The short answer
Protect Yourself First
Before you touch anything, put on rubber gloves, a disposable mask, and safety goggles. Animal remains can carry bacteria and viruses, so you want to avoid direct contact. Open windows and doors to get fresh air moving through the space. If you feel unwell at any point, stop and see a doctor.
Use a shovel or a strong plastic bag to pick up the remains without touching them directly. Double-bag the remains and tie the bags securely. Place the bag in a trash container with a tight lid. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling anything.
- Wear gloves, mask, and eye protection
- Open windows for ventilation
- Use a shovel or bag to avoid contact
- Double-bag and seal remains
- Wash hands with soap and water afterward
Clean the Affected Area
Once the remains are removed, clean the area with a disinfectant that kills bacteria and viruses. A bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) works for hard surfaces, but test a small spot first. Use paper towels or disposable rags to wipe up any fluids, then throw them away in a sealed bag.
For porous surfaces like carpet, drywall, or wood, cleaning may not be enough. Fluids can soak deep into these materials, leaving odors and health risks. If the contamination is heavy, you might need to remove and replace those sections. In a humid climate like Daytona Beach, lingering moisture can also lead to mold growth.
- Use a bleach solution or commercial disinfectant
- Wipe up fluids with disposable rags
- Discard all cleaning materials in sealed bags
- Consider removing porous materials if soaked
Handle Odors and Stains
After cleaning, odors can remain, especially if fluids soaked into floors or walls. An enzymatic cleaner can break down organic matter and help remove smells. Apply it according to the label directions and let it sit for the recommended time. You may need to repeat the process for stubborn odors.
For stains, use a cleaner made for the surface type. On hard surfaces, scrubbing with a brush and disinfectant usually works. On carpet or upholstery, a wet vacuum can pull out moisture, but if the smell persists, the material may need to be replaced. In some cases, the pros use specialized equipment to remove odors.
- Use an enzymatic cleaner for organic odors
- Let cleaners sit as directed
- Scrub hard surfaces with a brush
- Use a wet vacuum on carpet if needed
- Replace materials if odors persist
Check for Moisture Damage
Animal remains often leave behind fluids that can seep into floors, walls, and subfloors. Even after cleaning, moisture can hide in these areas and cause rot or mold. Check for soft spots in flooring, discoloration on walls, or a musty smell. If you find any, you may need to remove the damaged material.
In a humid climate, moisture problems can worsen quickly. If the area feels damp or the smell lingers, use a dehumidifier to dry the space. For significant water damage, a water damage inspection can help identify hidden issues. The pros have moisture meters and drying equipment to handle these situations.
- Look for soft spots or discoloration
- Use a dehumidifier to dry the area
- Consider a water damage inspection
- The pros can use moisture meters to find hidden water
When to Call the Pros
Some situations are too large or hazardous for a homeowner to handle safely. If the animal is large, the contamination is extensive, or the remains are in a hard-to-reach place, call local water damage pros. They have the training and equipment to remove remains and clean up properly.
Also call the pros if fluids have soaked into drywall, insulation, or flooring that needs removal. They can handle the disposal and cleaning without spreading contaminants. If you live in Daytona Beach, keep the number of a trusted water damage service handy. They can also address any water damage that resulted from the cleanup.
- Large animals or heavy contamination
- Remains in crawlspaces or attics
- Fluids soaked into walls or floors
- Strong odors that won't go away
- Any signs of mold growth after cleanup
Need help right now?
Phones are answered 24/7 for Daytona Beach and nearby communities.
Call Now (386) 272-5697Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to clean up animal remains?
The time depends on the size of the animal and the area affected. A small animal in an open space might take an hour or two. Larger animals or areas with heavy contamination can take several hours or more. If you need to remove flooring or drywall, it will take longer.
Can I clean up animal remains myself?
You can handle small animals if you take safety precautions like gloves and a mask. However, if the animal is large, the remains are decomposed, or fluids have soaked into surfaces, professional help is safer. The pros have the right equipment and know how to dispose of remains properly.
What should I do if the smell won't go away?
If the smell persists after cleaning, the fluids may have soaked into materials like carpet, drywall, or wood. You might need to remove and replace those materials. An enzymatic cleaner can help, but sometimes the odor is too deep. The pros can use ozone or thermal fogging to remove stubborn smells.