Hey there! Finding mouse droppings in your home can be downright disturbing. As someone who‘s dealt with my fair share of mice, believe me, I understand how frustrating it can be. But don‘t worry – with the right products and techniques, you can safely get rid of those nasty droppings.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share everything I‘ve learned over the years about effectively disinfecting mouse droppings and stopping these pesky rodents in their tracks. I‘m Lillie Gabler, a home renovation specialist and avid streamer, so I know more than a thing or two about tackling problems like this around the house.
Let‘s get started! Here‘s what we‘ll cover:
What Exactly is the Risk from Mouse Droppings?
Before we get into cleanup tips, it‘s crucial to understand why mouse droppings pose a health hazard in the first place. Mice aren’t just a nuisance – they can spread serious illnesses by contaminating surfaces with their urine and feces.
Here are some of the main risks mouse droppings present:
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Hantavirus – A Rare but Deadly Virus
One of the most dangerous mouse-spread diseases is hantavirus. According to the CDC, between 1993 and 2018, a total of 728 cases of hantavirus were reported in the U.S. More than 36% of these cases resulted in death.
Hantavirus causes Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), attacking the lungs and making it hard to breathe. Early symptoms include fever, muscle aches, chills, and fatigue.
The virus is spread through contact with the saliva, urine or droppings of infected mice, especially the deer mouse. You can inhale contaminated dust while cleaning or touching mouse nests, burrows, or droppings barehanded.
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Salmonella Bacteria
Salmonella is another common illness mice can transmit through feces contamination. The CDC estimates salmonella bacteria cause 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths yearly in the U.S.
Within 6 hours to 6 days after ingesting salmonella, symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps start suddenly. The illness usually clears within 4-7 days.
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Leptospirosis – A Bacterial Infection
The bacteria Leptospira interrogans causes the disease leptospirosis. Mice spread it through their urine and droppings. Without treatment, kidney/liver failure, meningitis, breathing issues, and bleeding can occur.
Early symptoms include high fever, headaches, chills, vomiting, and rashes. According to CDC data, 100-200 leptospirosis cases happen annually in the U.S.
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Other Dangers
Mouse droppings can also transmit:
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Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV)
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Rat-bite fever
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Tapeworms and other parasites
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E. coli
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Allergens leading to asthma or breathing issues
So in short, exposure to mouse droppings and nests is no small matter! Proper disinfection is a must for protecting your health.
The Best Disinfectants for Mouse Droppings
When it comes to choosing a disinfectant for mouse droppings, you want one that can kill both bacteria and viruses. The CDC recommends using disinfectant products registered by the EPA and checking that the label lists adenovirus as a target.
Here are some of my top disinfectant picks for mouse droppings:
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Bleach
Good ol‘ bleach is powerful enough to sanitize mouse droppings. Make a diluted bleach solution using 1 part bleach to 9 parts cool water.
The CDC-recommended concentration is 0.3% or 3000 ppm bleach. Let the solution sit for at least 10 minutes before wiping it away.
Since bleach can discolor carpets/fabrics, stick to hard surfaces like floors, countertops, and tables. And remember – never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners, as toxic fumes can result.
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Lysol Disinfectant Spray
I‘m a big fan of Lysol spray for quickly disinfecting all types of surfaces. Look for Lysol sprays labeled "virucidal" – they can kill over 100 viruses and bacteria, including salmonella and E. coli.
Simply spray droppings thoroughly and let sit for the recommended 10 minutes before wiping clean.
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Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
Disinfecting wipes make cleaning mouse droppings a cinch. Clorox wipes eliminate 99.9% of common household germs in just minutes with an easy wipe-and-go motion.
Other brands like Lysol also offer disinfecting wipes that kill viruses with short contact times. Just check the label!
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Other EPA-Registered Disinfectants
The EPA provides a list of all verified disinfectants for obliterating bacteria and viruses. Look for products containing:
- Hydrogen peroxide cleaner
- Quaternary ammonium
- Phenolic agents
Compare different brand labels to ensure the disinfectant kills viruses and has a 10 minute or less contact time.
No matter which disinfectant you use, carefully follow the instructions on the label for concentration, contact time, and usage guidelines. I‘ll explain the step-by-step disinfection process next.
How to Disinfect Mouse Droppings in 6 Simple Steps
When it comes to actually disinfecting mouse droppings, here is the safe procedure I always use:
Supplies You‘ll Need
- Disinfectant (bleach, Lysol, Clorox wipes, etc.)
- Water
- Mop bucket
- Cleaning rags
- Paper towels
- Trash bags
- Protective gear like gloves, mask, goggles
Step 1: Remove Visible Droppings
The first step is to remove all visible mouse droppings using gloves and a mask. Carefully sweep or wipe up any droppings or debris using paper towels and dispose of them in a sealed plastic bag.
This prevents droppings particles from scattering during disinfection.
Step 2: Apply Disinfectant
Next, prepare your chosen disinfectant based on the label instructions. Thoroughly spray or wipe disinfectant over all surfaces mice could have contaminated like floors, walls, cabinets, countertops, and objects.
Really soak cracks, corners, and crevices where droppings accumulate. Let the disinfectant soak for the full recommended contact time.
Step 3: Scrub Surfaces
After the soak time, scrub all areas with cleaning rags, a mop, or paper towels. This removes any sticky residue or organic matter mice left behind.
Rinse cleaned surfaces with fresh water and wipe dry with new paper towels.
Step 4: Disinfect Tools
It‘s important to also disinfect any cleaning tools used. Soak mop heads in disinfectant solution for 10+ minutes then rinse clean. Reusable gloves can be sprayed down as well.
Step 5: Remove Gear & Wash Up
Carefully remove protective gear to avoid contamination. Discard gloves and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with antibacterial soap and warm water. Showering after is also a smart move.
