptospirosis. Exposure to some of these pathogens can occur through direct contact with the carcass, its bodily fluids, or contaminated surfaces. It’s not just your health at risk, either—pets that have access to the yard or other animals in the vicinity are in danger as well.

Identifying and Assessing the Situation

Your approach to handling a deceased animal will depend on a few key factors. It’s important to gauge the situation thoroughly before taking any further steps.

Size and Type Matters

The type and size of the animal will dictate your response. A small bird, for instance, may warrant a different process than a larger mammal. Identifying the animal will also help in understanding potential diseases it may carry, especially if you’re dealing with wildlife instead of domesticated pets.

Assess for Decay

The level of decomposition is a critical factor in risk assessment. A freshly deceased animal will pose fewer health hazards than one that has been decomposing for days or weeks. Knowing the state of the carcass will guide you on whether to proceed with the disposal yourself or to opt for professional help.

DIY Dead Animal Removal Techniques

If you decide to tackle the removal process on your own, safety should be your number one priority. Here are some steps to keep in mind:

Dress for Success

Before coming into contact with the carcass, it’s essential to protect yourself. Wear disposable gloves, a mask, and clothing that covers your body properly. If you have any cuts or abrasions on your skin, consider covering them with waterproof bandages.

Use the Right Tools

Put together a “clean-up kit” that includes a durable shovel, a sturdy garbage bag, and a strong cleaning solution. Use the shovel to carefully transfer the animal into the bag. Avoid any contact with your skin.

Disposing of the Remains

Once the animal is securely bagged, tie the bag tightly and place it within a second garbage bag for an extra layer of protection against leaks or odors. Promptly dispose of the double-bagged carcass in a covered trash can, or, if local laws allow, bury the remains at a good distance from any water sources or vegetable gardens on your property.

Professional Wildlife Control Services for Dead Animal Removal

Sometimes, the best course of action is to leave dead animal removal in the hands of professionals. Wildlife control services are equipped to handle the process safely, efficiently, and legally.

Benefits of Professional Help

Wildlife removal experts have the necessary training and equipment to handle dead animals without putting themselves or others at risk. They are also well-versed in local laws and regulations regarding dead animal disposal.

Choosing the Right Service

When selecting a wildlife control service, be sure to vet them thoroughly. Look for certifications, ask about their methods for handling and disposing of carcasses, and inquire about the guarantee and cost of their services.

Preventive Measures to Safeguard Your Property

The last thing any homeowner wants is to encounter a dead animal in their yard. Taking proactive wildlife control steps can minimize the chances of it happening again.

Minimizing Yard Attractions

Regularly check your yard for any potential attractors, such as accessible trash or pet food, and promptly remove them. Keep your yard clean and well-maintained to dissuade animals from establishing it as a potential resting place.

Inspections and Maintenance

Conduct periodic inspections of your property, including your fences and any potential entry points. If you know a particular species of wildlife is prevalent in your area, take extra precautions, such as securing lids on your trash cans, to avoid inviting them onto your property.

Conclusion

Dealing with a dead animal carcass is an unpleasant but at times necessary duty. By approaching the task with caution and, when needed, involving professional assistance, you protect not only yourself and your family but also contribute to keeping your community safe and healthy. Swift and appropriate action is key, and the measures taken to dispose of the animal are as crucial as those to prevent its untimely demise in the first place. With this comprehensive guide, you are well-equipped to face the circumstances if and when they arise, ensuring your yard remains a sanctuary of health and peace.

Are you concerned about the nuisance wildlife on or around your property? Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for TWRA licensed and insured wildlife removal and control services in Nashville, Tennessee, and surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients.

What to Do When You Find a Dead Animal in Your Yard

Posted on May 30, 2023 by smokywildlife

Finding a dead animal in your yard can be an unpleasant experience. Not only is it unsightly, but you may also feel uneasy about the potential health risks associated with a carcass left to rot in your garden space. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to safely and quickly remove the animal from your property. Whether it’s a small rodent or larger mammal like a deer, this guide will provide you with tips for getting rid of the deceased creature as well as advice on preventing future incidents. Continue reading to learn more about dead animal removal and how to keep wildlife away from your home!

Call 615-610-0962 For Dead Animal Removal in or around Nashville

Found a Dead Animal in the Backyard? Consider Your Safety First

Dead animal carcasses can pose significant hazards to both human beings and animals. The presence of a dead animal can attract parasites such as fleas, ticks and bacteria that cause illnesses in humans. The carcasses can also provide food sources for predators who might prey on pets and livestock. Such predators vary depending on the region, but here in Tennessee, they can include Black bears, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, hawks, and even venomous snakes like Timber Rattlesnakes and Copperheads. These dangers and hazards are not always immediately apparent, so it is important to approach dead animal carcasses with caution.

