1. Plan with the owner
The crew talks through what is known, what the smell suggests and which parts of the building may be affected.
Wausau, WI · Marathon County
Dead animal smell in a Wausau rental or business needs to be dealt with quietly. Call (877) 812-4220 to get the animal removed, fluids cleaned up, the area disinfected and a summary of the work.
If anyone is in danger, call 911 first. For a suicide crisis, call or text 988.
Dead animal cleanup in attics and crawl spaces often means removing insulation, treating joists and subfloors, and sealing contaminated waste. Soaked materials hold odor even after the animal is removed.
If a dead animal is on your property in Wausau or elsewhere in Marathon County, call Wausau Biohazard Cleanup Help for removal and cleanup at your home, rental or business. Your cleanup team works in gloves, respirators and protective gear and follows workplace safety rules for contaminated materials.
Many homes in Wausau, about 69%, were built before 1980. Older insulation and wood framing soak up fluids and hold odor for a long time. Most housing in Wausau is occupied, with a vacancy rate of about 6%, so a smell is usually noticed quickly, but wall voids and crawl spaces still hide carcasses.
A typical dead animal removal & cleanup job includes:
The crew talks through what is known, what the smell suggests and which parts of the building may be affected.
The animal is lifted with protective equipment, bagged and sealed, so germs and fluids stay contained.
Wood, concrete and drywall are washed and disinfected, and heavily stained porous materials are replaced.
Joists, subfloors and walls are disinfected and deodorized, and the crew lists any repairs for other trades.
Most dead animal removal & cleanup jobs in Wausau, WI cost between $150 and $250, based on published cost guides.
Which materials are soaked changes the scope. Insulation and carpet come out easily, while drywall, subfloor and cabinets add labor and disposal.
| Type of job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Dead animal removal | $150 - $250 |
| Dead animal removal | $150 - $250 |
Published ranges only (Bob Vila, HomeAdvisor); every dead animal removal & cleanup job in Wausau is priced after an on-site look. Price drivers include where the animal is, whether walls must be opened, size of the animal, odor and cleanup afterward. Questions? Call (877) 812-4220.
It can be. Fluids can carry germs, and pests such as flies and fleas spread through the home. Do not touch it bare-handed, keep children and pets away and wash your hands well. People with asthma or sensitive lungs should stay out of the area.
Sometimes. A small animal in plain sight can be bagged with gloves and a heavy bag, sealed and disposed of properly. Hidden, large or long-dead animals are a different job, because fluids soak into materials and germs can spread.
Yes. Animals can die inside ducts, and the heating and cooling system then moves the odor through every room. Cleanup includes removing the animal and treating vents and duct openings.
Do not touch it bare-handed. Wear heavy gloves, place it in a heavy bag, seal it and dispose of it according to local rules. Wash your hands well afterward. If it is large or you are unsure, call for help.
For work in an attic or crawl space, many people stay in the home while the crew works with containment. For heavy odor or large animals, you may prefer to be away. The team will say what makes sense for your situation.
Insulation soaks up fluids and odor and cannot be reliably cleaned. Leaving it in place means the smell can return. Replacement insulation is usually a separate job.
Call Wausau Biohazard Cleanup Help any hour, including nights and weekends.
Call (877) 812-4220