Welcome to another episode of "Living the Wildlife" with Stephen Vantassel, Wildlife Control consultant.
On this episode, Stephen dives into the challenge of finding and removing odors in wildlife control. He discusses various types of odors, such as food, dead animal smell, urine, mold, skunk odor, and living animal smells like bat guano and raccoon odor. Stephen emphasizes the importance of considering different sources of odor and thinking about where they might be coming from.
He explains the need to interview clients to gather information about the odor, such as its location, timing, and any activities or controls they have implemented. Stephen advises asking specific questions and talking to people with firsthand knowledge of the location to get a clearer picture.
When arriving at the location, Stephen suggests determining whether the odor is indoors or outdoors, as this can guide the investigation. He mentions the unique nature of chimneys and how animals may die above the damper, causing the odor to permeate into the living space. Stephen also mentions the importance of understanding building construction and layout to avoid being deceived by the odor's location.
When dealing with odors, it is helpful to remember that odors may be trapped within walls. Sometimes, rodents like mice can get stuck in wall studs, preventing them from climbing up or escaping. This can result in a foul odor permeating the house. Understanding the dynamics of airflow is crucial here, as certain factors can influence how strong or noticeable the odor becomes. Factors such as the size of the mouse, the smoothness of the wood, and the level of ventilation in the attic all play a role.
Locating the source of the odor without cutting into walls is preferred. Cutting into walls can be tricky and may lead to unintended consequences, such as damaging the structure or ending up on the wrong side of the stud. To avoid this, utilizing tools like stud finders and fiber optic scopes can be immensely helpful. However, always ensure you have the client's permission to make any cuts, and be confident in your ability to perform repairs or have the client sign off on taking responsibility.
Stephen shares a personal experience where he cut into a wall to investigate a sound, only to discover that the sound was actually coming from an appliance on the other side. This highlights the importance of being methodical and avoiding rushing to judgments. Working systematically and involving the client or a co-worker in the investigation process can help narrow down the source of the odor more accurately.
Once the odor source is located, it's essential to understand the various methods for treating odors effectively. Stephen explains four key strategies: removing the source, masking the odor with a more pleasant scent, degrading the odor through dilution, and encapsulating the odor to prevent its release. These methods can be used individually or in combination, depending on the situation. It's crucial to keep in mind that each odor situation is unique, and the effectiveness of these methods may vary.
Stephen reminds us that it's essential to provide clear instructions and emphasize following the label instructions of any deodorizing chemicals used. Additionally, it's essential to consider potential legal requirements, as deodorizing may be treated as a pesticide application in some states, necessitating proper training and licensing.
Throughout the video, Stephen provides practical advice for clients to minimize odors in their homes, such as ensuring proper air movement, washing clothes, and changing air filters regularly. He also advises caution when using scented candles, as they can pose a fire hazard.
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Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE
Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC
Blog: https://wildlifecontrolconsultant.com/
Papers: https://kingsdivinity.academia.edu/StephenMVantassel
Podcasts: https://pestgeekpodcast.com/stephen-vantassel/
Phone: 406-272-5323 Mtn Time
Helping people resolve conflicts with wildlife through teaching, training, writing, and research
Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC’s Living the Wildlife & Pest Geek Podcast Disclaimer Always follow national, state, provincial and local laws when using pesticides and/or other control methods to manage pests. Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC, Pest Geeks Podcast, Living the Wild Life Podcast, Stephen M. Vantassel or their/his affiliates are not responsible for the follower’s use of the information provided here or elsewhere. Be sure to read and follow the label directions for any product you use.
