What should I do if I've been exposed to mouse droppings?

Safe Handling of Mouse Droppings Exposure

If you've been exposed to mouse droppings, immediately wet the droppings with a disinfectant or bleach solution before cleaning, wear protective gloves during cleanup, and avoid creating dust by never sweeping or vacuuming dry droppings. 1

Immediate Steps After Exposure

When exposed to mouse droppings, follow these specific steps to minimize health risks:

1. Do not disturb the droppings dry - Never vacuum or sweep mouse droppings before disinfection as this can create potentially infectious aerosols 1

2. Prepare proper protective equipment:

   • Wear rubber, latex, vinyl, or nitrile gloves
   • For heavy infestations, consider additional protection (safety glasses, coveralls)

3. Prepare a disinfecting solution using one of these options:

   • Commercial household disinfectant (follow label instructions)
   • Homemade bleach solution: 1½ cups of household bleach in 1 gallon of water (1:10 solution) 1

Detailed Cleanup Procedure

For Mouse Droppings and Urine:

1. Thoroughly soak droppings and urine with disinfectant or bleach solution
2. Use paper towels to pick up the wetted droppings
3. Place used paper towels in a garbage bag
4. Disinfect all potentially contaminated surfaces:
   • Mop floors with disinfectant solution
   • Clean countertops, cabinets, and other surfaces
   • For carpets, use disinfectant or commercial steam cleaner
   • For upholstered furniture, steam-clean or shampoo 1

For Dead Mice or Nests:

1. Wear protective gloves
2. Spray the dead mouse or nest thoroughly with disinfectant
3. Place in a plastic bag, seal it, then place in a second plastic bag
4. Dispose by burying, burning, or placing in a covered trash can
5. Clean the surrounding area as described above 1

Health Risks and Why Proper Cleanup Matters

Mouse droppings can contain harmful pathogens including hantavirus, which can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, a potentially fatal respiratory disease. The primary risk comes from breathing in dust containing dried mouse urine or droppings that become aerosolized.

Mouse allergens in household dust can also significantly worsen asthma symptoms in sensitized individuals. Research shows that mouse-sensitized children exposed to higher levels of mouse allergen experience:

• 50% more days with asthma symptoms
• 80% more days requiring beta-agonist medication use
• Higher rates of emergency department visits and hospitalizations 2

Special Situations

For Heavy Infestations:

1. Ventilate closed spaces by opening doors and windows for at least 30 minutes before cleaning
2. Use cross-ventilation if possible
3. Leave the area during the airing-out period
4. Consider additional protective equipment:
   • Disposable coveralls
   • Safety glasses or goggles 1

For Items That Cannot Be Cleaned with Liquid:

For books, papers, and similar items:

1. Leave outdoors in sunlight for several hours, or
2. Place in a rodent-free indoor area for approximately 1 week
3. After this period, wipe with cloth moistened with disinfectant while wearing gloves 1

After Cleanup

1. Disinfect gloves before removing them (using disinfectant or soap and water)
2. After removing gloves, thoroughly wash hands with soap and warm water
3. Consider preventive measures to avoid future infestations:
   • Seal entry points
   • Store food in rodent-proof containers
   • Maintain cleanliness to reduce attractants 1

By following these evidence-based guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you can safely handle mouse dropping exposure while minimizing health risks.