The stench of a decomposing body is often the first sign that alerts people to the presence of a dead body. This unpleasant odor is a result of the natural breakdown of tissue as bacteria, insects, and other organisms feed on and break down the corpse. So how long does this process take and how long will a dead body smell?
What causes the smell of a decomposing corpse?
When a person or animal dies, their body begins to break down through a process called decomposition. This involves two main stages:
Autolysis
Autolysis begins immediately after death. Enzymes within the body’s cells break down cell membranes and leak cellular content into surrounding tissues. This causes bloating of the body with gas. The release of these fluids and gases creates an initial unpleasant odor.
Putrefaction
Putrefaction is the main stage of decomposition and involves the breakdown of tissue by bacteria and fungi. The bacteria first break down the soft tissues of the body. This releases a foul-smelling green fluid called putrefactive liquid and gases like methane, hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia that produce the strong stench of rotting flesh.
As putrefaction progresses, the tissues soften and organs rupture, releasing more fluids and gases. The bacteria break down proteins and fats in the body, producing volatile organic compounds like cadaverine and putrescine that also contribute to the foul odor.
What factors affect the rate of decomposition?
Many different factors influence how quickly decomposition occurs and how long the odor persists:
Temperature
Warmer temperatures accelerate the rate of decomposition. Bacteria grow and multiply faster with heat. Corpses decompose quickest in hot climates and during summer months.
Access by insects
Insects like blowflies and flesh flies are attracted to the gases produced by a decomposing corpse. When they lay eggs in the body, the hatched maggots accelerate the breakdown of tissue. Exclusion of insects, such as bodies recovered inside houses or coffins, slows decomposition.
Moisture
Bacteria grow best in moist environments. A body that is exposed to rain, mud, or marshy areas will decompose faster than one in a dry environment.
Body size and fat content
Larger bodies take longer to decompose. Bodies with more fat also decompose slower as the fat acts as an energy source for bacteria prolonging the process.
Trauma
Traumatic injuries, like gunshot or knife wounds, provide extra access points for insects and bacteria, speeding up decomposition.
Embalming
Embalming temporarily delays decomposition by disinfecting the body and replacing blood and bodily fluids with preservative chemicals.
Timeline of decomposition and the stench
The progression of decomposition and duration of the stench depends on the factors mentioned above. As a general guide:
- Stage 1 – Fresh (First 72 hours): Only faint odors are produced in the first day or two after death. Bloating increases the smell over the next few days.
- Stage 2 – Bloating (3-10 days): The main smell of decay starts in this stage as putrefaction gases build up. The stench steadily intensifies and peaks as the abdomen swells.
- Stage 3 – Active decay (10 days – 1 month): The foul odor persists and grows stronger during this stage as the body ruptures and tissues liquefy. Maggots accelerate the breakdown of tissue.
- Stage 4 – Advanced decay (1-3 months): The intense smell begins to diminish during this stage but can still be quite potent as the corpse is reduced to just bones, hair, and dried tissue.
- Stage 5 – Dry remains (3 months – years): Once all soft tissue is gone, the smell finally disappears. The length of this stage depends on temperature, access by scavengers, and other factors.
In most cases, the strong stench lasts from around 10 days to 4 weeks. However, remnants of the smell can linger for months if decomposition is slowed by cooler weather or other factors.
How to get rid of the smell
Once decomposition is advanced, there are few options to get rid of the smell until the remains are fully skeletonized. However, there are some things that can help reduce the odor:
Air circulation
Opening windows or using fans to circulate air can help diffuse and dissipate odor.
Air fresheners
Masking products like deodorizers can temporarily overwhelm the smell with stronger pleasant odors.
Activated charcoal
Leaving containers of activated charcoal can help absorb some of the volatile organic compounds causing the smell.
Essential oils
Strong scents like clove, eucalyptus, rosemary, and lemon can help counteract the decomp odor.
Removing the source
Burying the remains in soil or relocating the body into a sealed container such as a coffin can isolate most of the smell.
Disinfectants
Applying disinfectant products containing chlorine directly onto the corpse and surrounding areas may destroy some of the bacteria and temporarily reduce odor.
When to call authorities
The smell of decomposition should alert authorities so they can properly recover and identify the remains, determine the cause of death, and notify next of kin. Call the non-emergency police number if you suspect:
- A dead body on your property
- An unexplained odor that may be a decomposing corpse
- Discovering human remains outdoors
Do not disturb or move any suspected human remains. Cordon off the area but do not risk close contact with potentially hazardous body fluids.
Conclusion
The stench given off by a decomposing body can persist for weeks or months. While the strength of the odor waxes and wanes during the stages of decay, the smell remains thick and unpleasant until skeletonization is complete. Factors like temperature, insect activity, moisture, trauma, and embalming all affect the timeline. Once decomposition is underway, options are limited for masking or speeding up the process. Calling authorities promptly upon detecting the telltale odors can allow proper recovery and handling of any human remains.