Dead Animal Removal & Cleanup in Pella, IA

Rules vary by city and county. Animal services or public works often remove animals from public roads and property, while private property is usually the owner's responsibility. Call your city or county animal services to learn what applies.

On private property, you usually hire a dead animal removal service or cleanup team. Animal services may remove animals from public roads and property, and rules vary by city and county. For a hidden or large animal, describe the smell and location when you call.

As an animal decomposes, bacteria break down tissue and release gases with a strong, sickly-sweet smell. In an enclosed wall or attic, that odor has nowhere to go and spreads through the house. Removing the source is the only real fix.

Dead animals can carry bacteria, parasites and viruses that pass to people and pets through touch or contaminated surfaces. Wild animals may also carry illnesses such as rabies. Avoid contact and let a cleanup team handle removal.

Eventually it fades, but that can take weeks, and fluids that soaked into insulation, carpet or wood keep releasing odor. Removing the animal and treating the area is much faster than waiting.

The crew follows the odor, checks vents, attic access and crawl spaces, and looks for flies and stains. Sometimes a small camera or a small opening in drywall is needed. Once the animal is found, it is removed and the area is cleaned.