The time of year when there is an increased Hantavirus risk is fast approaching. Rodents are carriers of the Hantavirus and the most common carrier is the urine, droppings, nests, saliva, or remains of the mouse. Mice are most active in their breeding season from Spring to Summer.
Mice usually make their homes in the fields, wood piles, hay, garbage, or indoor settings.
Spring temperatures encourage many to do some spring cleaning of their homes, sheds and yards. During these seasons many fields are also harvested, making mice leave the fields to other areas (homes, storage buildings, abandoned cars, barns, wood piles, trash piles).
It is easy to take steps to help prevent exposure to the hantavirus.
Control Mice Inside:
- Prevent access to food sources
- Keep food and cooking areas clean
- Cover pet and human food overnight
- Store garbage in tightly covered & keep container off the ground
- Set traps for live rodents in the home
Control Mice Outside:
- Eliminate nesting sites
- Keep woodpiles off the ground
- Eliminate food sources
- Store in tight containers
- Cover uneaten food at night
Prevent access to home
- Repair openings and holes on outside walls
- Seal openings between outside door and floor
- Keep doors and windows closed
If you do happen to clean rodent area:
- Wear mask to cover mouth and nose
- Wear rubber gloves
- Avoid sweeping or vacuuming
- Spray area with disinfectant
- Use mixture of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water
- Let soak for 10-15 minutes
- Use paper towels to wipe up urine and droppings
- Throw paper towels into plastic bag and close before throwing in trash can
- Use Ziploc bags for dead rodents and droppings and dispose
- Disinfect gloves before taking them off and Wash your Hands!
Remember that preventing rodent guests will also help to prevent exposure to the hantavirus.
Hanta Virus Hotline: (520) 562-9855
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