How to Clean
Mouse Poop

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a severe respiratory disease that can be transmitted through contact with mouse droppings. This virus can be carried by certain types of mice and rats, including:

• The deer mouse
• The white-footed mouse
• The rice rat
• The cotton rat

in North America.

HPS can cause a variety of symptoms, such as:

• headaches
• dizziness
• chills
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• stomach pain

If not detected early, HPS can lead to a severe syndrome where the lungs fill with fluid, causing difficulty in breathing. The progression of HPS can be swift, with a mortality rate as high as 38%. For the strain carried by deer mice, the death rate ranges from 30% to 50%.

HPS is diagnosed through the use of tests that focus on specific viral antigens.

Aside from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, there are other rodent-borne diseases that can be transmitted through mouse droppings. These include Salmonella, Leptospirosis, and Rat-Bite Fever. Rodents can transmit Salmonella to other rodents either through direct contact or via contaminated environments. Leptospirosis can cause symptoms such as headache, muscle ache, jaundice, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rash, which can be treated with antibiotics.

Rat-Bite Fever, on the other hand, is spread through the bite or scratch of infected rats, or through contact with rat saliva, feces, or urine, and can result in severe and occasionally fatal illness. Unfortunately, there are no approved vaccines available for these diseases, emphasizing the importance of prevention and proper treatment.

Wetting and disinfecting the area is a crucial step to halt the spread of pathogens. To properly apply the disinfectant, dampen the droppings and surrounding area with a bleach solution or commercial disinfectant and allow it to soak.

The minimum contact time required for disinfectants to effectively eradicate mouse-borne pathogens is 5 minutes or as specified on the disinfectant label. After disinfecting, you can proceed to the next step, which is the proper disposal of mouse droppings.

Following proper disinfection, it is recommended to:

1. Use durable, nonabsorbent gloves to carefully place mouse droppings, debris, rodent urine, and deceased rodents into a garbage bag.
2. Place the bag into a second plastic bag and securely seal it.
3. Dispose of the double-bagged contaminants in a covered trash can, located away from your property.

Correct disposal of mouse droppings is a key part of the cleanup process. Not only does this help to ensure that the clean mouse droppings are completely removed from your home, but it also reduces the risk of the droppings spreading diseases to other areas.

After the disposal of mouse droppings, the next step is to clean the surfaces. To ensure thorough cleaning, it is recommended to use a disinfectant compound or steam cleaning for mopping in areas with rodent exposure. For hardwood floors, an adhesive pad or a moist paper towel with a disinfectant that will not harm the wood can be used. It's always best to clean using warm water and to follow the manufacturer's instructions on any cleaning supplies used.

When dealing with carpets, it is best to shampoo with an approved commercial disinfectant or utilize a commercial-grade steam cleaner to effectively eliminate pathogens left by mouse droppings. By following these steps, you can ensure a safer and cleaner living environment free from rodent droppings.

Mice can squeeze through openings as small as the width of a pencil, which is approximately 1/4 inch or 6 millimeters in diameter. It’s important to carefully inspect your home and seal such gaps to prevent mice from entering.

For small holes, fill them with steel wool and then apply caulk around it to ensure they are properly sealed. For larger gaps, use materials such as:

• lath screen
• lath metal
• cement
• hardware cloth
• metal sheeting

These materials should be cut to fit the specific gaps and securely fastened, particularly around pipes, to prevent mice from infiltrating.

Mice are attracted to food items that are rich in carbohydrates, such as:

• grains
• seeds
• fruits
• nuts
• meats
• bacon
• animal fat
• Pet food

Thus, storing these items appropriately is vital to avoid infestations.

To prevent rodents from accessing your food, follow these tips:

• Store food in airtight containers, such as glass or heavy-duty plastic containers, as these are difficult for rodents to chew through.
• Use metal containers with tightly sealed lids to deter rodents.
• Clean up spills, dirty dishes, and crumbs promptly to eliminate potential food sources for mice.

By implementing these measures, you can effectively protect your food from rodents.

Mouse droppings can carry viruses such as hantavirus, which can be harmful if inhaled. Always wear protective gear, such as disposable gloves and a face mask, to minimize your exposure to these pathogens.

Before cleaning, ventilate the area by opening windows and doors for at least 30 minutes to reduce airborne pathogens. Avoid using a vacuum or broom for initial cleaning to prevent stirring up harmful particles.

Use a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) or a commercial disinfectant designed to kill viruses and bacteria. Apply the solution generously to the affected area and let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes before cleaning.

After cleaning, carefully place droppings and contaminated materials into a sealed plastic bag. Dispose of this bag in an outdoor garbage bin to prevent re-entry or spread of pathogens.

Avoid vacuuming mouse droppings initially as it can release harmful viruses into the air. After the area has been disinfected and the droppings have soaked, you may use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter to clean up any remaining debris.

For soft surfaces like carpets or upholstery, after disinfecting, use a steam cleaner to deep clean and remove any remaining pathogens. Ensure the area is completely dry to prevent mold growth.

Disinfect all surfaces, including counters and cabinets, with a bleach solution or suitable disinfectant. Pay special attention to areas where food is prepared or stored to prevent contamination.

Clean any new occurrences of mouse droppings immediately to prevent the spread of disease and deter further infestation. Regularly inspect previously cleaned areas to ensure they remain free of new droppings.

Signs of a mouse infestation include fresh droppings, gnaw marks on furniture or food containers, and unusual pet behavior. If you notice these signs, consider consulting a pest control professional.

Seal any cracks and openings around doors, windows, and foundations. Remove potential nesting sites such as clutter and debris, and store food in airtight containers to reduce attractants.