What To Do If A Rodent Dies In A Ductwork

It is not an uncommon situation that a small animal or rodent is found inside the air ducts. Sometimes it makes a mistake, gets trapped, and dies leaving the nasty smell and mess behind.

Of course, this is a very stressful and unpleasant situation. The bad odor starts to spread all over the house and directly affects your health. It can also cause a breeding ground for mold and disease!Here is what to do if you find yourself in a similar situation:

Locating the Carcass

When an animal dies in your HVAC ductwork, the rotting smell is circulated throughout your home whenever the system is running. You have to turn off the HVAC system immediately, open the windows, and let the fresh air in.
Next, follow the strongest smell to locate the carcass.

Removing the Carcass

Consider calling a trusted duct cleaning company so the carcass is removed properly and the ducts are cleaned thoroughly.
Otherwise, you will need to remove it yourself. Use the screwdriver to remove the register cover and flashlight to look inside the air duct and see if the carcass is visible. If the carcass is out of reach, you will need to hire a professional to assist you with the removal.
Once you find the carcass, put on a mask and the gloves, grab it, put it in a garbage bag, and get it out of your home immediately.

Plug the Leak in Your Ductwork

Use the disinfectant cleaner to clean the area after you are finished removing the carcass. However, these animals can chew holes or leave behind feces in your air ducts. By doing this, they impact your family’s health, allow the air to escape, and make a negative effect on the energy efficiency of your system.
This is where you will need a professional HVAC technician. He will conduct an inspection on your ductwork, take care of air duct cleaning, and plug the leaks.

Now relax and enjoy!