Mice Control Matters: Deadly Virus Found in Mice in U.S.

Most people know that mice are prone to carrying diseases, and so they try to stay on top of their mice control. However, recent news out of San Diego brings a rodent infestation to another level. A California deer mouse—a very common mouse in the area—tested positive for hantavirus. This is especially concerning because there is no vaccine available for hantavirus, nor is there a cure. If someone contracts the virus, their body either has to fight it off naturally or it could be fatal. In fact, the death rate of those who get the virus is between 30% and 40%. 

How Is the Virus Spread?

This is when the news of this virus gets even more frightening. The virus is spread through any urine, feces, or saliva from any infected mice, making preventative pest control for mice imperative. If any of the dried particles from the feces, saliva, or urine become airborne and get inhaled, the person can catch the virus. If contracted, an infected person will begin to notice severe muscle aches, nausea and/or vomiting, headaches, chills, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. If any of these symptoms present themselves after any interaction with mice or their droppings, go to the doctor immediately.

How to Keep Yourself and Loved Ones Safe

As you probably know, mice have an insanely fast reproduction cycle, so even if you may not think you have any mice now, you will want to be proactive with your rodent pest control. Here are the steps you should take to eliminate a rodent infestation and keep your family safe:

• Make sure all external holes in your home and garage are sealed. If there is an opening larger than a dime, a rodent can get in.
• As soon as you notice a rodent, or the signs of a rodent, seek out the best rodent control ASAP.
• Stay away from any rodent-infested areas, and make sure you don’t stir up materials that could potentially be contaminated with rodent urine or droppings.
• If you do find yourself cleaning up the remnants of a rodent, always use wet cleaning methods, like mopping or a wet sponge, to make sure the particles don’t escape into the air like they do when you sweep or vacuum.
• Any time you are cleaning anything that may be contaminated, wear disposable rubber or plastic gloves.
• The most effective cleaner for dead rodents and their droppings is a 10% bleach solution. Let the solution sit on the surface for at least 15 minutes to give it ample time to kill all the germs and viruses.
• If you are dealing with an actual dead rodent, place it in a minimum of two completely sealed plastic bags and then throw it directly into your outside trash bins or a dumpster.
• After you are done, take off the gloves and discard them using the same double-bag method, and then wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

A Professional CT Mice Exterminator Is Critical

As of right now, the hantavirus has only been found in San Diego County in California. But even in Connecticut, effective mouse control is imperative. We are in the midst of a heavy rodent season, and even if the deadly virus isn’t present yet, there are still plenty of diseases that you or your family are at risk of catching if you have a rodent infestation. 

To make sure your home is rodent free, contact our rodent pest control experts today.