05/08/2026
With Hantavirus making headlines, we wanted to share some important information for homeowners. People often assume the danger comes from mice chewing wires, causing fires and damaging vehicles but the bigger concern is how rodent droppings and nesting materials are cleaned up.
When dried droppings, urine, or nesting materials are swept or vacuumed, those teeny tiny particles can become airborne and inhaled. That’s why safe cleanup is so important.
🔎If you discover rodent activity in your home, garage, attic, shed, or crawlspace, here are a few important safety tips we want to share.
• 🪟Open windows and air out the area before cleaning
• 🚫Avoid sweeping or vacuuming dry/aged droppings. Household vacuums can actually blow debris back into the air which we don’t want to happen.
• 😷Always glove up and consider using an N95 mask if you are in enclosed spaces
• 🚿Spray droppings and affected areas with disinfectant or a bleach solution before wiping them up. (Always read the label).
• 🧻Use paper towels or disposable rags for cleanup
• 🚮Seal up waste materials in a bag and wash hands thoroughly afterward
Your attics, basements, garages, barns, and seasonal camps tend to be the most common problem areas here in the Berkshires, especially after these colder months when rodents have been nesting indoors.
Our team has many years of experience helping homeowners identify rodent issues, prevent future problems, and handle situations safely. If you have questions or concerns about rodent activity in your home, we’re always happy to help.