Odors are a common problem that can affect both homes and businesses. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including mold, mildew, bacteria, and pet accidents. While some odors are simply unpleasant, others can be harmful to health.

If you are experiencing an unpleasant odor in your home or business, it is important to identify and locate the source so that you can take steps to remove it. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

### Who do I contact about a bad smell?

If you’re experiencing a bad smell, you may not need to hire a professional odor removal service. You can start by trying to identify the source of the smell yourself.

**1. Check for obvious sources**

The first step is to check for obvious sources of the odor, such as garbage, spoiled food, or pet accidents. If you can identify the source, you can simply remove it and the odor will disappear.

**2. Look for hidden sources**

If you can’t find an obvious source of the odor, it may be coming from a hidden location, such as a crawlspace, attic, or behind a wall. To find hidden sources of odor, you can use a flashlight to look for mold, mildew, or other signs of moisture. You can also use your nose to sniff around for the source of the odor.

**3. Contact a professional**

If you can’t find the source of the odor yourself, you may need to contact a professional odor removal service. Odor removal services can use specialized equipment to identify and locate the source of the odor, and they can also remove the odor safely and effectively.

### How can I prevent odors from coming back?

Once you’ve identified and removed the source of the odor, you’ll want to take steps to prevent the odor from coming back. Here are a few tips to help you do that:

**1. Keep your home or business clean**

One of the best ways to prevent odors from coming back is to keep your home or business clean. This means regularly cleaning surfaces, vacuuming, and mopping. You should also take out the trash regularly and keep food and garbage in sealed containers.

**2. Control moisture**

Moisture is a major cause of odors, so it’s important to control moisture in your home or business. This means fixing any leaks, ventilating bathrooms and kitchens, and using a dehumidifier if necessary.

**3. Use air fresheners**

Air fresheners can help to mask odors, but they are not a substitute for cleaning and controlling moisture. If you are using air fresheners, be sure to choose ones that are safe for your pets and children.

By following these tips, you can help to identify and locate the source of unpleasant odors in your home or business, and you can take steps to prevent the odors from coming back.