Blog Layout

How To Deal With a Dead Rodent in Your Air Ducts

Mark J. Biel • Jun 09, 2020

Is there a strong, unpleasant smell coming from your air ducts? If so, it might be a dead rodent. In addition to the unbearable smell, a dead rodent can create a health hazard and attract other creatures to your HVAC ducts. This is something you need to deal with ASAP, so here are a few pointers from our   air duct cleaning experts.


Turn Your HVAC System Off


Keeping the HVAC system on when there’s something rotting in the ducts is a very bad idea. In addition to helping the odor circulate throughout your home, this can also spread disease-causing bacteria. Deactivate your HVAC system and, if possible, open your windows to let the stale air out of your home. With the system off, check each air duct to determine where the odor is the strongest to help locate the dead rodent.


Removing the Rodent


Getting rid of a dead animal is the worst part of the process, and in some cases the most difficult. Depending on how far inside the ducts the rodent is, you might have to use a stick with a hook on the end of it to get it out. In most cases, we recommend leaving the task to HVAC maintenance   experts like us to avoid causing damage to the inner lining of your air ducts.


Disinfecting the Area


Regardless of how long the dead rodent stayed in your air ducts, you need to thoroughly disinfect the area where you found it. Fecal matter, blood, fur, and other remains will still pose the same problems as the actual carcass. While you can clean the area with soap and spray-on disinfectant, hard-to-reach areas have to be cleaned by a professional equipped with the right tools.


Rodent-Proof Your Ducts


Don’t let another dead rodent put you in the same position. Once the duct is properly cleaned, ask an   HVAC repair   contractor about rodent-proofing your air ducts. Putting durable metal grilles over vent openings is a great idea because they’re cheap, effective and very easy to install. You should also have the professionals check for gaps or chewed-out holes where small animals can crawl through so you can have those sealed before the next one gets in.


Keep your home’s air clean and healthy with the help of our team. R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc. is the most trusted HVAC contractor in the area. You can call us at (505) 327-7755 or fill out this   contact form to request a quote.

