Author: Kurt Treftz, Cascade Pest Control
The rodents have been found and eliminated. You are a survivor. But how do you clean up after a rodent infestation? There might be a bit more to it than you might think. In fact, if you think you can sweep it under the rug (literally), you might want to think again.
Rodents, particularly rats, carry diseases and germs that can make you sick. If you don’t take the proper precautions and clean appropriately, you are at risk.
Risk of rodent exposure
- Virus: Probably the biggest risk to humans is hantavirus, which is a virus spread by inhaling the infection from rat droppings, urine, nests. In addition, rodents can carry a number of other viruses that can impact human health
- Bacteria: Rats and mice can also carry a number of bacteria, like salmonella, rat-bite fever, tularemia, that can be life-threatening.
- Reinfestation: Lastly, if you don’t clean properly you can risk rodents returning to the scene.
Steps to Cleaning up After a Rodent Infestation
1. Gather materials
- Disinfectant (bleach or other commercial cleaner with disinfectant on the label)
- Rubber gloves
- Rubber-soled shoes
- Coveralls or washable clothing
- Paper towels or disposable rags
- Trash bags
2. Prepare
- Dress appropriately. Wear clothes that can be washed in hot water or ones you can throw away. Rubber-soled shoes can be sanitized or cleaned after contact.
- Ventilate the area. Open as many windows and doors as possible. Leave the space open for 30 min before continuing.
- Mix bleach solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. (Or use commercial cleaner).
3. Disinfect
- Apply bleach solution or commercial cleaner directly on droppings, floor, or any other hard surfaces that have been contaminated. Leave for 5 mins or more (refer to sanitization instructions on the label).
- Launder any fabrics in the washing machine with the hottest water possible. And dry on the highest setting on the machine or air dry in the sun. (If you are transporting fabrics to the laundry, bag and seal them before carrying them around so you reduce the risk of spreading any infectious diseases.)
- Apply commercial-grade carpet cleaner onto droppings if in a carpeted space.
4. Mop or Wipe
- DO NOT vacuum or sweep up the droppings. Hantavirus in particular, but others as well, are airborne risks so you want to minimize the chance of stirring up dust.
- Wipe up the area with a paper towel or a disposable / sanitizable mop head.
- Use a steam cleaner on the carpet or furniture after droppings have been disinfected and removed with paper towels.
5. Dispose properly
- Secure all trash in a bag and dispose of it in outside trash
- If you have dead rodents or find them in the process, soak them with the bleach/disinfectant solution for at least 10 min. Then double bag, seal, and dispose of in outside trash.
- All nests, cardboard, etc should be disinfected and then bagged and trashed in an outside receptacle.
6. Aftercare clean up
- Wipe the whole area remembering to go beyond the area where you saw evidence. Rats and mice can be found in duct work and walls which might require more professional help.
- Wash your gloved hands with soap and water before removing the gloves and disposing of them
- As soon as possible after exposure, take a shower. Use plenty of hot water and soap. Any clothing should be removed and laundered as soon as possible to avoid infecting other spaces.
Don’t take a chance with rodent infestations. Take the time to clean and disinfect so you can reclaim your peace of mind. If you have questions or need help with rodents, contact Cascade Pest Control at 888-989-8979 or Request a Quote.
