How long before a dead rat starts to smell?

PostedJanuary 5, 2026

UpdatedJanuary 5, 2026

By@dmin

Have you ever had the unfortunate experience of dealing with a dead rat in your home or business? If so, you know just how unpleasant the smell can be. But how long does it take for a dead rat to start to smell? And what can you do about it when it does?

At Bon Accord Pest Control, we understand the importance of addressing rodent infestations quickly and effectively. With over 15 years of experience in the pest control industry, we have seen it all when it comes to rats and mice. From residential properties to commercial buildings, we have the knowledge and expertise to handle any situation.

When a rat dies in your home or business, it can start to smell within a matter of hours. The decaying process releases gases that create a strong, unpleasant odor that can quickly spread throughout the area. This smell is not only unpleasant but can also be a health hazard, as it can attract other pests and bacteria.

If you suspect that you have a dead rat on your property, it is important to act quickly to prevent further issues. One of the first steps is to locate the source of the smell. This may involve checking hidden areas such as walls, ceilings, or crawl spaces where rats may have died.

Once the dead rat is located, it should be removed as soon as possible. This can be a challenging and unpleasant task, which is why it is best left to the professionals. At Bon Accord Pest Control, our certified technicians have the tools and expertise to safely and effectively remove dead rodents from your property.

After the dead rat has been removed, it is important to thoroughly clean and disinfect the area to eliminate any remaining odor or bacteria. This process may involve using specialized cleaning products and equipment to ensure that the area is properly sanitized.

In addition to removing dead rats, Bon Accord Pest Control also offers rodent proofing services to prevent future infestations. By sealing entry points and implementing preventative measures, we can help protect your home or business from rats and mice.

Our commitment to environmentally conscious methods sets us apart from our competitors. We prioritize the use of non-toxic, eco-friendly products to ensure the safety of your family, pets, and the environment. Our 24/7 emergency service and free quoting helpline demonstrate our dedication to providing prompt and reliable solutions for all types of properties.

When it comes to rat and mice pest control, Bon Accord Pest Control is the company to trust. With our years of experience, certified technicians, and commitment to excellence, we can handle any pest problem with professionalism and efficiency. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you keep your property pest-free.

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Karin Harnden

17:14 05 May 24

We thought we had bedbugs but could find no evidence apart from what we thought were bites. I called Bon Accord and Gabriel was there within a couple of hours. He told us we had carpet beetle. Finding the evidence and showing us photos of the skin reaction which was exactly what we had. He advised and returned at a time to suit us to spray which was done thoroughly and efficiently. No sign of the little critters returning. Thank you Gabriel.

Luiza Lobo

21:02 11 Apr 24

Gabriel went above and beyond. He is extremely knowledgable and very efficient at what he does. The results were outstanding. Nothing is too much for him. Delighted with his professionalism and work.

sam z

19:11 03 Apr 24

Top-notched pest control service!! Went above and beyond to eradicate the rats from our property. Gabriel even offered to further investigate the infestation issues for our neighbours. We found him to be extremely professional and easy to work with. We highly recommend Gabriel to anyone in need of pest control.

London

23:29 02 Apr 24

Gabriel provided great service , responded quickly on an emergency for pest infestation, professional and friendly. No more pests at home.

Felicity Gray

21:53 02 Apr 24

Gabriel was absolutely wonderful, a real life saver when I found a mouse by my bed at 10pm. He came in less than an hour and was able to catch the mouse and put my mind at rest so I could go to sleep! Highly recommend, fab service and lovely people.

Med Kashani

10:54 24 Feb 24

Gabriel turned up with an hours notice one evening and immediately identified the issued. He works efficiently and professionally throughout with timely follow-ups to ensure the problem was resolved. Once completed he was kind enough to continue to check in to see that the issue had gone. Having had Rentokil previously that spent two years doing very little this was a complete breathe of fresh air and solved the problem in less than two weeks. We are grateful and would highly recommend his services.

Nesma Talaat

20:26 20 Feb 24

We were lucky to have found Bon Accord, they responded very fast to our request and Gabriel was very helpful and informative. He made several visits and did his absolute best until the mice problem we had was gone. Highly recommended.

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