It's not uncommon to find evidence of a rodent infestation in homes and businesses, especially during the colder months. Unfortunately, these unwanted critters can leave behind more than just damage to your property. Rodent droppings and urine carry harmful bacteria and diseases that can put your health at risk. That's why it's essential to take immediate action to clean up any droppings and urine that you find. In this blog, we'll discuss how to remove rodent droppings safely and effectively.
Step 1: Protect Yourself
Before you start cleaning up the droppings, it's vital to protect yourself. Make sure to wear protective clothing such as gloves, a mask, and goggles to avoid coming in direct contact with the waste. Additionally, make sure to open windows and doors to improve ventilation and reduce the concentration of harmful bacteria and mold.
Step 2: Clean and Disinfect the Area
Carefully remove any visible droppings and urine. Be sure to avoid sweeping or vacuuming any droppings that may be dried as this can cause them to become airborne. After removing the droppings, proceed to clean the affected area using a bleach solution.
Mix one part bleach with nine parts water and apply the solution to the area using a disposable cloth. Let the solution sit for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water and drying with a clean cloth. Visit CDC’s Guide on How to Safely Disinfect With Bleach for more information.
Step 3: Deodorize the Area
Now that you've cleaned and disinfected the area, it's time to tackle any lingering odors. Odor neutralizers such as baking soda are effective at removing unpleasant smells without damaging fabrics or other surfaces. Simply sprinkle some baking soda on affected areas, let sit for a few minutes, and then clean up the residue.
If you're still having trouble with odors, try using a natural odor neutralizer such as vinegar or lemon juice. Spray the affected area with either solution and let sit for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water and drying.
Step 4: Dispose of Waste Safely
After cleaning and disinfecting the area, it's vital to dispose of the waste safely. Place the droppings and any contaminated materials in a double plastic bag and tie it securely. Then, dispose of the bag in a sealed trash can or ask a professional for further disposal guidelines. Rodent waste carries bacteria and can cause many diseases, so these safety measures can not be overlooked.
Step 5: Prevent Future Infestations
To avoid future rodent infestations, here are some tips for keeping your home safe from rodents and other household pests:
- Keep food in sealed containers or the refrigerator
- Store trash bins away from your home
- Seal any cracks or openings around your home
- Remove items that may attract rodents, such as birdseed and pet food
- Check for rodent activity regularly and respond quickly if an infestation is discovered
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the mess, or feel unsure how to remove rodent droppings and urine, don't hesitate to call Bio-One's cleanup specialists!
Professional, certified, and trained technicians
Rodent droppings and urine can pose a significant threat to your health and safety. When dealing with a rodent infestation, it's essential to clean up any droppings and urine as soon as possible. Following the steps outlined in this blog, you can effectively and safely clean up the affected area.
If you're not confident dealing with rodent droppings and urine, seek the assistance of our remediation technicians at Bio-One of Modesto. Remember that prevention is key, regularly inspect your home or business and take action to seal any entry points.
