Guide · CDC method
How to Clean Up Rodent Droppings Safely
The CDC says to air the space out for 30 minutes, wear rubber or plastic gloves, and never sweep or vacuum droppings, which can put virus-carrying particles in the air. Spray droppings and urine with disinfectant or a 1:9 bleach solution until very wet, let it soak 5 minutes, then wipe up with paper towels and bag them.
Step by step
The CDC cleanup method
- 01
Ventilate
“Open all doors and windows for 30 minutes before cleaning to ventilate the space.”
- 02
Glove up
Wear rubber or plastic gloves. Don’t stir up dust or nesting material.
- 03
Don’t sweep or vacuum
“Don’t vacuum or sweep rodent urine, droppings, or nesting materials. This can cause tiny droplets containing viruses to get into the air.”
- 04
Soak
Spray with an EPA-registered disinfectant or a bleach solution, “1.5 cups of household bleach in 1 gallon of water (or 1 part bleach to 9 parts water),” until very wet. Let it soak 5 minutes or per the label.
- 05
Wipe and bag
Use paper towels to pick up the droppings and cleaner; put them in a covered garbage can that is emptied regularly.
- 06
Disinfect and wash
Mop or sponge the area with disinfectant, then remove gloves and wash your hands thoroughly.
Quoted from CDC: How to Clean Up After Rodents.
Know your limit
When to hire a cleanup crew
The CDC’s method is for small areas. For heavy infestations, the CDC says workers need protective equipment including HEPA-filter respirators and coveralls, and it points people to the local health department. Hire out when:
- Droppings and nesting are spread through attic or crawl-space insulation
- There is a strong odor or visible urine staining
- Ducts are contaminated (the CDC says to contact a professional for air ducts)
- You would have to work in a tight, poorly ventilated space
Questions
Frequently asked
Can I vacuum rat droppings?
No. The CDC says not to vacuum or sweep droppings, urine or nesting materials, because it can put tiny droplets containing viruses into the air. Wet them with disinfectant first and wipe up with paper towels.
What bleach ratio kills germs in rodent droppings?
The CDC gives 1.5 cups of household bleach per gallon of water, or 1 part bleach to 9 parts water, sprayed until very wet and left for 5 minutes. An EPA-registered disinfectant used per its label also works.
How do I clean droppings out of attic insulation?
You generally can’t clean insulation in place. Small spots can be bagged with the affected insulation; widespread contamination is a job for a crew with respirators. See attic cleanup.
Next step
Get the house looked at
Call for the quickest answer, or send the form and expect a call back to set up an inspection and a written quote.
- Entry points found and listed
- Trapping, sealing and cleanup priced separately
- Warranty terms in writing