Mice can be a huge nuisance. If you've had wild mice in your living space, it's important to clean thoroughly right after a rodent removal service has addressed the immediate problem. This will help keep them from coming back - and that's vital, since they can carry diseases that can make you and your family sick. Here are some tips.

What Are Some Tips for Cleaning Up After Having Rodents?

1. Thorough House Cleaning

Start by vacuuming the areas where mice have been spotted or that appear to have been infested. Vacuuming will help remove droppings, nesting material, hair, and other debris. 

Be sure to dispose of the bag or contents immediately after vacuuming to prevent further contamination. Also, do not handle droppings with your bare hands. Rodent removal experts use gloves and masks because droppings can carry disease.

2. Use Disinfectant

Clean all affected areas with a strong disinfectant cleaner such as bleach or ammonia-based cleaners. This will help kill germs and bacteria left behind by the mice and make your home safer for you and your family again. Avoid cleaners like vinegar, as they can have the opposite effect and create an attractive environment for mice and other pests, which may be attracted to the aroma.

3. Seal up Entryways

Seal any cracks or crevices around windows, doors, and baseboards, as these may serve as a point of entry into your home. They can be identified by signs such as droppings, chewed holes in wood or insulation, and gnaw marks. Have a rodent removal expert help you identify other problem areas. You can seal these areas using caulk or steel wool to prevent future infestations.

4. Change Your Linens

Change out any bedding, mattresses, clothes or other material that has been in contact with mouse droppings or urine. Thoroughly wash and sanitize them before reuse. You can sanitize them by washing them in hot water and adding a cup of bleach to the wash. If the mice have chewed on furniture or other surfaces, these should also be cleaned and disinfected.

5. Protect Food Sources

Remove any food sources that may have attracted the mice in the first place. This includes pet food, garbage, and other items that could be considered a food source. Mice are attracted to food like sugar, grains, fruits and vegetables, so it is important to eliminate the possibility of them returning. If possible, store these goods in sealed containers in an area away from the infestation site.

To avoid a return of invasive mice, have the team at Extermination Services in Port Orchard, WA handle all your rodent removal needs. These licensed exterminators serve the Kitsap County area using the latest technology and humane services. Learn more about their pest removal solutions online, or call (360) 895-1890 to schedule an appointment.