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We are Chicago Wildlife, and we solve conflicts between people and wild animals. From squirrels in your attic, to raccoons in your trash, to bats, rats, birds, and snakes, we do it all. We specialize in safe and effective solutions to Illinois critter problems. We service the greater Chicago region, and we offer fast service - we can usually schedule a same-day appointment. Give us a call at 773-295-1230 any time, 24/7, and we will discuss your unique wild animal problem, and give you a free price quote over the phone. We're ready to take your call now!

Our service range: We service Lake County, DuPage County, Will County, Kane County, McHenry County, and more. We also service Aurora, Joliet, Elgin, Kenosha, Naperville, Hammond, Oak Park, Skokie, Waukegan, Tinley Park, Evanston, Cicero, Mount Prospect, Gary, and more.

Chicago Wildlife Education: Is Rodent Feces Dangerous to Touch or Breathe?

Often the first thing you see that makes you realize you have a rodent problem, especially in the house, is their droppings. These tiny, dark-colored droppings are usually tube-shaped and slightly oval. You can find them wherever the mice or rats have been—your kitchen cupboards or countertop, drawers, the floor, or many other places. Of course your first reaction is to clean them up, just as you should. They’re nasty, just like any other animal droppings, but are they harmful? They can be.



Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
The Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a serious, sometimes fatal, respiratory disease that is transmitted to humans by droppings, urine, or saliva from infected rodents. Of course, not all rodents are infected. But just by looking at the droppings, you won’t know if the rodent that left them is infected or not. HPS is spread by inhaling the virus that is in the droppings or urine. Symptoms can be flu-like, with achy muscles, fever, and tiredness, progressing to coughing and a tightness in the chest with trouble breathing. The lungs fill with fluid, eventually killing the patient. About half of the people who contract HPS die from it.

Although it is rare, HPS has been seen all through the United States. It was first identified in 1993, and then in the late Nineties there was a rash of outbreaks in New Mexico, Arizona, and southern California. There is no vaccine, cure, or special treatment for it.

Leptospirosis
Another disease that can be contracted through rat droppings and urine is leptospirosis. It affects both animals and people. An infected person may or may not have symptoms. Symptoms include severe headache, muscle aches, high fever, chills, vomiting, jaundice, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or rash. Left untreated, leptospirosis can lead to meningitis, respiratory distress, kidney damage, or liver failure. Death can occur in rare cases.

Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCMV) is an infectious viral disease that is transmitted via rat urine and saliva. Its effects can range from temporary discomfort to long-term effects.

Allergens
Rodent droppings, shed hair, and dander are potential sources of allergies. Symptoms can range from sneezing to more severe reactions.

Salmonellosis
Salmonellosis is contracted by drinking water or eating food that has been contaminated by rat feces.

Prevention
Preventing these diseases is far more desirable than is treating them. Clean up rodent droppings and urine thoroughly and carefully, using a strong disinfectant such as Lysol® or bleach. Three tablespoons of bleach in a gallon of water is sufficient to disinfect any surface. If you discover the infestation in your attic, you may need to throw out all the polluted insulation and install all new. If you are cleaning out a barn, garage, or other outbuilding and see rodent droppings, don’t sweep which stirs up dust. Instead, wet mop, hose down the floor (if possible), or otherwise wet the surface before cleaning. Spray thoroughly with disinfectant and let it set for about half an hour to do its work before wiping up.

The same method will apply to cleaning inside your home. Maybe you need to clean a home that has been empty for a while, at least empty of people. Rodents may have found an empty house or building a great place to raise a family. So you will want to clean carefully and completely with disinfectant. It’s good to wear gloves and long sleeves, and even a mask over your mouth and nose, particularly if you are allergy-sensitive.

It will be very tempting to use a vacuum cleaner to quickly and easily suck up the rodent droppings, especially in hard-to-reach places. But, like sweeping with a broom, vacuuming will create dust and airborne particles, which, when inhaled, may cause disease.

Disposal
When you have gathered the rodent feces into a pile, you can place them in a plastic bag, and then put that into a second bag and either bury it or put it in the trash. Be sure the plastic bags are sturdy and won’t easily get holes poked in them, allowing the rodent droppings to fall out and be spread around.

More Precautions
Should you find yourself in a position that you need to clean a house or building in which there has been a person who is infected with HPS, you should double your care in cleaning. You may want to purchase a strong disinfectant, such as is used in hospitals, with which to clean. You may consider donning protective, disposal garments over your regular clothing, too. Consider contacting the local health department for specific instructions and suggestions. No matter what or where you are cleaning up rodent droppings, when you are finished, wash your gloved hands in disinfectant, then soap and water. Throw away the gloves and wash your hands thoroughly, too. It’s better to be overly careful than to risk serious disease.

Previous Education Articles
Do Chicago Skunks Shed Their Fur?
How To Get Rid Of Chicago Rats In The Attic
Do Chicago Snakes Always Inject Venom When They Bite?
Humane Chicago Mouse Traps