One of the main signs that you have a mouse infestation in your home is the presence of droppings. Mice are known carriers of numerous dangerous bacteria, and some of these bacteria are also found in their droppings, which makes these droppings not only unsanitary, but also potentially harmful to our health.
Diseases spread through mouse droppings
The two most common diseases that can be spread through mouse droppings are the hantavirus and salmonellosis, but there are several others, such as hemorrhagic fever and lymphocytic choriomeningitis, which have a lower rate of transmission but still pose a risk.
The hantavirus can be deadly, and it is usually contracted through the air. The first symptom you will notice if you contract this disease is difficulty breathing, as fluid enters the lungs. Other symptoms include chills, fever, muscle pain, fatigue, nausea and dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, even if they go away after a while, and you have a mouse infestation, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Salmonellosis means salmonella poisoning, and it is a disease that is a result of contaminated food and water. The symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever, but luckily, the disease is rarely fatal. To put it into perspective, most instances of food poisoning are caused by salmonella.
Mouse droppings can also lead to allergies and/or asthma in children after prolonged exposure, so getting rid of an infestation and the waste left behind quickly is essential.
Cleaning up the droppings
If you find any droppings, it’s best if you clean them up right away. This can be a time-consuming task, but it’s definitely worth it. Start by airing out the room for at least 30 minutes, and make sure that you wear a face mask before you start. Once the room is aired out, you will want to disinfect the area, using a commercial product, or a homemade mixture of one part bleach and ten parts water. Let the area soak for five minutes, and then, while wearing latex, rubber or vinyl gloves, pick up the droppings and then place them in a sealable bag, before throwing them out. You then want to safely dispose of the gloves and face mask.
However, if you have droppings in the home, you will have to get rid of their source, which is a mouse infestation. Contact us today if you notice droppings and we will come over and get the mouse population under control.