Every homeowner’s nightmare is to deal with a mouse infestation. Not only do these rodents pose a significant threat to your property, but they can also transmit various diseases. Once you have successfully gotten rid of mice from your home, your task is not yet completed. The next crucial step is to clean up their trails effectively. This step is essential in eradicating any potential health hazards that might still linger in your house. Here’s a comprehensive guide to cleaning up after a mouse infestation.
The first and foremost step is to ensure that you’ve completely gotten rid of the infestation. The last thing you want is to conduct a deep-clean, only for the mice to return. This can be an arduous process, but it’s necessary for the safety and cleanliness of your space. If you’re not entirely sure that you’ve dealt with the infestation’s entirety, it might be beneficial to hire a professional exterminator and seek their advice. Once you’re confident that all mice are removed, you can begin the arduous task of cleaning.
Equip Yourself with the Necessary Safety Gear
Before starting the cleaning process, make sure you are well-protected. Mice are notorious carriers of many diseases, hence, it is extremely crucial to protect yourself adequately before the cleaning spree. Rodent-specific clean-up kits are available in the market that includes latex gloves, masks, and sanitizing wipes or sprays. However, you can still adequately equip yourself using regular household items. Dress in long sleeves and pants to minimize skin exposure and use a face mask and gloves for added safety. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly once the cleaning is finished.
Disposing of Dead Mice and Droppings
Discovering dead mice or droppings is not unusual while clearing a mouse-infested area. These should be disposed of correctly to prevent any health hazards. Use gloves to place the dead animals and droppings into a plastic bag, carefully avoiding direct contact. Tie the bag securely and place it within another plastic bag. Dispose of these bags in a covered trash bin to prevent attracting other pests.
Cleaning the Mouse-Infested Areas
Now that you’ve safely gotten rid of any mice and their droppings, it’s time to sanitize the infected areas. Start by ventilating the room. Open windows and doors to let fresh air circulate for at least 30 minutes before the cleanup. This step is necessary to avoid inhaling airborne virus particles present in the mice-infected areas.
Opt for a bleach and water solution to disinfect the infected areas. Mix 10 parts water to one part bleach in a spray bottle and generously spray this solution over the contaminated spots. Allow this solution to soak for 5-10 minutes before wiping with a damp towel. Ensure that you are disinfecting all areas including floors, walls, and furniture where mice might have roamed.
Cleaning fabrics that might have been infected is also essential. Bedding, clothing, stuffed toys, and rugs should be washed with hot water and laundry detergent. If an item is not machine-washable, take it to a professional cleaner or consider disposing of it if it’s highly contaminated. Lastly, mop the floors thoroughly with disinfectant to ensure that all traces of the mice are erased.
Preventing Future Infestations
Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned your home, it’s crucial to take preventive measures to keep the mice from returning. Seal all potential entry points with steel wool or caulk, store food in airtight containers and dispose of trash frequently. Consider regular inspections of your home to remain vigilant against any future mouse infestations.
Dealing with a mouse infestation is undoubtedly tiresome. However, equipping yourself with the proper knowledge and tools can ensure you restore your home back to its original clean state post-infestation. Always remember to prioritize safety during cleanup and don’t hesitate to seek professional help when needed. Afterall, your health and peace of mind should be a top priority.