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You might get worried if strange smells come from your attic. The simplest reason behind this foul smell can be a dead rat. Having a clear idea of the rat decomposition time helps you gauge the time you have to endure this odor. You can also learn how long it is going to take you to disinfect and restore the space.
The Rat Decomposition Process
With the death of a rat, its body starts to decompose. But the breakdown does not happen in a day; the complete process happens in 4 stages.
Stage 1: Fresh (First 2 Days)
- The rat’s body begins to cool, and the concentration of internal bacteria multiples.
- It may not smell at this stage.
Stage 2 Bloating (Next 1 to 3 Days)
- Gas forms inside the body. It causes bloating.
- The multiplying bacteria release sulphur compounds from the body. It spreads a strong odour.
Stage 3: Active Rotting (Next 1 to 5 Days)
- The rat’s internal organs break down.
- The odour becomes more pungent and spreads quickly.
Stage 4: Dry Carcass (Next 4 to 14 Days)
- Only dry skin and bones remain
- The stench is quite low
A rat’s decomposition time is not the same for every rat. Its size, the temperature and humidity of the area where it has died also affect the time it needs to rot. If it is warm and humid, the rat’s body decomposes faster. In cool temperatures, it might take a month to decompose.
Factors That Affect How Long a Rat Takes to Decompose
Whether a rat’s body decomposes quickly in your attic or it takes time depends on several factors.
It includes:
- Temperature: A hot weather increases the speed of the decay.
- Humidity: Water content in the air helps in bacterial growth. It decomposes the dead rat quickly.
- Ventilation: Low airflow does not let the stench out of your home. It also affects the drying process.
- Size of the rat: Bigger rats take a longer to decompose than a smaller ones.
Understanding these elements helps you analyse how long the smell will stay and when you can think of attic restoration after an animal intrusion. The rat decomposition time usually ranges between 14 and 28 days.
The Smell Factor: How Long Does It Last?
The stench of a dead rat starts within 2 days of its death. Varying with the rat decomposition time, the smell can last between a few days and weeks. However, the intensity of the smell depends on several factors.
It includes:
- Warmth and dampness
- Confinement of the space
- Progress of decomposition
The smell is similar to a mixture of rotten food and ammonia. You will know if a rat is decomposing if you find:
- Strong smell near the ceiling or vents
- Maggots or flies in the attic
- Stains on the walls and insulators
Unless the body decomposes or you remove the carcass from your attic, the smell will remain.
Health Risks and Home Damage Concerns
Leaving a rat to decompose in your attic will also damage your property and cause health risks.
- Generate airborne bacteria: A decomposition releases pathogens in your surroundings. It moves across your home, especially through the vents.
- Cause infestations: Various insects like flies and mites will multiply across the carcass.
- Bottches insulation: Fluids from the decomposing rat can pass through your home’s insulation and contaminate your house.
Remove the rat’s decomposing body as soon as possible and disinfect the area. It will save your house and the residents.
What to Do if a Rat Dies in Your Attic
If you assume that you have a dead rat in your attic, take these steps to remove a rat infestation safely:
- Follow the stench or look for visible signs to locate the source of the decomposing rat.
- Never touch the dead rat without wearing a mask and a pair of gloves. It will reduce your exposure to germs.
- Seal the carcass in two plastic bags and dispose of it.
- Use disinfectants or bleach to clean the area.
- Seal the cracks and holes in your attic, the entry point for rats.
Having trouble locating the rat or getting rid of the stench after cleaning the space? Take the help of experts. They examine the rat decomposition time to ensure that no dead rats are hidden in your attic or throughout your entire home. Then, they sanitise the area.
Conclusion
Dead rats can take anywhere between two and four weeks to completely decompose in an attic. However, the rat decomposition time varies with the warmth, moisture and location of its death. Foul odours and airborne bacteria spread across the house during this period. Remove a dead rat from your home and clean the surroundings. Take professional help without delay. Your prompt action will save your loved ones.