Dealing with rodents is nobody's idea of fun. These uninvited guests can make their way into our homes, bringing with them an array of health hazards and disturbances. In this blog, we'll take you through everything you need to know about identifying rodent infestations, the health risks they pose, and also provide rodent cleanup tips to ensure your home is sanitary and secure.
The first thing is to spot and look for the signs of a possible rodent infestation. Droppings, especially around food packages, in drawers or cupboards, and under the sink, are common indicators of their presence in the house. Gnaw marks on food packaging or structures, nesting materials scattered around, and strange smells or sounds, particularly at night, are red flags signaling the presence of rodents.
Health Risks Posed by Rodents
Rodents are more than just a nuisance; they're carriers of diseases like Hantavirus, Lymphocytic Chorio-meningitis (LCM), Tularemia, and the plague. Besides these diseases, rodent droppings and urine can worsen allergy and asthma conditions. The presence of mice and rats in the house can cause problems both directly and indirectly.
Diseases Directly Transmitted by Rodents
✓ Hantavirus: A life-threatening viral infection spread to humans by rodents, primarily through urine, droppings, or saliva of infected hosts.
✓ Lymphocytic Chorio-meningitis (LCM): It primarily exists in rodents, particularly the common house mouse. Humans can become infected after exposure to fresh urine, droppings, saliva, or nesting materials of infected rodents.
✓ Tularemia: A bacterial infection that can be transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or their carcasses.
Diseases Indirectly Transmitted by Rodents
✓ Salmonellosis: A type of food poisoning caused by consuming food contaminated with rodent feces.
✓ Rat-bite Fever: Transmitted through bites, scratches or contact with the bodily fluids of infected rodents.
Apart from diseases, rodent infestations can also affect our mental and emotional well-being. The constant fear and disgust associated with rodents can take a toll on our mental health, leading to anxiety and stress. It can also disrupt daily routines and cause sleep disturbances.
Rodent Cleanup Tips for Your Home or Property
- Wear Protective Gear: Always wear gloves and a mask to avoid direct contact with droppings, urine, or nesting materials.
- Ventilate the Area: Open windows and doors for at least 30 minutes before starting the cleanup to allow fresh air in.
- Avoid Dry Sweeping: To prevent the spread of airborne bacteria, don't sweep or vacuum rodent droppings initially. Instead, use a disinfectant spray on the droppings, nests, and urine, and allow it to soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Clean Thoroughly: Use a paper towel to pick up droppings and contaminated materials, dispose of them in a sealed plastic bag, and then thoroughly disinfect the area. For large infestations or difficult-to-reach places, consider hiring a professional cleaning service.
- Disinfect: After removing the contaminated materials, disinfect all surfaces with a mixture of bleach and water or a commercial disinfectant specifically designed to kill bacteria and viruses.
- Safely Dispose of Contaminated Items: Ensure all contaminated materials are sealed in plastic bags before disposing of them to prevent further contamination.
Tips for Preventing Future Infestations
The key to rodent control is prevention. During rainy season, it is common for rodents to seek shelter in homes or properties. Here are some tips to prevent future infestations:
- Seal Entry Points: Rodents can enter through small cracks and openings, so make sure to seal any potential entry points with caulk or steel wool.
- Keep Food Sealed and Stored Properly: Make sure all food, including pet food, is stored in airtight containers to prevent attracting rodents.
- Regularly Clean and Declutter: Rodents are attracted to cluttered areas, so regularly cleaning and decluttering can help prevent them from making a home in your space.
- Trim Trees and Bushes: Keep trees and bushes trimmed away from your home as they can provide easy access for rodents to enter.
- Store Firewood Away from Your Home: Keep firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and store it off the ground to prevent rodents from using it as a nesting area.
- Regularly Inspect and Maintain Your Property: Regularly inspecting your property for any signs of rodent activity.
- Consult with a Professional: If you notice persistent rodent activity despite taking preventative measures, it may be time to consult with a professional pest control service for more effective solutions.
How Bio-One of Sacramento Can Help
Rodent infestations can be more than just a minor inconvenience. By following our rodent cleanup tips, you can ensure your home remains a safe and healthy environment. However, in some cases, a deeper level of cleaning and disinfection may be necessary to fully eliminate any potential health hazards. At Bio-One of Sacramento, our team is trained and equipped to handle all types of rodent infestations, including the proper disposal of any contaminated materials. We also offer odor removal services for lingering smells caused by rodent droppings or urine!
Share with Anyone Dealing with Rodent Issues!
Did you find these tips helpful? Feel free to share this post with others who might need it and drop us a comment with your thoughts or questions. If you're dealing with a severe infestation or require professional rodent droppings cleanup services, don't hesitate to contact us.
