Rodent Droppings and Nest Cleanup in Albuquerque

In shortHantavirus-safe cleanup of droppings and nests in garages, sheds, cabins, cabinets and crawl spaces.

In New Mexico, cleaning up mouse droppings isn't just a chore. Deer mice carry hantavirus, and the virus spreads when dried droppings, urine or nesting get stirred into the air. The New Mexico Department of Health warns against sweeping droppings for that reason.

For a small, open area you can follow the steps below. For a shed full of nests, a crawl space or an attic, it's worth hiring out.

The steps, from the CDC

The CDC's rodent cleanup steps are short, and you should follow them in order:

Prop doors and windows open for 30 minutes and wait outside
Put on rubber or plastic gloves
Mix fresh bleach solution: 1.5 cups bleach to 1 gallon of water
Spray droppings and nests until soaked and wait 5 minutes
Wipe up with paper towels, bag it and throw it out
Don't vacuum or sweep any of it

Sheds and stored things

For sheds and barns, the CDC adds a few points: spray dirt floors with disinfectant, move stored boxes out into a ventilated spot in direct sun, and stand upwind so the dust doesn't blow toward you. The state health department also says to air out closed-up buildings, cabins and stored vehicles before going in.

When to hand it off

Hire it out if the nest material is spread through insulation, if the space is small and enclosed, or if anyone in the house has lung or immune problems. A provider can handle the cleanup along with trapping and sealing.

Questions

Is a dust mask enough?

For confined spaces, NMSU Extension says to use a HEPA or N-100 respirator. Painters' masks aren't enough.

What do I do with a dead mouse?

Gloves on, spray it with disinfectant, then double bag it and put it in the trash. The City of Albuquerque also asks people to call 311 about dead rodents that died with no obvious cause in certain foothill and East Mountain areas.