How to Safely Clean Up Mouse Droppings
2/20/2024 âĸ Safety Guide
â ī¸ CRITICAL WARNING
NEVER sweep or vacuum dry mouse droppings.
This kicks up dust particles that may contain Hantavirus, which can be fatal if inhaled. Always wet the droppings first.
Finding mouse droppings in your pantry or attic is gross, but cleaning them up improperly can be dangerous. Here is the safe, CDC-approved method for cleanup.
What You Need
- Rubber or latex gloves
- Disinfectant spray (bleach solution or commercial disinfectant)
- Paper towels
- Garbage bag
- Mask (N95 recommended)
The Cleanup Process
- Ventilate: Open doors and windows for 30 minutes before starting to air out the space.
- Gear Up: Put on your rubber gloves and mask.
- Spray: Thoroughly spray the droppings and urine spots with disinfectant. Let it soak for 5 minutes. This kills the virus and prevents dust from flying up.
- Wipe: Use paper towels to pick up the droppings and wipe up the liquid. Place everything in the garbage bag.
- Disinfect Again: Mop or sponge the entire area with disinfectant.
- Disposal: Seal the garbage bag tightly and place it in an outdoor trash can.
- Wash Up: Wash your gloved hands with soap and water, remove gloves, then wash your bare hands thoroughly.
When to Call a Professional
If you have a heavy infestation with piles of droppings, or if the droppings are in insulation (which is impossible to clean effectively), you need professional remediation. We have the equipment to safely remove contaminated insulation and sanitize your attic.