When most people think about rodents in their home, they think about nuisance issues like scratching in the walls, chewed wires, or contaminated food. What many people don’t realize is that rodents can also pose serious health risks to your family. One of the most concerning diseases associated with rodents in Colorado is Hantavirus.
Hantavirus has recently made headlines after several cruise ship passengers reportedly became ill, reminding people that viruses carried by rodents are still a very real concern. Here in Colorado, the virus is most commonly associated with deer mice, although other rodent species may also carry diseases harmful to humans.
At Northern Colorado Pest & Wildlife Control, we believe pest control is about far more than removing nuisance pests — it’s about protecting human health and safety.
What Is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a potentially serious respiratory disease transmitted primarily through infected rodents and their waste. Humans can become exposed when they inhale airborne particles contaminated with rodent urine, droppings, or nesting materials.
Colorado and many western states have historically seen higher numbers of cases compared to other parts of the country, making rodent prevention especially important for homeowners in our region.
Signs of a Rodent Problem
Where Do Rodents Hide in Your Home?
Rodents can invade:
- Attics
- Crawlspaces
- Garages
- Basements
- Wall voids
- Kitchens and pantries
Damage Rodents Can Cause
Beyond the health concerns, rodents can also:
- Chew electrical wiring and create fire hazards
- Damage insulation and structural materials
- Contaminate food storage areas
- Leave behind foul odors and waste
- Create ongoing noise and nuisance issues
If you suspect rodent activity in your home, it’s important to address the issue quickly and safely.
Cleaning Rodent Waste Safely
If you absolutely must clean up rodent droppings yourself, it is critical to follow proper safety procedures. The CDC recommends the following steps:
- Put on rubber or plastic gloves.
- Spray urine and droppings thoroughly with a bleach solution or EPA registered disinfectant until completely wet. Let it soak for at least 5 minutes.
- Use paper towels to wipe up the waste and cleaning product.
- Dispose of paper towels in a covered garbage container.
- Mop or disinfect all hard surfaces including floors, countertops, cabinets, and drawers.
- Wash gloved hands with soap and water before removing gloves.
- Wash hands thoroughly after glove removal.
We also strongly recommend wearing at minimum an N95 mask during cleanup.
Common Mistakes When Cleaning Rodent Droppings
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings. This can cause contaminated particles to become airborne, increasing the risk of inhalation exposure.
Why Professional Rodent Control Matters
In many cases, the safest solution is to hire a professional pest control company trained in rodent management and sanitation procedures.
What Does Professional Rodent Control Include?
Professional rodent services do more than just trap mice. A proper program should include:
- Identifying and sealing entry points
- Removing active rodent populations
- Monitoring for future activity
- Sanitizing contaminated areas
- Preventing long term infestations
At Northern Colorado Pest & Wildlife Control, our goal is not only to protect your home, but also to help protect your family’s health and peace of mind.
Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
A few mice in the attic may seem minor, but rodent infestations can quickly become a serious issue if left untreated. The sooner the problem is addressed, the easier and safer it is to resolve.
If you are hearing noises in the walls, finding droppings, noticing unusual odors, or seeing signs of rodent activity, now is the time to act.
Call Northern Colorado Pest & Wildlife Control today at 970-330-3929 for a free inspection and let our team help protect your home and family.
