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.
Tarentum, PA · Allegheny County
A bad smell keeps getting stronger in Tarentum and flies are gathering near a vent. Call (877) 812-4220 at any hour to get dead animal removal, fluid cleanup and odor removal.
If anyone is in danger, call 911 first. For a suicide crisis, call or text 988.
A dead animal in a wall is one of the harder cleanup problems, because the animal cannot be seen and the smell spreads. Crews follow the odor, open a small section if needed and remove the carcass.
If a dead animal is on your property in Tarentum or elsewhere in Allegheny County, call Tarentum 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 Tarentum, about 90%, were built before 1980. Older insulation and wood framing soak up fluids and hold odor for a long time. With roughly 42 inches of annual rainfall in Tarentum, damp crawl spaces and wall voids make dead animal fluids and odor linger longer.
The work often covers:
The crew talks through what is known, what the smell suggests and which parts of the building may be affected.
The animal is located and sealed in heavy bags, and insects and debris around it are collected.
The carcass, nest and soaked insulation are packed out, and the area is cleaned to bare structure.
Surfaces are disinfected and odor is treated, so the space is comfortable to use again.
Most dead animal removal & cleanup jobs in Tarentum, PA cost between $150 and $250, based on published cost guides.
How long the animal has been there affects the job. Longer decomposition means more fluids in insulation and framing, and stronger odor.
| 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 Tarentum 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.
Hard surfaces, wood framing and items in sealed containers can usually be cleaned and kept. Insulation, carpet, padding and drywall that soaked up fluids are generally removed. The crew sorts items with you before anything is thrown out.
Sometimes, but not always. Many homeowners policies exclude damage from animals or pests, and wording differs. Call your insurer before work starts, take photos and keep receipts, and ask what paperwork it needs.
The smell comes from the carcass and any fluids, so the animal has to be found and removed. Air fresheners only cover it. After removal, the area is cleaned and treated, which usually clears the smell.
The air itself is rarely the main concern, but germs on the carcass and fluids, plus flies and other pests, can spread through the home. The odor can also bother people with asthma. Prompt removal lowers the risk.
Rules for removing and disposing of dead animals vary by city and county, and animal services handle public property in many places. Worker safety follows OSHA rules for contaminated materials. Ask your city or county what applies where you are.
Call (877) 812-4220 any hour and describe the smell and where it is strongest.
Call (877) 812-4220