How Do I Disinfect Areas Where Rats Were Active?

Leptospirosis bacteria spread through infected rats' urine and can survive in water or soil for weeks to months, entering the body through cuts or through the eyes, nose, and mouth. Cover any open cuts or scrapes before cleaning, and avoid touching your face during the process — this is a rat-specific precaution beyond the standard glove-and-wet-clean routine used for mice.

For floors, counters, cabinets, and plastic, glass, or metal containers, wet-wipe the droppings and urine first (spray, soak 5 minutes, wipe with paper towels), then mop or wipe the surface with a general-purpose disinfectant or a fresh 1:9 bleach solution (1.5 cups bleach per gallon of water). This always follows the 30-minute air-out step for enclosed spaces.

Launder contaminated fabrics in hot water and detergent, shampoo or steam-clean carpets and upholstery, and sun or isolate books and papers in a rodent-free space for at least three weeks. Contaminated exposed insulation should be bagged for removal rather than disinfected in place, since it can't be reliably cleaned. Move contaminated storage boxes outside into sunlight to sort, and if rats reached ductwork, contact a professional service.