Mice Droppings: The Danger
Why do we need to know what mice droppings look like? Of course, talking about this is a bit gross but very important. First, it’s crucial to know that infected rodents can spread over 35 harmful diseases… Some of these illnesses are spread directly through their droppings.
What Do Mice Droppings Look Like?
- Resembles: Celery seed or grain of rice
- Color: Black
- Size: 1/4 inch or smaller in length
- Characteristics: Tapered or rounded ends
Mice Droppings: Data
When Identifying mice droppings… We must keep a few variables in mind… Paying keen attention to these variables will tell you how severe the rodent problem is. These details will also assist you with eliminating and catching mice from your home. For more information on catching mice, please check out our previous blog
- Glossy or flat black
First, we must classify them as “new” or “old” droppings.” Newer droppings will appear shiny, wet, or glossy. Old feces will look matte or flat… Why is this important? New droppings will indicate mice possibly being present within the structure. Old droppings may indicate a previous rodent problem.
- Quantity & Size
The next step is to figure out an estimated size of the infestation. Are there a few droppings that are all the same size? Or is there a ton of feces that are various sizes? The answer to these questions will dictate the number of traps you would use to eliminate the rodents. In most cases, there usually is more than one mouse.
- Location
Where did you find the droppings? If rodent feces were found behind the oven, be sure to inspect the rest of the home for other possible locations harboring evidence of mice. The locations containing new droppings are the areas that will be "hot spots" for treatment. Be sure to place traps in areas containing high numbers of droppings. These are considered to be high-activity areas and will present the highest probability of catching mice.
Cleaning Up After Mice: Biggest Mistake
Vacuuming up mice dropping is the biggest mistake most people make while cleaning up after rodents. Vacuuming will scatter the microscopic bacteria found on the mice droppings into the air. Inhaling “air-born” bacteria is a one-way disease that is transferred to humans. The most common disease contracted by this mistake is Hantavirus.
The Proper Way To Clean Up Droppings
To safely clean mice droppings, you need the following materials:
- Pair of rubber gloves
- Spray bottle
- Bleach & water
- Paper towels
- Trash bag
Directions For Clean Up
- Mix a spray bottle with 1 part bleach and 10 parts water.
- Mist mice droppings & allow the area to sit for 5 minutes
- Wipe up + collect droppings
- Dispose of feces into a trash bag
For more information regarding cleaning up after rodents, please refer to the CDC (Center For Disease Control & Prevention).
A.N.T. Pest Control is a licensed, certified, and insured company. We serve New Lenox, Manhattan, Joliet, Frankfort, Mokena, Tinley Park, Orland Park, and the surrounding suburbs.
