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 them from your home. For more information on catching mice please check out our previous blog https://antpestcontrol.com/mice-get-them-out/
- 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 which are all the same size? Or is there a ton of feces which are various sizes? The answer to these questions will dictate the amount of traps you would use to eliminate the rodents. In most cases, there usually is more that 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 which 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 to catch 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 one way disease is transferred to humans. The most common disease contracted by this mistake is Hantavirus.
The Proper Way To Clean Up Droppings
Materials Needed
- Pair of rubber gloves
- Spray bottle
- Bleach & water
- Paper towels
- Trash bag
Directions For Clean Up
- Mix spray bottle with 1 part bleach and 10 parts water.
- Mist mice droppings & allow area to sit 5 minutes
- Wipe up + collect droppings
- Dispose feces into trash bag
For more information regarding cleaning up after rodents, please refer to the CDC (Center For Disease Control & Prevention) https://www.cdc.gov/rodents/cleaning/index.html .
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.
