Rat and mouse droppings can look, at first, like small streaks of tracked-in dirt. If it is just dirt brought in off the sole of someone’s shoe, that’s one thing. But what if you find this “dirt” in impossible places, like in your attic or behind your silverware drawer? That is a good indicator that what you’re looking at is actually the leavings of an invading rodent. You may want to dispose of them as soon as possible, but mouse and rat poop can actually be dangerous if mishandled. Vermont Pest Control is here to tell you all about rodent droppings. Read more to learn how to identify them, clean them safely, and who to call to clear out an infestation!

Rat and Mouse Poop: What to Look For

All pests leave some kind of dropping. Learning how to differentiate between them is a great way to get a head start on fighting an infestation. So, what does mouse poop look like? What is the difference between that and rat poop?

The main thing that distinguishes rat and mouse droppings is size. Mouse poop is small and roughly the scale and shape of a grain of rice. They commonly get mistaken for cockroach poop, although roach droppings are more rounded.

Rat poop, on the other hand, is much larger and shaped like a coffee bean or grape. It looks similar to squirrel poop, except their droppings are rounded while rats are blunt at the ends. Squirrel poop will also lighten over time.

Mice tend to pick a specific area to use as a toilet, like behind the spaces where you store food. But if you have rats in the home, you’re likely to find their droppings all over the place. Regardless of the type of rodent, if you find their leavings you need to know how to clean them carefully.

Cleaning Rodent Poop

Rat and mouse poop cannot be cleaned the way you might with any other kind of droppings. Rodent droppings can transfer diseases – specifically Hantavirus, a respiratory illness that is potentially fatal to humans. If you sweep or vacuum infected droppings, you will release the virus into the air. With that being said, how can you safely clean mouse and rat poop?

You’ll need protective gear to cover your hands, eyes and mouth. Soak the contaminated area with bleach or disinfectant and let it sit for five minutes. Then all you have to do is wipe the mess with a paper towel and throw it away. After that, you can clean the area as you usually would.

This is a good way to keep your home cleaner, but it doesn’t get rid of the rodent infestation in your home. To do that, you’ll need professional pest control help.

Vermont Pest Control for Rats and Mice

We know more than most the effect rodent infestations have for homes across Vermont. Rats and mice can infect food supplies and destroy valuable possessions stored in attics, basements and closets. They will chew through insulation and electrical wires, creating a risk of fires. All in all, having a family of rats or mice in the home is stressful and unpleasant, something you want taken care of as soon as possible. That’s where we come in.

At Vermont Pest Control we’re experienced in rodent extermination and control. We’ll remove them from your house, as well as find and take care of the potential entry points they may have taken advantage of. When we’re done, you’ll be pest-free* for the long term. To get started, contact us today!