During and after a rodent infestation it is very common for homeowners to notice a foul odor. Rodents are very unsanitary creatures. They tend to make a mess out of everything they get into and can carry many different diseases. They also leave urine and feces wherever they go. Over time, these odors build up and start to spread throughout the home. If you are dealing with a rodent infestation, the first step to clearing odor from your home is to contact a rodent control specialist. Before you can deal with the odor, you must first remove all of the rodents from your home. Here are some tips for deodorizing your home when dealing with rodents.   

Avoid Using Poison to Eliminate Rodents   

Most rodent control specialists use humane traps to capture rodents alive and safely remove them from the home. However, it is a good idea to check with your specialists to make sure they do not use any form of poison to kill rodents. When rodents are exposed to poison, it usually takes anywhere from several minutes to a few hours for them to die. This is enough time for them to travel throughout the home to places that are difficult to reach before they die. When this happens, their bodies begin to decay and produce a strong odor that lasts for months or even years. You can prevent this from happening by confirming that your rodent control specialists do not use poison in your home.   

Hire a Professional to Remove the Source   

If you do suspect that a rodent has died and is decaying within the walls or ceiling of your home, hire a professional to remove the source. This will usually involve making several small holes in your drywall in order to locate the source of the odor and remove it. The holes can be patched and re-painted after the odor source has been removed. If you suspect that the odor in your home is coming from rodent urine and feces, professional cleaning specialists can come in and use special equipment to clean the worst areas. Again, this may require putting some holes in the walls or ceiling of your home.   

Ventilate Your Home   

If possible, open all of the windows in your home to allow the odor to escape. Keep them open for several days until the odor is no longer present.    

Use an Odor Eliminator   

You can purchase odor eliminator products that are specially designed to deal with rodent odors. They can be placed in the areas of the home where rodents were known to be nesting and will help absorb the majority of the smell. Contact your rodent control specialist to see if they sell odor eliminators or if they know where you can purchase them locally.   

Diffuse Essential Oils   

Essential oils are excellent for eliminating rodent odors because they are safe, natural, and effective. They smell wonderful and help to eliminate bacteria and allergens in the air. Purchase an essential oil diffuser and place it in the area where you suspect the odor is coming from. Use any combination of lemon, pine, melaleuca, lime, cilantro, citronella, grapefruit, cinnamon, or orange essential oil to help clean and deodorize the air in your home.   

If you are looking for ways to eliminate odors in your home after a rodent infestation, there are several steps you can take. First, make sure your rodent control specialist does not use poison to eliminate rodents. If you know the source of the odor, have it professionally removed. Then use a combination of ventilation, odor eliminators, and essential oils to chase the odor from your home. Within a few weeks, your home should be smelling clean and fresh again.