What Should You Do If You Find Rodent Droppings?

Finding rodent droppings in your Mesa, AZ, home can be alarming and stressful. It’s a sign of unwanted pests and a potential health hazard. At Wave Pest Services, we understand how unsettling this discovery can be, and we’re here to guide you through the next steps to ensure your home stays safe and pest-free. Let’s review what you should do if you find rodent droppings and how to tackle the issue effectively.

How Do You Safely Clean Up Rodent Droppings?

When it comes to cleaning up rodent droppings, safety is the top priority. Rodents, such as mice and rats, can carry diseases like Hantavirus, Salmonella, and Leptospirosis, which can be transmitted through their droppings. Here’s how to safely handle and clean up rodent droppings in your home:

Ventilate the Area: Before beginning the cleanup, open windows and doors to ventilate the area for at least 30 minutes. This helps to reduce the risk of inhaling any dust particles contaminated by the droppings.
Wear Protective Gear: Always use gloves, a face mask, and, if possible, eye protection when cleaning up rodent droppings. This minimizes direct contact with harmful pathogens.
Do Not Sweep or Vacuum: Avoid sweeping or vacuuming the droppings, as this can stir up particles and increase the risk of inhaling airborne pathogens.
Disinfect First: Spray the droppings and the surrounding area with a disinfectant solution (either a bleach and water mixture or a commercial disinfectant). Let the solution sit for at least 5 minutes to kill any germs.
Wipe and Dispose: Use disposable paper towels to wipe up the droppings. Place them in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of the bag in an outdoor trash bin.
Disinfect Again: After removing the droppings, clean the area thoroughly with the disinfectant. Also, disinfect any tools or materials you used during the cleanup.
Wash Your Hands: After the cleanup, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, even if you wore gloves.

Why Is It Important to Identify Additional Signs of Infestation?

Recognizing the importance of quality rodent control for your Mesa home is crucial when it comes to identifying the full extent of an infestation. Finding droppings often indicates a larger rodent issue. It’s important to identify other signs of an infestation to understand the extent of the problem. Look for gnaw marks on food packaging, walls, or furniture that suggest active rodents in the house. You might also notice scratching sounds in walls or ceilings, especially at night, as rodents are typically nocturnal. If you spot nests made from shredded materials or see grease marks along baseboards and walls, these are further signs that rodents have settled into your home. Identifying these indicators early can help you and Wave Pest Services determine the most effective treatment plan.

How Can You Prevent Future Rodent Infestations?

Preventing future infestations is crucial to maintaining a rodent-free environment. Here are a few preventative steps you can take:

Seal Entry Points

Rodents are experts at squeezing through tiny openings. They can enter through holes as small as a quarter of an inch. To protect your property, inspect the exterior for any potential entry points, such as cracks in the foundation, gaps around utility lines, spaces under doors, and holes in window frames. Seal these areas using durable materials like caulk, steel wool, or wire mesh. For gaps under doors, consider installing door sweeps to create a tight seal. Pay special attention to areas around pipes and vents, as these are common entry points for rodents. Regularly check for new openings, especially after seasonal changes that may cause cracks to form.

Store Food Properly

One of the main reasons rodents invade homes is the easy access to food. Make sure all food items, including pet food, are stored in airtight containers made of metal, glass, or heavy-duty plastic to prevent rodents from gnawing through. Regularly clean up spills and crumbs from kitchen surfaces, dining areas, and pantry shelves. Don’t forget to wipe down pet feeding areas as well. Trash bins are another attractant, so ensure they have tight-fitting lids and are emptied regularly. If possible, keep outdoor trash cans at a distance from the building and secure them to prevent rodents from rummaging through.

Remove Clutter

Rodents love to hide in cluttered spaces, as they provide ample materials for nesting. Regularly declutter areas like attics, basements, garages, and storage rooms. Organize stored items in plastic bins with tight lids rather than cardboard boxes, which rodents can easily chew through. Keep piles of firewood or building materials away from the exterior walls of your home, as these can serve as nesting sites and provide easy access inside. In gardens, trim shrubs and trees that are close to the house, as overgrown vegetation can also offer shelter for rodents.

When Should You Contact Wave Pest Services for Professional Help?

If you find rodent droppings or notice other signs of an infestation, it’s essential to address the issue promptly. While DIY measures can help with minor problems, a full-blown infestation often requires professional intervention. At Wave Pest Services, we offer comprehensive rodent control services tailored to your home’s specific needs. Our licensed technicians conduct thorough inspections, identify entry points, and implement effective trapping and exclusion methods to eradicate the problem.

Act Quickly to Protect Your Home from Rodent Infestation

Discovering rodent droppings in your Mesa home is a serious matter that requires immediate attention. Cleaning up safely, inspecting for further signs, and taking preventative measures are crucial steps in addressing the issue. For expert help and long-term solutions, don’t hesitate to contact Wave Pest Services. Call us today at (480) 759-5700 to schedule a professional rodent inspection and safeguard your home from future infestations.