Why the Smell Can Become So Powerful
Decomposition produces gases and compounds that create strong odors.
The intensity can depend on several factors, including temperature, humidity, ventilation and the size of the animal.
A dead animal in an enclosed wall cavity can be particularly difficult to deal with because the odor may have nowhere obvious to escape.
Instead, it can seep through tiny gaps around electrical outlets, baseboards, vents or other openings.
The result can be an unpleasant smell that seems to come from everywhere.
That can make locating the original source extremely frustrating.
A homeowner may walk from room to room thinking the odor is coming from one place, only to discover that the actual source is several feet away—or hidden inside the structure itself.
The Discovery Was Both Horrifying and Relieving
There is something strange about finally discovering the source of a problem after searching for it for days.