Our Recent Articles

inside of a furnace
By Mark J. Biel 29 Nov, 2023
It's that time of the year again. Temperatures are dropping lower each evening, leaves are falling, and you're ready to start turning on the heater to ward off the chill. But having been dormant for several months, is your heater really ready to jump into winter heating action without having an inspection? Before switching over to heat for your home, take a minute to call the trusted and trained professionals at R. A. Biel to run a heater tune-up and service check. Sound unnecessary? Well, some experts argue that upwards of 75% of heat-related calls in the winter are directly related to a lack of preventative maintenance such as yearly checkups! Don't be left in the cold this winter, and instead check out these 3 reasons why servicing your heater each year is a must.
By Mark J. Biel 29 Jun, 2023
A well-functioning HVAC system is crucial in any home as it contributes to comfort, energy efficiency and a healthy living environment. In this blog post, we explore the factors you should consider when deciding whether to upgrade your HVAC system before putting your house on the market. We also discuss the benefits of upgrading and how regular HVAC maintenance can play a significant role in your home’s value and appeal. Benefits of... Continue Reading The post Why Upgrade Your HVAC Before Putting Your Home on the Market appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 21 Jun, 2023
A sump pump is crucial in protecting your home from water damage, especially during heavy rainfall. It must be maintained regularly and replaced promptly so it can effectively keep your basement and belongings dry. In this blog post, we list the signs indicating it’s time for a new sump pump so you can take the necessary steps to protect your property. Common Signs of a Failing Sump Pump Age Most... Continue Reading The post Signs That You Need a New Sump Pump Installed appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 14 Jun, 2023
Ensuring your AC can keep your home cool all summer is essential for your comfort. Furthermore, preparing your AC for warmer months ensures optimal performance and savings on your energy bills. Continue reading for tips on how to prepare your air conditioning system for the summer season so you can enjoy a perfectly comfortable home. Schedule a Professional Inspection Regular inspection is crucial for keeping your air conditioner running efficiently... Continue Reading The post How to Prep Your AC for the Summer appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
inside of a furnace
By Mark J. Biel 29 Nov, 2023
It's that time of the year again. Temperatures are dropping lower each evening, leaves are falling, and you're ready to start turning on the heater to ward off the chill. But having been dormant for several months, is your heater really ready to jump into winter heating action without having an inspection? Before switching over to heat for your home, take a minute to call the trusted and trained professionals at R. A. Biel to run a heater tune-up and service check. Sound unnecessary? Well, some experts argue that upwards of 75% of heat-related calls in the winter are directly related to a lack of preventative maintenance such as yearly checkups! Don't be left in the cold this winter, and instead check out these 3 reasons why servicing your heater each year is a must.
By Mark J. Biel 29 Jun, 2023
A well-functioning HVAC system is crucial in any home as it contributes to comfort, energy efficiency and a healthy living environment. In this blog post, we explore the factors you should consider when deciding whether to upgrade your HVAC system before putting your house on the market. We also discuss the benefits of upgrading and how regular HVAC maintenance can play a significant role in your home’s value and appeal. Benefits of... Continue Reading The post Why Upgrade Your HVAC Before Putting Your Home on the Market appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 21 Jun, 2023
A sump pump is crucial in protecting your home from water damage, especially during heavy rainfall. It must be maintained regularly and replaced promptly so it can effectively keep your basement and belongings dry. In this blog post, we list the signs indicating it’s time for a new sump pump so you can take the necessary steps to protect your property. Common Signs of a Failing Sump Pump Age Most... Continue Reading The post Signs That You Need a New Sump Pump Installed appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 14 Jun, 2023
Ensuring your AC can keep your home cool all summer is essential for your comfort. Furthermore, preparing your AC for warmer months ensures optimal performance and savings on your energy bills. Continue reading for tips on how to prepare your air conditioning system for the summer season so you can enjoy a perfectly comfortable home. Schedule a Professional Inspection Regular inspection is crucial for keeping your air conditioner running efficiently... Continue Reading The post How to Prep Your AC for the Summer appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 31 May, 2023
Noticing any fluctuations in your home’s indoor comfort levels happening too frequently? The culprit could be the placement of your thermostat. Proper thermostat placement plays a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable living environment and the efficiency of your HVAC system. To help you out, our HVAC maintenance and repair experts explain the importance of thermostat placement. We’ll also discuss how having it in the right spot can help you save on... Continue Reading The post Why You Should Carefully Consider Your Thermostat Placement appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 29 May, 2023
An air purifier can be a game-changer in improving your home’s indoor air quality. However, knowing how to get the most out of it is essential to truly experience its benefits. In this blog post, our heating and air conditioning repair experts discuss some of the best practices and tips to ensure you and your family can enjoy a healthier living environment. Choosing the Right Air Purifier Various air purifiers are available,... Continue Reading The post Maximize Your Air Purifier With These Helpful Tips appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 25 May, 2023
Are you tired of dealing with persistent plumbing issues in your home? It’s easy to ignore these signs and hope they’ll resolve themselves, but the truth is that plumbing problems can quickly escalate if left unaddressed. Our professional plumbing and new air conditioning team explore a few common signs that determine you’re facing major plumbing problems. We’ll also help you identify which issues require immediate repair. Slow-Draining Sinks We’ve all experienced a... Continue Reading The post How to Determine You Have Major Plumbing Problems appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 28 Apr, 2023
Are you constantly finding yourself with dirty HVAC filters, even after just changing them? Not only can this be frustrating, but it can also affect your system’s efficiency and your home’s air quality. In this blog post, we discuss the importance of clean filters and the common reasons why they might be getting dirty too quickly. HVAC Filters: The Basics Before we dive into the reasons behind your HVAC filters... Continue Reading The post SOS: My HVAC Filters Get Dirty Too Quickly appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 25 Apr, 2023
Clogged pipes can be a real headache, causing slow drainage, unpleasant odors and even water damage in your home. Fortunately, there’s an effective solution for these pesky plumbing issues — hydro-jetting. Discover why hydro-jetting is the best fix for clogged pipes and how it outperforms traditional methods (like drain snaking) when it comes to cleaning pipes. The Problem With Traditional Methods When faced with clogged pipes, many people resort to... Continue Reading The post Why Hydro-Jetting Is the Best Fix for Clogged Pipes appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 21 Apr, 2023
As the days get warmer, it’s time to think about staying cool and comfortable inside your home. A well-functioning AC system plays a crucial role in keeping your indoor environment comfortable during the hot summer months. If you’ve been wondering when is the ideal time to upgrade your AC, this spring might just be the perfect opportunity! Watch out for the signs that indicate it’s time for a new air... Continue Reading The post Should You Upgrade Your AC This Spring? appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
More Posts
Share by: