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Mice can leave behind harmful and potentially dangerous germs.
Image courtesy of Stockbyte/ThinkstockYikes! Mice have invaded your space! After removing these pesky rodents, cleaning is the next crucial step. While mice may seem cute and harmless, they can carry serious diseases such as hantavirus, leptospirosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, plague, rat-bite fever, and salmonellosis. Even after the mice are gone, germs can remain in their urine and feces, making proper cleanup essential.
Put on some rubber gloves and grab disinfectant – let’s move to the next page for important tips on safe cleanup. We know you’re eager to make your home spotless again, but it’s vital to take safety precautions during the process.
5: Wear Protective Gloves
Avoid cleaning mouse-infested areas with bare hands. Even though a surface may appear clean, it’s likely contaminated. Mice tend to urinate when frightened and might walk through urine-covered areas, leaving germs behind on their tiny feet. Before starting any cleanup, get yourself a pair of latex, vinyl, or rubber gloves, and wear them throughout the process. To prevent cross-contamination, periodically spray your gloves with disinfectant, especially before touching clean surfaces like doorknobs and cabinet handles.
To stop mice and rats from making themselves at home, seal any gaps under exterior doors and windows, as well as along the foundation of your house. Mice can squeeze through openings as small as half an inch. To keep them from returning, check for cracks around fireplaces, drains, and floor vents. Don't forget to inspect your attic and crawlspace, too.
4: Think Wet
Mouse urine and droppings dry up quickly, but simply removing moisture doesn’t eliminate germs. When you sweep or vacuum, you may pick up most of the mess, but tiny particles can get into the air and be inhaled, potentially spreading diseases. This is a bad idea. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises soaking rat droppings, nests, and any areas where rats have been with a disinfectant solution that kills germs instantly.
While an over-the-counter disinfectant will do the job (just ensure it's labeled as a disinfectant), the CDC suggests using a mixture of one and a half cups of bleach with one gallon of water (a 1:9 ratio). Spray the affected areas generously and let the bleach or disinfectant sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
3: Scoop and Dispose
Once the areas are sufficiently damp, scoop up the debris and dispose of it in a plastic bag outside. Be methodical and meticulous. Mice are inquisitive by nature. If they’ve been rummaging in your kitchen, don’t limit your cleaning to just the spots you can see evidence of their activity. They’re likely to have been on your countertops and in your cabinets. Clean any area where they might have been. Check under and behind appliances and furniture too. Double bag the waste, placing one bag inside the other, and secure them tightly. Place the bags outdoors for pickup as soon as possible after cleaning.
2: Sponge and Mop
After gathering up materials like mouse nests, wipe down shelves, countertops, and other surfaces with disinfectant. Mop the floors in the affected areas as well. Use a disposable mop head and paper towels or sponges that you can discard after use. Apply disinfectant generously, making sure surfaces are well-saturated. For carpets, upholstery, and area rugs, consider shampooing or steam cleaning them for thorough disinfection.
1: Wash Your Hands and Clean Up
Generously apply soap, and make sure to lather up well. The more bubbles, the better.
iStockphoto/ThinkstockBefore removing your cleaning gloves, disinfect them first. Afterward, wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds using warm water and soap. Scrubbing vigorously helps to dislodge germs so they can be rinsed away. Lather well—it's an essential step in fighting germs. You've probably seen doctors do it before surgery—now it's your turn. Once your hands are clean, change your clothes and immediately wash your cleaning garments in hot water with detergent.
