Cleaning up after mice is not just about tidying up — it's about protecting your health. The CDC recommends never sweeping or vacuuming dry rodent droppings, as this releases Hantavirus particles into the air. Always disinfect first, then wipe. Mice in New England, including NH, can carry Hantavirus — proper cleanup prevents exposure.

Gather What You Need First

• Disposable rubber, latex, or nitrile gloves
• N95 mask (any mask is better than none)
• Protective glasses or goggles
• Bleach solution: 1 part bleach to 10 parts water, or an EPA-registered disinfectant that says "kills viruses"
• Paper towels or disposable rags
• Heavy-duty garbage bags
• Soap and water for washing hands afterward

Ventilate the Area Before You Start

Open doors and windows for at least 30 minutes before cleaning. This lets fresh air move through and reduces airborne particle concentration before you disturb anything. Leave the area during this time.

Protect Yourself

Always wear gloves while handling anything contaminated. Add a mask and protective eyewear — this blocks particles from reaching your face or eyes.

Soak — Don't Sweep or Vacuum

Never sweep or vacuum dry droppings, urine, or nesting material. This makes dangerous particles airborne where you can inhale them. Instead:

• Spray droppings, urine, and nesting material with disinfectant until thoroughly wet
• Let it sit for at least 5 minutes — this gives it time to kill pathogens including Hantavirus
• Then use paper towels to wipe and pick up — never dry

Remove and Bag All Contaminated Materials

• Use paper towels to pick up droppings, nesting material, and soiled items
• Place everything directly into a heavy-duty garbage bag
• Seal tightly — double-bag if there's a large volume
• Dispose in an outdoor, secured trash can

Disinfect Everything in the Area

After removing visible droppings and nests, spray and wipe all nearby surfaces — even those that look clean. Wipe floors, countertops, cabinet edges, and drawer interiors. Don't forget doorknobs and light switches you touched with gloves.

Clean Soft Items

If clothing, bedding, or fabric items have been contaminated:

• Launder with regular detergent on the hottest safe water setting
• If not machine-washable, seal in a garbage bag and discard

Wash Up Thoroughly

• Remove gloves by peeling inside-out and discard in a sealed bag
• Wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
• Disinfect any reusable protective gear (goggles, etc.)

What If You Find a Mouse Nest?

Wear gloves and a mask, spray the entire nest with disinfectant, let soak 5 minutes, then pick up with paper towels and bag immediately.

When to Call a Professional Decontamination Service

If the infestation was large — more than a few droppings per room, or mice active inside walls or HVAC systems — DIY cleanup is not recommended. In large infestations, droppings can enter air systems and spread contamination throughout the entire home. Professional decontamination is the safe option. For professional cleanup and rodent removal in NH, contact Anchor Pest Services — (603) 785-0118, serving Manchester, Nashua, and Concord.

If You Feel Sick After Cleaning

If you develop flu-like symptoms — fever, muscle aches, or difficulty breathing — within 1–5 weeks of cleanup, seek medical help immediately and explain your mouse exposure. These can be early Hantavirus symptoms.

Prevent Future Mouse Problems

• Seal all gaps and cracks around pipes, cables, and the foundation
• Store food (including pet food) in airtight hard containers
• Keep areas free of crumbs and clutter
• Fix leaks and eliminate standing water — both attract rodents

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