Why you shouldn't sweep or vacuum droppings
Mouse and rat droppings, urine and nesting materials can carry diseases. In parts of the United States, deer mice and some other rodents can carry hantavirus, which people can catch by breathing in particles from contaminated droppings, urine or nests. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is rare but can be severe. The CDC advises against sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings because it can put contaminated particles into the air. Instead, it recommends ventilating the space, wetting droppings and nests with disinfectant or bleach solution, letting them soak, and wiping them up.
Rodent waste also brings other risks, such as leptospirosis and salmonella, and the odor of urine-soaked insulation can be strong.
Where we clean
- Attics and crawlspaces
- Garages, sheds, barns and outbuildings
- Cabins and seasonal homes opened after being closed
- Kitchens, pantries and cabinets
- Warehouses, offices and commercial spaces
- HVAC systems and ductwork
How the work is done
- Coordinate with pest control. Rodents must be eliminated and entry points sealed, or the problem returns.
- Ventilate enclosed spaces before work begins.
- Protect workers with respirators, gloves and protective clothing.
- Wet droppings, urine and nests with disinfectant and let them soak.
- Remove waste, nests, dead rodents and contaminated materials. Heavily contaminated insulation is usually removed.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces.
- Deodorize as needed.
- Document the work.
Insulation
Insulation full of droppings and urine generally can't be cleaned. It's removed with HEPA-filtered vacuum equipment designed for insulation removal and controlled bagging, and the attic is disinfected before new insulation goes in.
Common questions
Can I clean a few droppings myself?
For small amounts in a well-ventilated space, the CDC's wet-cleaning guidance is the right approach. Large infestations, enclosed spaces, attics and crawlspaces are better left to professionals.
Do you trap or exclude rodents?
We coordinate with licensed pest control for trapping and exclusion. We handle the cleanup.
Is hantavirus a risk in my area?
Hantavirus cases have been reported in many states, more often in the western U.S. Treat all rodent waste with care.