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How to deal with dead mouse smell in wall?

Greetings - for the past 2 days there has been a smell coming from one particular wall in my home. I believe it's a dead mouse (I could hear little scratching sounds a week earlier!) I have placed some bowls of peppermint oil around to help get rid of the odour. It has helped to mask the smell but it hasn't completely eliminated it. 1) Would it be worthwhile to also place a small bowl of baking soda near the source, to help absorb the odour? 2) I'm thinking of ways to prevent future mouse visits. There aren't any cracks/gaps in my new home that I'm aware of, but since they're getting in somehow, is it worth having someone inspect my home's exterior to help find entry points I'm not aware of? 3) Would it also be worthwhile to spray a peppermint oil, or other product, around my home's exteriors, as a deterrent, and are there any suitable products that Bunnings sells? Many thanks!

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Dave-1

Afternoon @AussiePossum

HArd call determining what animal it could be that has died. I am not sure if the baking soda would work as its an open room (fridge it works brilliantly) I would probarlly go with the peppermint oil for now as it seems to be working.

As for new mice moving in, I would have a look around, if you can look under your house great, if its a slab then for stuff up against the outside of the house. I would suggets some traps for mice would be a better way to start with then an exterminator. Cheaper at the very least and you get to choose the type of mouse traps you want. Mouse Traps, Rodent Controls & Repellents for a range of them 🙂

Dave

EricL

Hello @AussiePossum

It's great that you've received excellent advice from @Dave-1. It definitely sounds like you’ve got a dead mouse in the wall, especially since you heard scratching about a week ago. The smell typically peaks over a few days and gradually fades as the carcass dries out, but it’s understandable that you’d want to manage the odour and prevent future problems. Placing a small bowl of baking soda near the source is a good idea it won’t eliminate the smell completely, but it can help absorb some of the odour instead of just masking it like peppermint oil does. It’s not a miracle fix, but it’s worth trying. If you want something more effective, Bunnings sells products like DampRid Odour Genie which can do a better job of neutralising odours.

As for prevention, it’s absolutely worthwhile to have someone inspect the exterior of your home for entry points. Even in a new, well-sealed house, mice can squeeze through gaps as small as 6mm—about the diameter of a pencil. Common problem areas include weep holes in brickwork, gaps around utility pipes and cables, roof eaves, vents, and under doors. A professional pest control specialist or experienced handyman can help you identify these areas and recommend sealing options, such as wire mesh, steel wool, expanding foam, or proper caulking to block access.

Using peppermint oil spray outdoors can also help as a deterrent, especially around potential entry points. It won’t guarantee that mice stay away, but it can discourage them from approaching. Bunnings typically stocks RATSAK Fast Action Wax Blocks - 66 Pack which is a fast action rat and mouse wax blocks kill rats and mice with a single feed. Easy to use, they are mould and wet weather-resistant, so they can be used in wet and dry areas. Alternatively, you can make your own spray by mixing water, a bit of dish soap, and peppermint oil in a spray bottle, then applying it around doors, vents, weep holes, and the base of your exterior walls.

As a broader strategy, take a look around your yard for things that might attract rodents, such as bird feeders, compost bins, or dense vegetation near the house. Combining regular exterior inspections with sealing and deterrents is usually the most effective way to keep mice out long-term.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

AussiePossum

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/52978#Comment_52978

Hi Dave, many thanks for your assistance. 😊

AussiePossum

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/52987#Comment_52987

Hi Eric, many thanks for your assistance. I'm hoping to make it to Bunnings Tuggeranong tomorrow morning, and if the store has DampRid Odour Genie in stock, I'll definitely be adding it to my shopping trolley!

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