A homeowner’s first inclination when they see a rat or mouse in the house might be to scream.
Feel free to take that moment to air grievances, but do not be rendered helpless. Rodents carry
pathogens, bacteria, or viruses that cause disease. Acting quickly during a rodent infestation can
prevent the people and pets at home from getting sick or contracting a virus. Follow these steps
to sanitize and decontaminate the house safely after a rodent infestation.
Clean up droppings and urine
Open doors or windows and leave the area to allow fresh air to circulate for 30 minutes. Create a
cleaning solution by combining one part bleach with ten parts water. Wear gloves, spray the
mixture on the rodent waste, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Wipe up the droppings and urine with
a paper towel or rag and immediately place them in a plastic trash bag.
If there are dead carcasses, use the same method as above. To avoid unpleasant odors and
potential contamination of the area, do not leave it in a kitchen or household garbage. Dispose of
the rodent in a plastic bag and put it in the dumpster.
Disinfect the remaining area
After disposing of droppings, urine, and any leftover remains, clean the surrounding surfaces to
rid the home of potential bacteria or viruses that the rodents touched. Using the same bleach and
water concoction, spray the area down and wipe clean with paper towels. Always wear protectant
cleaning gloves so that no contaminants get on your hands.
Decontaminate fabrics, carpets, and non-washable items
Mice and rats often make their way around the house, leaving their waste on linens, carpets, and
furniture. Launder potentially contaminated clothing, bed linens, and stuffed animals with hot
water and detergent. After the cycle completes, machine-dry the items on high or hang them out
to dry in the sun.
Carpets and furniture also require sanitization. Disinfect rugs and furniture with commercial-
grade shampoos, or get them professionally steam-cleaned. Any non-washable items, like books
or papers, may need to be tossed into the trash. For keepsakes that certainly cannot be thrown
away, leave them outdoors for several days in a place that gets direct sunlight. For anything that
cannot go outside, leave them indoors untouched for several days. Most viruses that a mouse or
rat carries are no longer infectious after five days. After that, consider wiping the items with a
disinfectant-moistened cloth while wearing rubber or latex gloves.
Prevent future rodent infestations
Once a home is disinfected and rid of rodents and nests, the easiest way to keep the area clean is
to prevent future infestations. Seal entryways to prohibit new rats or mice from entering the
home. After a week, if there is no further sign of a rodent infestation, the problem is most likely
solved.
In the case of a mild or severe infestation, do not hesitate to call a rodent-proofing professional.
A professional pest control company cleaning solutions, proper chemicals, and traps, in
addition to protective gear that can correctly sanitize and rid a home of unwanted visitors.
About the author:- This article is written by Martin Roberson, founder of Premo Pest Services –
top rated pest company in Ridgeland, South Carolina