AboutDavid Deal Expertise Indoor air quality, mold, compliance questions as well. Also, expert on lead, asbestos, radon, and most any other environmental/industrial hygiene issues.
Question For the last 2 weeks we have noticed a strong, bitter smell emenating from one cornere of our finished basement. It is certainly very noticeable in this corner but comes from no apparant source. There is no area of the wall or carpeted floor which seems to be the epi center. It is a distasteful, bitter smell which is not like that of a rotting mammal.I am guessing something is behind the dry wall.
Sprays mask it but it returns once they fade. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Answer Bitter smell would suggest insect or other type of pest/rodent infestation. Open the wall CAREFULLY with small hole easily patched near the bottom. Peek in using flashlight. Widen hole as needed if you cant see well or if you find anything. If there is stuff there, remove all the wall as needed, clean structure with 10% bleach water. Dry using fan, replace sheetrock wall.
Simple, basic remediation you would pay about $2000 for any pro, even me, to do for you.
