MN Wild Animal Management | Mice and Rodent Control
Continued from Mice, Mouse Rodent Control & Removal Minneapolis MN Part 1
With all the snow and cold temperatures we are having in Minnesota, homeowners aren’t the only ones seeking shelter indoors this winter. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) warns that mice and other rodents are also looking for access to warm homes. In fact, the NPMA reports that more than 21 million rodents enter homes each winter.
While mice and rodents are unwelcome house guests for any homeowner, the real concern is that these pests can cause property damage and spread disease. Rodents such as mice serve as vectors of many common diseases, including salmonella and Hantavirus, which they spread by contaminating food and food preparation surfaces. Rodents also may cause considerable property damage by chewing through wiring in homes, car engines, and other places, in some cases sparking house fires.
Even One Mouse Is One Too Many!
Many homeowners notice signs of a rodent in their home and assume it’s no big deal or that it may be just the one. In my opinion, even one mouse in my house is one too many!
A small infestation can quickly grow into a huge mice problem. Because they are prolific breeders, a couple of mice in your home can quickly turn into a major infestation if left unaddressed. We recommend taking precautionary measures to keep them outdoors where they belong.
- Seal cracks and holes on the outside of your home to help prevent rodents from finding easy entryways. Pay special attention to areas where utilities and pipes enter the home. Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows.
- Don’t build rodent attractions near your home. Store firewood at least 20 feet from the home and five inches off the ground. Keep shrubberies cut back from the house.
- Rodents can hide in clutter, so keep areas clear and store boxes off of the floor. Keep food in rodent-proof containers.
- If you find rodent feces, hear sounds of scurrying in the walls or observe other signs of an infestation, you may want to consider calling a licensed professional from the pest control industry in your area. You can then have someone evaluate your situation who is trained and has received information on proper cleanup of potentially contaminated environments, and already has and wears the appropriate protective equipment.
Should you choose to tackle the cleanup yourself the following steps have been recommended by many of the knowledgeable people in the industry.
- Ventilate the affected area the night before by opening doors and windows where possible.
- Wear rubber gloves, safety glasses, and at least a properly-fitting dust mask. Most appropriate is a respiratory protective device with a “HEPA” filter, capable of filtering out even the tiny, tiny viruses.
- Moisten the area, nests, contaminated traps, or dead rodents or their droppings with a spray solution of disinfectant. Follow the instructions on the container of disinfectant – such things as Lysol or bleach. The National Pest Management Association’s suggestion would be about 1 1/2 cups of household bleach in 1 gallon of water. If the contaminated area happens to be furniture and it is surfaces that can be cleaned, then they should be professionally cleaned. If it was furniture with nests inside it you should consider getting rid of the items.
- DO NOT VACUUM to remove rodent droppings.
- Captured rodents should be placed in a plastic bag without touching them. Use the bag like a glove to seal it inside for disposal. Any traps and the area around it should be disinfected.
- Wash your gloves in disinfectant prior to removing them, and then wash your hands thoroughly.
This is some basic information about Hantavirus and Arenavirus, and mice and rodent control in general. There is a great deal of information available on the Internet, and good, factual, accurate information can be found on sites provided by The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), State or County Health Departments, and the medical community.
Wild Animal Management
If you have done everything you can and still have mice, deer mice or other rodents in your home, it is important to contact a professional. Mice can colonize under concrete and porches, in your attic and other hard to reach places. A professional exterminator can remove the mice from your Minnesota home as well repair any of the damage they may have caused. They will have the tools and techniques to rid you of these unwanted pests once and for all.
Find out more about Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCMV)
A checklist of precautions is provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, providing tips for sealing the home to keep rodents out, using traps to eliminate existing rodents, and maintaining a clean, healthy home. Prevent LCMV from wild rodents
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Fact Sheet
Facts About Hantaviruses
“Facts About Hantavirus” Brochure 
[PDF – 182 KB]
This brochure provides detailed information for prevention of hantavirus in and around your home.
