How to Clean Up After Rat or Mouse Infestation
Rodents like mice and rats can leave behind more than just visible damage. Their urine, droppings, and nesting materials can spread bacteria, trigger allergies, and transmit diseases such as hantavirus. Proper cleanup is essential to protect your health and restore your space safely.
Safety First: Before You Start Cleaning
Cleaning up after a mouse infestation requires more than soap and water. Follow these safety precautions:
Wear protective gear such as rubber gloves and a mask (preferably N95 or better).
Do not sweep or vacuum dry droppings, as this can spread harmful particles into the air.
Ventilate the space by opening windows and doors for at least 30 minutes before cleanup.
Step-by-Step Mice & Rat Cleanup Guide
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Disinfect First: Spray rodent droppings, urine, or nesting materials with a disinfectant or a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water). Let it soak for at least 5 minutes.
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Remove Droppings and Nesting Materials: After the area has been thoroughly disinfected, use paper towels to clean up the waste. Dispose of used towels and materials in a sealed plastic bag.
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Clean Surrounding Areas: Disinfect countertops, floors, storage bins, and any nearby surfaces. Wash contaminated laundry and bedding with hot water and detergent.
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Avoid Spreading Contamination: Do not reuse sponges or cloths used for cleaning contaminated areas. Avoid using vacuums on rodent droppings unless they have HEPA filters and are designed for hazardous cleanup.
How to Get Rid of Rodent Urine Odor
Rodent urine can leave behind a strong, lingering smell, even after waste has been removed. To eliminate the odor:
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Use enzyme-based cleaners specifically designed to break down organic waste
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Apply to all hard surfaces where urine was present and allow the product to fully dry
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Treat porous materials (like wood or concrete) more than once if odors persist
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Avoid using only bleach, which may disinfect but not neutralize odor-causing compounds
If the smell remains after cleaning, it may be necessary to replace heavily soiled insulation, drywall, or carpet padding.
How to Dispose of Dead Rodents and Droppings
Before handling dead rodents or droppings, thoroughly spray them with disinfectant or a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water). Let the area soak for at least five minutes.
Use gloves to place the waste into a sealed plastic bag. Then double-bag it by placing that bag into a second plastic bag and sealing it tightly. Dispose of the bag in a covered outdoor trash bin, preferably one that is off your property, if local guidelines require it.
Vacuuming Rodent Droppings
Avoid sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings or nesting materials before treating the area with disinfectant. Stirring up dry waste can release particles into the air that may carry disease. Always soak contaminated areas with a disinfectant or bleach solution for at least five minutes before cleaning.
How to Clean Rodent Droppings From Carpet
If there are only a few droppings to remove, use a sticky pad or moist paper towels to carefully pick them up. Place any contaminated items in a sealed plastic bag, then double-bag before disposal. After removing droppings, shampoo carpets with an approved, commercial-grade disinfectant or a commercial-grade steam cleaner. Always check the product label to make sure it’s safe for carpet use.
How to Clean Rodent Droppings Off of Hardwood Floors
For wood floors, gently remove droppings with a sticky pad or damp paper towel. After disposal, disinfect the area using a cleaner that is safe for wood surfaces. Check the product label to avoid discoloration or damage to the finish.
How to Clean Rodent Droppings on Clothing
Use sticky pads or paper towels to remove droppings from clothing, then discard the waste in a double-sealed plastic bag. Wash clothing using laundry detergent with disinfectant on the highest heat setting that is safe for the fabric. For colored items, test for colorfastness first. This same process can be used to clean urine stains from baby clothes or garments stored in drawers. Be sure to remove gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning.
Rodent Droppings in Cupboard & Pantries
Mice and rats often enter cupboards and pantries in search of food. Remove all droppings and dispose of any food that shows signs of chewing or contamination. After cleaning, wipe down shelves with soap and disinfectant. Don’t forget to check cracks and corners where insects or rodents may be hiding.
Rodent Droppings in the Garage
Garages can be hotspots for rodent nesting. If you notice droppings in your garage, it’s important to clean the area safely and then take steps to block entry points. Seal any gaps, vents, or holes that could allow access. Because garages may have multiple hidden entryways, it’s a good idea to contact an exterminator for help identifying and sealing off problem areas.
Preventing Future Infestations
Once the area is clean, help prevent mice and rats from returning:
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Seal gaps or holes in walls, vents, doors, and around pipes
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Store food in sealed containers and keep trash tightly covered
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Declutter storage areas like basements, attics, and garages
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Trim vegetation and remove outdoor debris that could shelter rodents
Professional Rodent Control
Whether you're dealing with mice, rats, or both, Orkin is here to help. To determine where and how rodents are getting into your home and how best to control mice and rat infestations, contact your local Orkin branch.
More Rodent Information
How to Identify Mouse Droppings
Learn how to identify mouse droppings by their size, shape, and appearance. Spotting these signs can help confirm rodent activity in your home.
How to Detect a Mouse Home Infestation
Discover common signs of a mouse infestation in your home and why early detection is key to preventing property damage and health risks.
How to Tell Rats and Mice Apart
Compare key features of mice and rats, including their appearance and behavior, to help identify which rodent may be inside your home.
How to Know if You Have a Rat Infestation
Rats can enter homes through openings as small as a half-inch and often establish nests in hidden areas like attics or basements. Identifying signs early can help prevent significant damage and health risks.
What to Do When You Find a Dead Rat
If you find a dead rat in your home, it's important to handle it safely by wearing gloves and a HEPA mask. Proper disposal and deodorization are essential, and contacting an exterminator can help address potential health risks and prevent future infestations.
Orkin offers comprehensive rodent control services, including inspection, treatment, and prevention, to protect your home from mice and rats.