Using Rodent Disinfectant Spray and Other Methods to Clean After an Infestation
If you discover the signs of a rodent infestation in your home, contact a local, reputable pest control company immediately. Getting rid of a rodent infestation is risky and extremely difficult for non-professionals, so it’s highly recommended that you consult pest control experts.
Once rodent control professionals eliminate the presence of mice or rats in your home, ask them to show you all the areas where the rodents were nesting; you must clean these places immediately.
Why Cleanup After Rodent Infestation Must Be Quick
After rodents have been removed from a space or home, you or a willing cleaning crew are responsible for cleaning up any nests or other leftover evidence of the infestation (droppings, chewed-up food scraps, urine, paper scraps, tufts of fur, etc.).
This task needs to be done as soon as possible for the following reasons:
- Leaving contaminated items and waste from rats behind can make people and pets sick.
- Failing to remove abandoned rats’ nests without cleaning up creates an awful stench. The food, waste, and other organic material can spoil and create a foul odor that attracts pests like cockroaches and flies.
- Neglecting droppings can also draw more rats straight back.
Safety Concerns for Cleaning Up After Rodent Infestation
Exposure to the germs when cleaning up rodent droppings carries some health risks. However, many products sold as rodent disinfectant sprays are made of harsh chemicals that homeowners should avoid handling if they lack the proper protective equipment.
Safe Rodent Disinfectant Spray Usage
Here are some safety precautions to take when using rodent disinfectant spray or other chemical products to clean up from a rodent infestation:
- Keep the room well-ventilated with fresh air by leaving the windows open for half an hour before and after cleaning with rat disinfectant spray or other disinfecting products.
- Wear protective gear, such as cleaning gloves, eye protection, and a respirator, and cover as much surface area on your body as you can with clothing you’re not afraid to get dirt, droppings, or bleach on.
- For effective cleaning and disinfecting, use the two essential products recommended by the CDC: household disinfectant and a 9:1 mixture of water and bleach.
- To pick up droppings, use a moist paper towel and throw them in the receptacle where you put your doubled trash bags.
- Dispose of droppings by double trash bagging them and putting them in your outside trash can.
- Do not sweep or vacuum up droppings; this can disperse particles into the air, which people and pets can accidentally inhale and develop serious illnesses like histoplasmosis.
When to Call a Pest Control Expert
If you still see signs of rodent infestation after the extermination and cleaning processes, your home or property might still be dealing with an infestation. To guarantee a rodent-free residence or property in Birmingham, you need Vulcan Termite & Pest Control.
Over the past 40 years, we have provided integrative pest management and control services to hundreds of families and professionals in Birmingham and central Alabama. Call us at 205-663-4200 or contact us online and enjoy a pest-free environment today!
We specialize in small rodent control. Local cleaners may be able to help clean up after a significant rodent infestation.
Thanks for reading! Check out our pest blog to learn more about the pests and other creatures found in Alabama.