Discovering a mouse infestation in your home can be unsettling and repulsive. However, once you’ve managed to evict the unwelcome guests, a critical part of the process continues – the clean-up. Thoroughly cleaning your home after a mouse infestation is not just about regaining its original condition; it’s also about preventing potential health risks that stem from diseases mice can carry. From cleaning mouse droppings to sanitizing your household surfaces and belongings, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to clean up after a mouse infestation.
The most important phase of your clean-up process is preparation. Before you embark on the clean-up, ensure you have the appropriate protective gear. This should include a pair of rubber, latex, or vinyl gloves, protective clothing that covers your hands and feet, and a respirator or face mask to shield against airborne particles. Choosing the right cleaning products is equally necessary. Opt for a disinfectant that effectively kills bacteria and viruses, or you can opt for a bleach and water solution. In the case of the latter, mix one part bleach in ten parts water. Also, preparing plastic bags for waste disposal and paper towels or rags for cleaning comes in handy.
Once you are well-prepared, the next stage involves the actual clean-up. If there’s a heavy concentration of mouse droppings or nesting material, it’s advisable not to sweep, dry-ruffle or vacuum these materials. Doing so can stir up dust and spread potential diseases. Instead, spray the droppings or nesting materials with the bleach solution and allow it to soak for five minutes. Afterwards, clean up the moistened materials using the paper towels or rags, then dispose of these immediately in the plastic bags. For heavy infestations, it might be advisable to hire a professional cleaning service with experience in handling hazardous bio-waste.
Mice can percolate into every nook, cranny and corner of your home, bringing the likelihood of them contaminating your belongings. Therefore, it’s crucial to clean and sanitize any item they might have walked on, nibbled on, or brushed against. This includes food containers, utensils, appliances, furniture, carpets, and more. Kitchen counters, tables, and floors should also be well-cleaned and disinfected with the bleach solution. For machine-washable items, wash them in hot water with laundry detergent and dry them thoroughly. Non-washable items can be left in the sunlight for several hours, as UV radiation can help kill viruses and bacteria.
The final stage of the clean-up process is disposal and ensuring that everything is back to normal. Double-bag the waste using sealable bags, then dispose of them in outdoor garbage bins, if possible, to prevent any remaining pathogens from proliferating within your home. Make sure to remove your protective gear (turning your gloves inside out as you do so) and wash your hands and body thoroughly with soap and hot water. Additionally, you should also do a final sweep of your home to check for any signs of lingering rodent presence. If any signs are still found, you might need to contact pest control experts again to verify that the infestation has been truly eradicated.
In conclusion, cleaning up after a mouse infestation might seem like a daunting task, but with the right preparation, procedure, and protective gear, you can restore your home to its former rodent-free state. Remember, the primary goal of this process is not only to regain your home’s cleanliness but also to protect your health and prevent future infestations. Take the task seriously, and do not hesitate to call in expert help if needed.