Cleaning Rodent Waste

Please be aware that rodents do carry nasty bacteria, which can transmit to humans developing into various diseases. Rodents are known to be filthy creatures and defecate and urinate everywhere they go. If you’ve seen a mouse or rat, be advised there is most certainly waste left behind somewhere. 

CAUTION - If you spot or suspect rat or mouse droppings anywhere in your property, never touch them barehanded or get too close to breathe in particles. Always use protection such as a face mask and rubber gloves to minimize the risks of infection from the diseases they carry. This is a must.

Mice droppings can transmit numerous dangerous diseases, such as:

Hantavirus

Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome

Salmonellosis

Lymphocytic Chorio-meningitis

Tularemia

We won’t scare you by explaining the aforementioned diseases and symptoms. However, be aware that transmission can be from unknowingly coming into contact with infected materials or from breathing in dust particles infected by their waste.

How To Clean Rodent Waste From Hard Surfaces

Begin by ventilating the space if possible.

Wear protection on your hands - rubber or latex gloves should do just fine.

Wear a face mask.

Commence by spraying the droppings with disinfectant or bleach - now leave this to work for 10 - 15 minutes.

Use cardboard or paper to scoop up the droppings, as this can be disposed of with the waste - Use disposable items at every step of the cleaning processes - Collect All Waste Into A Plastic Bag.

Throw the collected waste away immediately in an external bin.

Continue to clean - disinfect any areas that were in contact with rodents or their droppings, especially kitchen cupboards, countertops, and cabinet shelves. Even if you can’t see droppings or waste, the rodent travelled to that area so clean as thoroughly as you can.

Mop the floors with disinfectant or hot water or steam clean.

Remove the gloves without touching the exterior of the glove - Wash your hands with soap and water - Do not touch your eyes, mouth, or nose before washing.

How to Clean Rodent Waste From Soft Furnishings

If mice droppings have contaminated your bedding, clothing, soft furnishings or even your children’s toys, you should immediately wash them with hot water and an antibacterial detergent. It is imperative to use rubber or latex gloves when handling the soiled items, wear a mask and use the application of heat to render harmful bacteria inactive. Setting your washing machine or dryer above 45℃ will render most viruses inactive.

In you suspect rodents have urinated or defecated on your furniture or carpet, it's highly recommended to thoroughly wash it using hot water with either a disinfectant or detergent, or you can use a steam cleaner. Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines prior to cleaning to avoid shrinking or colour running from your fabric. 

Paper, books or important documents, can be wiped with a cloth and a bit of disinfectant, the items then left in direct sunlight for several hours. The reason for this is hantaviruses can remain active for up to three days under normal conditions, but they will become inactive when exposed to ultraviolet rays for a prolonged period of time.

Exterminate.ie Provide Pest Control & Specialist Cleaning Services

The best solution for a rodent waste problem is to get rid of the source. No rodents mean no droppings. 

We advise you to opt for a professional exterminator. Exterminate will end your troubles quickly and efficiently. And when it comes to the task of cleaning the rodent waste, we can also look after this. After all, nobody likes to deal with disgusting things like rodent waste.