People should wear gloves and protective clothing when handling the remains and dispose of them safely to avoid the spread of diseases. Dead animal carcasses should be reported to the authorities for proper removal. It’s the best way to guarantee a safe environment for both humans and animals.

Your Options for Dead Animal Removal

■ Contact a Wildlife Removal Service

When you first find a dead animal in your yard, it’s important to assess the situation and determine if the carcass requires immediate removal. If there is no sign of decay or decomposition, then contact a local Nashville wildlife removal company for dead animal removal service. These licensed professionals can safely dispose of the animal using proper security protocols and will also be able to identify its species so that you know whether or not it could pose any health risks.

■ Bury the Carcass

If the animal has been deceased for some time, then you may need to consider other options such as burying the body yourself or calling your local animal control department for assistance. Before taking on either of these tasks, make sure you are well-equipped with the necessary protective gear including gloves, boots, coveralls, and face masks. Once the carcass has been safely disposed of, it’s important to take steps to prevent future wildlife deaths on your property.

■ Animal Proof Your Property

To minimize the chance of another dead animal appearing in your yard, be sure to trim back any shrubs or trees that may attract animals, keep pet food indoors, and pick up fallen fruit regularly. You may also want to consider installing motion-activated lights around your property as this can help deter nighttime visitors. If you find multiple dead animals in one area, there is likely a source of food nearby attracting them so make sure to remove any potential attractants from your yard.

Protect Yourself Against Dead Animal Encounters

So, when you find a dead animal in your yard it’s important to address the situation quickly and safely. If the carcass is fresh, contact a wildlife removal company for assistance. Otherwise, consider burying it yourself or contacting animal control. To prevent future incidents, make sure to trim back shrubs, keep pet food indoors, and install motion-activated lights around your property. Following these steps will ensure that your yard remains safe and free from any dead animals in the future!

Got a dead animal on or around your property that’s giving you pause for concern? Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for TWRA licensed and insured dead animal removal in Nashville, Tennessee and beyond. We also work with many types of wildlife and serve both residential and commercial clients.

How to Eliminate Dead Animal Odor in Your House

Posted on September 14, 2022 by smokywildlife

There are many types of nuisance wildlife in Tennessee, but some are more prone to infesting our interior spaces and eventually biting the dust. Animals like raccoons, opossums, birds, squirrels, and rodents are notorious for getting inside and getting stuck; or simply living out the remainder of their lives inside your home or business.

Nuisance critters like these generally seek out shelter in residential and commercial settings, finding their way inside roof vents, wall voids, crawlspaces, attics, and beneath porches, decks, and stoops. Once there, they generate an unthinkable mess with their hair oils, urine, feces, rotting food scraps, nesting, and destructive habits. But there are some things worse than an animal infestation mess, and that is the smell of a dead animal carcass.

After hiring a certified Nashville wildlife removal company to get rid of a dead animal, you can opt for infestation cleanup and decontamination services to treat the affected area. However, it is quite common for dead animal odors, as pungent as they are, to linger well after dead animal cleanup services. This is especially true for cases of multiple carcasses.

If this sounds like your current dilemma, continue reading below to learn what you can do to abate these odors until they have dissipated for good.

Dead Animal Removal Nashville Tennessee 615-610-0962

Household Remedies for Treating Dead Animal Smells

When animals die in or around your home, the smell can be virtually impossible to tolerate, especially right after dead animal removal service. Cleanup and decontamination treatments can only do so much when it comes to eliminating dead animal smells, which is why it is important for you to treat post cleanup lingering odors with basic household remedies.

You wouldn’t think that a dead skunk under the deck or a groundhog under the stoop would generate enough decay odor to seep inside the property, but they can. Even dead animals outside can cause lingering death odors inside your home or business if they are in close enough proximity.

Fortunately, there are several products and remedies you can implement that will help reduce the pungency and make your indoor spaces tolerable until the smell stops naturally. These dead animal smell hacks will not grant instant gratification, nor 100% eliminate the dead animal odor in your home. They will, however, take the edge off. But if the smell is faint, they can mask it entirely.

Dead Animal Odor Removal Granules

For dead animals that expire in non-traffic areas of a home, like crawlspaces, attics, and wall voids, dead animal odor removal granules are a great way to go. These are chemical-free and all-natural odor absorbing granules that you simply scatter over the affected area. These also prevent bacterial hazard and pest infestations.

