Can't Find A Body.....

[dunnitall]

Oh dear...! Horrendous smell all of a sudden in our little sitting room and gathered it was the mouse which had carked it, the one OH saw the other week indoors. OMG have you ever smelled anything like it? OH has all singing all dancing electric recliner chair and that seems where the smell is near. Had everything out but no sign. Trouble is, the gubbings of the chair has lots of compartments underneath so cannot get into it.

What I'm asking is..because we can't find 'a body' to remove the source of the smell....how long have we got to put up with this foetid smell AND is there anything I can do to get rid of it in the mean time..? Would appreciate your help, many thanks.

[Ken4155]

Google earth care odour remover

[Buenchico]

Er, how long is a piece of string?

It will smell until it's fully decomposed and that depends upon many factors (such as temperature, humidity, the type of maggots and flies feeding upon it, etc).

This US-based pest control company says about 2 weeks:
https://www.orkin.com/ask-the-orkin-man/dead-animal-in-walls/
but Rentokil, cited on this Mumsnet thread, says 4 to 6 weeks:
https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/housekeeping/1157826-How-long-for-dead-mouse-smell-to-go-away-Searched-archive-found-conflicting-info

[Patsy33]

I'd have to put reclining chair outside!

[-SharonA-]

Agree with Patsy, chair outside and try and get into some of the compartments. Spray with febreeze to ease the smell.

[Cloverjo]

I was also going to say put it outside. In this hot weather it should decompose and dry out quickly.

[ummmm]

Those chairs are really heavy!

[Tuvok]

Yes I have smelled it!

It was at work - the smell was in one room - they even got the gas board in.

The cause was a dead mouse - somebody brought it in to pass to somebody else who had owls - but she wasn't in for a few days....... PONG!

[rowanwitch]

We had dead rats for a while in a previous house, the only things that helped was neutrodol carpet fresh on the carpet where the smell was strongest and using oil burners with strong scented oils like rosemary and cypress. The smell was strongest in the hall so it hit you every time. I know it's hot but close the room put the heating on high. Dessication works quicker. For a mouse probably a couple of days

[Hopkirk]

Perhaps try tipping the recliner on its side, then its other side, then it's back etc until things fall out.

[rowanwitch]

Unless it is mashed in the mechanism. If you think it is in the chair you might want to leave it on its side so air can get to the bottom easier.

[dunnitall]

Unfortunately the little sitting room/tv room we use isn't large enough to turn the chair on its side and deffo too heavy for us to get outside through twists and turns and steps....scream!

Having looked at back and bottom of recliner it's blocked off and screwed down in lots of places.... And I didn't smell it as bad this morning until OH sat in the chair so methinks it is where it is. I'm going to put a sheet over the whole chair so at least when he uses it the smell won't come up through the sides ... Well that's the plan.

I shall try the carpet neutraliser underneath and some bicarb too keeping all crossed it will soon be odour free....but can't be sure. I want to ditch the chair but it cost over £1,200 not so long ago, an expensive ditching and replacing if ever I heard of one! Thanks for all your suggestions.....anyone want a lodger for a few weeks lol.

[windywillow]

^^^Please do make sure husband is out of chair before tipping it on its side.

[dunnitall]

I certainly will 'windywillow'.... Tho' on second thoughts..ahem...lol

[windywillow]

:0)

[Tuvok]

Get yourself a voodoo lilly - that smell will mask anything!

[Hopkirk]

On second thoughts, tip it forwards.

Due to the mechanism, the front should have openings even if the back is sealed up. There must surely be room in front of it to allow this.

You will need someone strong though, they are very heavy.

[Bazile]

Just think even when the smell has gone , you''l still be sitting in this chair knowing that there is a carcass of a rodent somewhere inside

[thistles]

You are such a cheery wee soul Bazile.xxx

[dunnitall]

Bazille... Yeh already reckoned on that.. Eurgh. It has done what it it has to do...when I can afford another £1200 I will have to buy another....meanwhile....back at the ranch I have to suffer it. OMG. Have now covered chair in a sheet! Have sprayed and spread talc on floor and hoping for the best. Other than that....I top meself and live in peace...well hopefully pmsl. Any other suggestions gratefully suggested but don't tell me to hold my effffing breath *Chortlesplutters* xx

[ladybirder]

Where is RATTER when we need him? He might be able to help you.