No one likes the thought of dealing with a mouse infestation, yet these uninvited guests find their way into many homes each year. After ensuring their removal with the help of pest control professionals or using DIY rodent control solutions, the next task is to clean the site thoroughly. Mouse droppings and urine are not just unpleasant remnants of their presence; they can also be a source of harmful pathogens including Hantavirus, Salmonella, and LCMV. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you clean efficiently and safely after a mouse infestation.
The first step before cleaning is to ensure your personal safety. Before you start, suit up in protective gear such as rubber or latex gloves, a well-fitted N95 respirator mask, and clothing that covers your arms and legs completely. Protect your eyes with goggles that do not have ventilation slits. All these precautions are absolutely necessary to avoid direct contact and inhalation of mouse droppings or urine that might carry disease. It is also a good idea to ensure that your cleaning process includes ample ventilation. Open doors and windows for at least 30 minutes before you start cleaning and keep them open throughout the process. If cleaning a small, enclosed space like an attic or a basement, you might want to use a cross-ventilation system.
Start with the physical cleaning process by collecting droppings and nesting materials. It’s strongly discouraged to sweep or vacuum because these actions can release particles into the air, increasing the chance of inhalation. Instead, make a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water. Using a spray bottle, lightly moisten the contaminated areas – this will keep droppings from aerosolizing. Pick them up with a paper towel and dispose them into a plastic bag. Keep collecting the contaminants and sealing them in the plastic bag. Once you’re done, seal the bag again in another plastic bag and dispose of it in an outdoor garbage can.
For cleaning mouse urine or droppings that have dried up on surfaces, spray them liberally with the bleach solution, and allow it to sit for five minutes. Use a paper towel to pick up the droppings or wipe up the urine. For tough spots, a brush can be used. Once the physical remnants have been removed, it’s time to disinfect the area. Wash the affected surfaces thoroughly with the bleach solution, paying extra attention to corners and crevices where droppings and urine might have collected. Items that cannot be cleaned should be disposed of in plastic bags.
In case of carpet or upholstery contamination, steam cleaning at a temperature of 212°F or above is recommended. You can either hire a professional service or do it yourself with a rented carpet cleaner. Remember to discard all the leftover water from the carpet cleaner outdoors. For cleaning clothing or bedding that mice might have had contact with, you must wash them in hot, soapy water, then dry on the high heat cycle or line dry in the sun.
Lastly, while every effort should be taken to ensure complete disposal and disinfection, it’s crucial to remember that prevention is better than cure. Regularly check for signs of mouse activity, seal gaps and tiny holes that could allow entry, store foods in air-tight containers, and maintain general cleanliness. No one wants to experience a mouse infestation, but when it occurs, these extensive cleaning steps can not only ensure the safety of your household but also prevent a repeat visit.
The pivotal thought is to act quickly but cautiously in the clean-up process. Mice don’t just cause physical damage; they are carriers of disease that can have serious health implications. With the right protective gear and understanding of the cleaning process, you can ensure that your home is restored to its safe and hygienic state.