Mouse Poop: Identification, Precations & Safe Clean Up

Mice have been known to spread diseases like Salmonella. Because mice can fit into such small places, such as kitchen cupboards or pantries, they can easily spread food-borne illnesses. Studies have shown that although mice can spread disease just by passing through, the real culprit comes from their urine and feces. You can spread and contract this illness just from interaction, therefore, it’s vital that you both identify and clean mice droppings properly. 

Today, we’ll show you how to safely remove mouse poop in your home. We’ll also share some common places you’ll likely find mouse droppings hiding throughout your home. 

Also Read: 5 Types of Mice in America and The Viruses They Carry

Mouse Infestations 

Finding mouse droppings in your home is a tell-tale sign that there’s likely more to your problem. Even if you haven’t seen a mouse, they could be hiding in other unexpected places in and around your home. Be sure to read our guide on assessing the early signs of a mouse infestation here. After properly cleaning up mouse feces, you should immediately set up traps and call an exterminator to assess the problem.

WARNING pregnant women, children, or those with immune deficiencies should not attempt to clean rat poop. Rat feces can be highly toxic and can severely affect your health. 

Identifying Mice Poop

Mouse droppings and urine can often be mistaken for rat poop. Mice often poop in larger clusters, leaving up to 75 small pellets in one sitting. There are some key distinctions to look out for when inspecting mouse feces:   

• Size: mice leave up to 75 pellets in one area at a time, this is often more than rats or other pests. 
• Shape: droppings are much smaller than a rat’s (¾ inch to ½ inch,) and only get to about three to six millimeters. It should look like small grains of rice. 
• Smell: mouse droppings typically don’t leave a distinct smell, but their urine often leaves an ammonia-like smell behind. 
• Color: mouse poop often appears brownish-black. 
• Location: mice are smaller, and can often leave feces in smaller places, like behind the fridge or in a kitchen drawer.

After finding droppings, regardless of what the species is, you should call an exterminator to assess the situation. Mouse poop can often be mistaken for other pests and can get into smaller areas because they’re small. In the meantime, you can safely clean up any droppings you do find by using our tips. 

Also Read: Rat Poop Identification and Safe Clean Up

How To Clean Up Rat Poop

The first thing you should do when you find mouse droppings in your home is to open all windows and doors so your home can air out. Do this for at least 30 minutes, and this helps the toxins in your home filter out. While you’re waiting, grab your cleaning supplies. You will need:

• Rubber gloves
• A medical-grade mask
• A bleach solution spray (1 part bleach to 10 parts water)
• Paper towel
• A mop or steam cleaner
• Garbage bags
• Disinfectant 

Step One: Bleach

Put on your rubber gloves and mask. This ensures that you’re protected from toxins in the mouse poop. It’s vital that you do this to ensure you’re fully protected while cleaning. Common viruses from mouse droppings may include:

• Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
• Leptospirosis
• Lymphocytic choriomeningitis
• Rat-bite fever
• Salmonellosis
• Other food-borne illnesses

With your bleach solution, spray the droppings and the surrounding area. Let this soak for at least five minutes.

Once the droppings and urine have been completely soaked, use a paper towel to wipe the area down. Dispose of the paper town in a separate garbage bag. 

Step Two: Clean Up

Prepare a strong cleaning solution for your floors. Mop the entire room if you found droppings on tile or hardwood floors.

If you found droppings on carpet or furniture, use a steam cleaner and the recommended shampoo to thoroughly soak and clean the area. Once you’ve let the area soak for five minutes, vacuum the excess moisture. 

Wash all bedding and clothing that may have come in contact with the droppings. Use soap, a deodorizer, and the hottest setting on your washer. 

Step Three: Disinfect and Dispose

Throw any leftover remains from your steam cleaner, mop bucket, and vacuum away. The vacuum remains should go in the same bag as the droppings. The infected cleaning solutions can be thrown away safely outside. Do not throw the remains down the sink or in your regular garbage. 

After tightly sealing your garbage bag with the droppings and leftover vacuum remains, dispose of it in your outside garbage.

Finally, disinfect your gloves, mop, and other materials used to clean the droppings and urine. Disinfect other items that may have come in contact with the feces and urine. Lightly disinfect the affected areas with a disinfectant spray. 

Once you’ve fully removed all the droppings from your home, thoroughly wash your hands in hot, soapy water for 60 seconds. 

Dead Mice and Nests

Mice can easily get into the house from just about anywhere. They only need a small crack to scurry through into your home. Be sure to read up on our list of ways mice can enter your home. Other common places you may find mice, droppings, or dead specimen include:

• Pantries, drawers, and cupboards
• Attics, crawlspaces, and basements
• Inside walls and vents
• Inside messy or rarely used closets 

If you find a dead rodent or nest, call an exterminator immediately. The problem may be much worse than you originally thought if you find a dead specimen rather than a live one. 

Also Read: How Mice Get In The House

If you need help with your mouse infestation, call Pest Brigade and we can connect you to a local exterminator who can help.