Step 6: Dry & Ventilate
Finally, allow all disinfected areas to completely air dry. Open windows and use fans to ventilate the rooms. Harsh chemical odors mean more airflow is needed.
Thorough drying ensures no viruses, bacteria or allergens linger on surfaces. Avoid using contaminated areas until 100% dry.
Disinfecting Mouse Droppings In Your Car
Finding mouse droppings in your car can be worrisome too. Here are a few quick tips for disinfecting a motor vehicle:
- Remove all visible droppings with gloves and paper towels
- Use disinfectant wipes on hard surfaces like seats, floors, ceiling, doors
- Spray fabric upholstery with a disinfectant spray labeled for use on fabrics
- Let car air out well before using again
And that‘s the proper start-to-finish process for sanitizing mouse droppings and reducing health risks. But keeping mice away in the first place is just as vital…
12 Tips to Prevent Mice Infestations
To avoid recurring issues with mouse droppings, you need to deter mice from getting into your house. Here are my top 12 prevention tips:
1. Seal Up Entry Points
Mice can squeeze through holes the size of a dime. Use steel wool, caulk, weather strips, or foam to seal gaps under doors, windows, pipes, vents, etc.
2. Store Food in Sealable Containers
Don‘t give mice access to food sources! Keep human and pet foods in chew-proof containers.
3. Clean Up Crumbs and Spills
Immediately clean any crumbs or spills to remove food sources. Mice love leftovers!
4. Declutter Storage Areas
Remove excess clutter and items mice can hide/nest in like piles of paper, boxes, bags, etc.
5. Cut Back Vegetation
Trim bushes, trees, and dense plants near the home‘s exterior. Mice don‘t like open spaces.
6. Remove Outdoor Food Sources
Clean up fallen fruit/berries, empty bird feeders at night, and store pet food indoors. Deny outdoor food.
7. Set Out Traps or Bait
Use humane traps and release mice far away or place bait/poison stations (keep out of reach from kids and pets!).
8. Take Out the Trash Regularly
Empty garbage cans frequently and don‘t let trash accumulate. Mice love leftovers!
9. Check for Signs of Mice
Inspect for droppings, gnaw marks, rub marks, torn packaging, chewed wires, etc. Spot problems early.
10. Keep Your Home Clean
Thoroughly vacuum and mop floors. Clean countertops and cabinets regularly. Mice avoid clean spaces.
11. Use Natural Repellents
Mice dislike scents like peppermint, cloves, garlic, chili powder, etc. Make your own or buy repellent sachets/sprays.
12. Contact a Pest Control Expert If Needed
For severe infestations, professional pest control may be required. They have industrial-strength solutions for eliminating mice.
Staying vigilant and proactive is the name of the game for avoiding pesky mice. Now let‘s get into how to identify illness from mouse droppings exposure…
Symptoms of Sickness from Mouse Droppings
It is possible to get sick from coming into contact with germs in mouse droppings and urine. Here are common symptoms related to mouse-spread illnesses:
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Hantavirus Symptoms
- Fever over 101F
- Chills and body aches
- Headaches and dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Breathing difficulties
- Abdominal discomfort
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Salmonella Symptoms
- Diarrhea
- Fever and chills
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache and weakness
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Leptospirosis Symptoms
- High fever
- Severe headaches
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Vomiting
- Coughing up blood
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Allergic Reaction Symptoms
- Sneezing and coughing
- Runny nose
- Chest tightness
- Skin rash or hives
- Watery eyes
If you notice any of these concerning symptoms after exposure to mouse droppings, please see a doctor ASAP. The sooner mouse-related illnesses are treated, the better the outcome typically is.
Inform your physician about the potential rodent exposure so the proper diagnostic tests can be performed. Mouse droppings are nothing to mess around with!
Can Lysol Kill Hantavirus in Mouse Droppings?
Now that you know precisely how dangerous diseases like hantavirus can be, the big question is – can Lysol products kill hantavirus and disinfect mouse droppings effectively?
The answer is yes – Lysol can sanitize hantavirus when used properly on contaminated surfaces.
However, it’s vital to choose an EPA-registered Lysol disinfectant spray labeled as able to kill viruses. Check that the front label specifically states the product is effective against human coronavirus, rhinovirus, and adenovirus.
Also verify the recommended contact time for the disinfectant is 10 minutes or less. This ensures the Lysol active ingredients have enough time to annihilate tough viruses like hantavirus.
By using the right Lysol product and allowing proper contact time, you can feel confident Lysol will sanitize mouse droppings and remove the risks of hantavirus transmission.
One thing to note is Lysol wipes may not kill hantavirus based on some product labels. Opt for a Lysol virucidal spray to be safe when it comes to disinfecting mouse droppings and related surfaces.
The takeaway is Lysol can work wonders on mouse droppings as long as you choose an EPA-registered viral disinfectant spray and take all the proper sanitization precautions.
Parting Advice on Mouse Droppings
Well, there you have it – everything you could possibly need to know about safely removing mouse droppings with Lysol to protect your health.
To recap, be sure to:
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Use protective gear when cleaning droppings
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Choose an effective EPA-registered disinfectant like Lysol spray
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Follow product instructions carefully
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Disinfect any tools used for cleaning
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Wash hands and shower after disinfecting
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Prevent future infestations through deterrents and sealing up the home
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Monitor for any symptoms of illness and see a doctor if needed
I hope this guide gave you confidence to tackle that mouse dropping situation head-on. Don‘t let those pesky droppings hang around your home any longer!
Stay happy and healthy, my friend. And feel free to reach out if you ever have any other home health and safety questions. I‘m always happy to help out!
Lillie Gabler
