How to clean and disinfect after a rat or mouse infestation

A rat or mouse infestation can be a serious issue, posing health risks to you and your family. Rodents can carry bacteria and viruses such as hantavirus, and their droppings, urine, and nesting materials are highly contaminated. Cleaning up after a rodent infestation requires care and attention to avoid spreading harmful pathogens. This guide covers why it's important to thoroughly disinfect your home, outlines the cleaning process, and provides tips to help prevent future infestations.

If you are currently experiencing rat problems, check out our article on how to get rid of rats.

Why it’s important to clean up after rodents

A rodent infestation creates more than just an unpleasant mess. It also introduces several health risks, as rodent droppings, urine, and nesting materials can harbor dangerous pathogens. Diseases such as hantavirus, salmonella, and leptospirosis can be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or by inhaling dust particles from rodent waste. Taking proper precautions when cleaning up after a mouse infestation or rat infestation is essential to help avoid these health hazards.

Preparation before cleaning

Preparing the affected area and gathering the right supplies before starting will make the rat decontamination process smoother and safer. Here are the steps to follow:

Ventilation

Before starting, ventilate the affected area by opening windows and doors for at least 30 minutes. This helps to clear any contaminated air and reduces the risk of inhaling harmful particles from rodent droppings, urine, and nesting materials. For spaces with limited ventilation, such as attics or crawl spaces, consider using a fan to improve airflow.

Wear protective gear

Proper protective gear is crucial when cleaning up after a rodent infestation. Wear latex or rubber gloves, a mask, and ideally, goggles or protective eyewear. You may also consider wearing a long-sleeve shirt, pants, and a disposable coverall to help protect your skin from coming into contact with contaminants.

Step-by-step guide for cleaning rodent-contaminated areas

Once you’re ready to begin, follow these steps to help clean and disinfect areas that may have been contaminated by rodents.

Inspect the area for signs of infestation

Before cleaning, thoroughly inspect the area to identify common signs of rodents. Look for rodent droppings, sebum deposits, urine stains, nesting materials, gnawed materials, and shredded paper or fabric. This will help you understand where the contamination is concentrated and where to focus your cleaning efforts.

Remove droppings and urine safely

• Avoid vacuuming or sweeping: Vacuuming or sweeping contaminated areas (unless done by a professional with a HEPA vacuum and appropriate PPE and training) can release harmful particles into the air. Instead, spray droppings and urine with a disinfectant or a bleach solution (mix one part bleach with nine parts water). Always work from top to bottom of an area.
• Use paper towels: Allow the bleach solution to soak the droppings and urine for at least five minutes. Then, use a paper towel to pick up the droppings and dispose of them in a plastic bag. Seal the bag tightly and dispose of it in an outdoor trash can.
• Clean the area: After removing visible waste, wipe down the area with a disinfectant and allow it to air dry.

Remove dead mice and rats

Finding a dead rodent can be unsettling, but removing it promptly is essential. Follow these steps:

• Spray with disinfectant: Spray the dead mouse or rat with disinfectant and let it soak for five minutes. This will help kill any pathogens on the rodent’s body.
• Dispose of carefully: Use paper towels to pick up the dead rodent and place it in a plastic bag. Seal the bag securely and dispose of it in an appropriate trash container.
• Clean hands and surfaces: After handling dead rodents, thoroughly wash your gloves, hands, and any surfaces the rodent may have touched.

Dealing with rodent odor

Rodent infestations often leave behind a strong, unpleasant odor that can linger long after the pests are gone. Here’s how to remove odors effectively.

Odor removal

Use an appropriate mixture of bleach solution or commercial disinfectant to clean surfaces where rodents have been. You can also use an odor-neutralizing spray or natural deodorizers, such as baking soda, placed in bowls around the area.

Special considerations for different environments

Rodents can infest a range of spaces beyond the home, including vehicles and storage areas. Here are some tips for cleaning specific environments:

Cleaning homes and outbuildings

For homes and outbuildings like barns or sheds, ventilate the area, use protective gear, and follow the cleaning process outlined above. Pay extra attention to areas with high contamination, such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces.

Cleaning air ducts and HVAC systems

In severe infestations, rodents may have left droppings or nesting materials inside HVAC ducts, leading to odor and potential contamination. Rodent droppings or urine in your air system can lead to widespread contamination, circulating harmful particles throughout your property. Hire a professional to clean and disinfect your system, including the air ducts, to remove any residual odors and contaminants.

Cleaning vehicles

Rodents can also infest vehicles, especially if they’ve been stored in a garage or outdoors for a prolonged period. Follow the same cleaning process, focusing on areas where you see droppings, urine, or nesting materials. Be sure to thoroughly disinfect the upholstery, glove box, and any other accessible areas.

It’s worth noting that it is not always possible to remove all contaminants, especially allergens, after a rodent infestation, and some materials may need to be replaced.

Disinfecting personal items

Some items, like clothing, bedding, and other soft surfaces, may be contaminated if left in areas where rodents have been active. Here’s how to handle these items.

Clothing, bedding, and soft surfaces

Wash contaminated clothing, bedding, or soft surfaces in hot water with detergent. If possible, use a high-heat dryer setting to ensure thorough disinfection. For items that cannot be washed in a machine, consider professional dry cleaning.

Hard-to-clean items (books, papers, etc.)

For delicate or hard-to-clean items such as books or papers, lightly wipe down surfaces with a disinfectant wipe. Avoid soaking these items, as too much liquid may damage them. In some cases, items that have been severely contaminated may need to be disposed of.

Preventing future rodent infestations

To avoid another infestation, it's essential to rodent-proof your home. Here are some tips:

• Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, or holes that rodents could use to enter. Seal these entry points with steel wool, caulk, or other materials that rats and mice cannot chew through.
• Keep food stored in airtight containers, and regularly clean up food crumbs or spills. Avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
• Keep your yard free from debris, food scraps, and standing water. Trim back vegetation near your home, as overgrown areas provide shelter for rodents.

Need help with rat pest control?

If you’re dealing with a large infestation and need help with rat extermination or find it challenging to eliminate rodents on your own, it’s a good idea to contact a professional pest control service like Ehrlich. We can safely remove rats and mice from your home, thoroughly clean contaminated areas, and offer long-term solutions to help prevent future infestations. Hiring Ehrlich gives you peace of mind, knowing the job has been handled with the highest standards of safety and efficiency.

For more information, see our articles on common rats and signs of rats.