Discovering mouse droppings in your living environment can, understandably, be distressing. Mice are not just unsanitary; they can carry harmful diseases such as hantavirus, salmonellosis, and leptospirosis, which can be transferred to humans through their droppings. The safe, thorough cleaning and disinfecting of any areas where you have found mouse droppings is therefore crucial. In light of this, the following steps guide you on how to clean and disinfect areas infected with mouse droppings professionally and safely.
In the initial phase, most people’s instinct is to sweep or vacuum the droppings. However, this can disturb the droppings and spread potentially dangerous airborne particles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends adhering to a specific cleaning procedure to minimize the risk of infection. First, ventilate the area for at least 30 minutes before cleaning. Opening windows and doors to let fresh air circulate can help dissipate any possible pathogens. It’s also crucial to use personal protective gear such as gloves (preferably rubber, latex, or vinyl), a face mask, and goggles if possible. These will help limit your direct exposure to the droppings and reduce the risk of inhaling airborne particles.
Next, it is time to begin the actual cleaning process. For safe and effective cleaning, prepare a bleach solution, mixing a part bleach to approximately ten parts water. Spray this solution onto the droppings, or the urine-infected area, and let it sit for about five minutes. This helps to kill any bacteria or other harmful viruses that may be present. After the waiting period, use paper towels to scoop up the droppings and dispose of them into a plastic bag. Make sure to clean the surrounding areas as well, as there might be urine stains that are invisible to the naked eye. Any gloves or used paper towels should then be disposed of in the same plastic bag.
Once you’ve gathered all the droppings, the disinfection process begins. Clean the area once again using the bleach solution, wipe it down with disposable rags or paper towels. It’s necessary to disinfect not just the areas where droppings were present, but at least a few feet around it as well, as mice usually leave a trail of urine wherever they run. Soak any towels used in this cleaning process in bleach solution for about five minutes before disposing of them in another plastic bag.
If you’ve been dealing with mouse droppings found on your carpet, clothing, or bedding, extra care should be taken. These items should ideally be washed in hot water, with regular laundry detergent, and then put in the dryer in high heat for at least an hour. If items cannot be cleaned this way, they should ideally be disposed of, as it’s not worth risking the possibility of disease.
Once the cleaning and disinfecting process is complete, remove your gloves and make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Safely dispose of the bag containing the droppings and cleaning materials either by incineration or by securing it tightly and placing it in a trash bin outside. If there has been a significant rodent problem, it might be advisable to get professional cleaners to perform a deep clean of the entire house.
The safest way to deal with mouse droppings, ultimately, is to keep mice out of your living quarters in the first place. Block any holes or gaps through which mice could enter and keep your home clean to avoid attracting them in the first place. Seek professional help if necessary, and ensure that safety measures are strictly adhered to when dealing with these potentially hazardous situations.