Odor Eliminating Fogging Cans

Odor control fogging products are an effective way to eliminate the toughest of dead animal smells. Also known as “odor bombs” or “eliminating foggers”, these products are automated. All you have to do is push a button; and 10 or 20 seconds later, a strong force of deodorizer is released. These fogging treatments can treat spaces up to 600 square feet.

Odor Absorbers

You can purchase residential grade or commercial grade odor absorbers through your choice online retailer or at your local home improvement store. Grocery store also common carriers of odor absorbing products. You can place multiple odor absorber containers around the smelly areas of your home to help clear out some of the pungency. Residential grade odor absorbers are recommended for minor to moderate cases of dead animal odors. If you’re dead animal odors are stronger, opt for commercial grade odor absorber.

Odor Neutralizers

Odor neutralizers are popular product on the market for both residential and commercial environments. When you think of an odor neutralizers spray, you might think of a popular brand like Febreze or Ozium. And you would be right to do so. These two products are sprays that work well to sanitize the surrounding air and eliminate airborne odors.

Home Fragrances

Whether in addition to one of the options above, or as a lone resort to cover up residual dead carcass smells, home fragrances like candles, wax burners, incense, essential oils, fragrance plugins, and even fresh, aromatic flowers.

Are you looking for prompt and professional assistance with a dead carcass or animal infestation? Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for prompt and professional dead animal removal in Nashville, Tennessee. We also provide animal infestation cleanup and repair for both residential and commercial clients.

Top 3 Tips for Dead Animal Removal

Posted on November 29, 2021 by smokywildlife

Dead animal smell cannot be mistaken. You have certainly detected the tell-tale odor of rot and decay before, but when it is coming from your property, or worse, inside your house, you are on high alert. No one wants to put dead animal removal off to the next morning; it is a task that must be dealt with upon immediate detection. But before you go around investigating your premises, be sure you are well-equipped to handle the job.

Continue reading to learn the top 3 dead animal removal tips you need to know to protect your home, yourself, and all of your loved ones, including pets!

What You Need to Know About Dead Animal Removal

Dead animals are a hazardous material since they can carry disease and parasites. So, the task of removing a dead animal from your house or yard is a risky one. As soon as you discover a dead animal, the first step is to isolate the area, keeping children and pets away. Your next step is to prepare yourself for the task of getting rid of a dead animal.

Here are the top 3 tips for dead animal removal:

1) Act Fast

When you have a dead animal infesting your house or property, it is in your best interest to get rod of it as fast as possible. Do not hesitate to locate and removal a dead animal, especially if it is inside your home. The longer you wait to get rid of a dead animal carcass, the more consequences will pile up, including pest infestations like vultures, rodents, maggots, flies, lice, and tapeworms, as well as diseases like Rabies, Roundworm, distemper, Giardia, Legionnaires, Leptospirosis, and more.

2) Protect Yourself From Harm

As mentioned, dead animal carcasses are unsanitary and highly hazardous to your health. For these reasons, it is critical to take all the proper steps necessary to protect yourself from any type of exposure to disease or parasite. So, be sure to don yourself with a full face mask, heavy-duty work gloves, a sealable bag, a grasper tool (if available), and a shovel. You will need to pick the carcass up, place it in the bag, and bury it deep in the ground.

3) Hire a Professional Wildlife Removal Service

It may seem like a big project to locate, bag, and bury a dead animal, and it is. For this reason, most homeowners hire a local Nashville wildlife control company for dead animal removal service. They come fully-equipped to remove a dead animal and dispose of it according to all state and EPA guidelines. No, they will not bury it on your property! But they will ensure there are no residual hazards or dangers left behind.

Dead Animal Odor Detection

If you have not found the dead animal but can smell the distinct odor, you will need to do some further investigating. Start by walking in the direction that smells the most pungent. The most likely places inside a house to find a dead animal are inside cabinets, attics, crawl spaces, and wall voids. Outside, the possibilities are endless, but typically ground-level. Look in log piles, under porches and decks, in gardens, beneath chairs and benches, and even inside plastic tarps and covers, such as playset, grill, and pool covers.

If you cannot locate the dead animal, but the smell is putrid enough to give hint that the animal is too close for comfort, you will need to hire a local Nashville TN critter control company for an inspection. They have innovative technologies and astute industry knowledge to locate a dead animal in or around your house.

Do you have a dead animal in or around your property? Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for prompt and professional dead animal removal in Nashville, Tennessee and its surrounding regions. We serve commercial clients, too.

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