When cleaning and disinfecting places where rats have been, always put safety first. Rat cleanup involves different health risks from mouse cleanup. The primary concerns with rats are: leptospirosis (transmitted via urine contact with skin or mucous membranes) and a higher volume of contaminated waste. Rat droppings, urine, and nest materials can also carry hantavirus, and salmonella. Proper disinfection helps protect you and your family from getting sick.

Leptospirosis: The Rat-Specific Risk

Rat urine is the primary transmission route for leptospirosis. Any standing water, damp soil, or wet surface that rats have urinated on can harbor the bacteria. Cuts or abrasions on skin provide easy entry points for infection. Wear waterproof gloves — not just latex — when cleaning rat areas, and avoid touching your face at any point during cleanup.

Gather the Right Supplies

• Waterproof rubber gloves (not just latex — waterproof protection is important for rat cleanup)
• Disposable N95 mask
• Protective clothing you can wash in hot water, or a disposable coverall
• Paper towels or disposable rags
• Plastic bags for collecting contaminated materials
• Spray bottle with disinfectant: store-bought, or 1 part household bleach to 10 parts water
• Mop and bucket
• Vacuum with HEPA filter (optional — only after disinfecting)

Ventilate the Area First

Open doors and windows for at least 30 minutes before cleaning. This allows fresh air to circulate and helps remove any airborne particles. Stay out of the area during this time if possible.

Do Not Sweep or Vacuum Before Wetting

Never sweep or vacuum rat droppings, urine, or nesting materials when dry — this sends dangerous particles into the air. Always wet the affected area with disinfectant first.

Soak Droppings, Urine, and Nesting Materials

Spray a generous amount of disinfectant directly onto all areas with rat droppings, urine stains, and nesting materials. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes. This kills germs and makes everything safer to handle.

Carefully Remove Contaminated Materials

Use paper towels or rags to pick up and wipe away all droppings, urine-soaked debris, and nest materials. Place everything directly into a plastic bag. Double-bag if the outside of the bag becomes contaminated.

Disinfect All Surfaces Again

After removing visible debris, thoroughly spray and wipe down all surrounding surfaces — floors, walls, baseboards, countertops, and cabinets. Don't forget hidden or hard-to-reach areas where rats may have crawled or left urine. Allow the disinfectant to air-dry if possible.

Launder Contaminated Clothing and Linens

Any clothes, bedding, or soft items that came into contact with rats should be washed separately in hot water and detergent. Dry on the highest heat setting. Use gloves to handle these items until they're clean.

Dispose of Cleaning Materials Safely

Seal all used gloves, paper towels, rags, and bags in a plastic bag. Place in your outdoor trash bin. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after removing gloves.

Sterilize Reusable Tools

Mops, buckets, and any reusable items used during cleaning must be disinfected. Soak in the bleach solution for at least 10 minutes, then rinse and allow to air-dry outside if possible.

Optional: Follow Up with a HEPA Vacuum

Only vacuum once all surfaces have been disinfected and dried, and only with a HEPA filter vacuum. Standard vacuums spread particles rather than capturing them.

When to Call a Professional

A rat infestation of 5+ individuals can contaminate an entire basement, crawl space, or garage. In these cases, professional decontamination is recommended over DIY cleanup — the volume and distribution of waste exceeds what is practical to safely clean without professional equipment. Call Anchor Pest Services at (603) 785-0118 for professional cleanup and decontamination across New Hampshire.

Prevent Future Rat Activity

• Seal any holes or cracks with steel wool and patching material
• Store all food including pet food in sealed rodent-proof containers
• Take out trash regularly and clean up crumbs or spills right away
• Keep clutter to a minimum so rats have nowhere to hide or nest

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