How to Clean Mouse Feces From Heat Ducts

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Things You'll Need

  • Protective gloves

  • Mask

  • Spray bottle

  • Bleach

  • Water

  • Paper towel

  • Garbage bag

  • Hepa filter vacuum

Clean up mouse droppings as soon as you notice them.
Image Credit: BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images

Once mice have entered your home, it is crucial to make sure that all the mice and their droppings have been thoroughly removed. Mice are very dangerous to human health because they carry a dangerous virus known as the hantavirus. This virus is spread through contact with the mice and their droppings -- the hantavirus can become airborne and this is why you must not stir up the virus by sweeping or vacuuming. If you notice mice have left behind droppings in your heating ducts, it is very important to clean them up immediately. Although the best practice is to call a professional, it is possible to remove the droppings using a vacuum with a hepa filter.

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Step 1

Put on your protective mask and gloves to prevent any contact with the mouse droppings. As you clean up the droppings you may stir up the virus, so you should always take precautions before you start the cleanup.

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Step 2

Mix a solution of bleach and water to create a disinfectant. Add 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle so you can spray down the inside of the heating ducts.

Step 3

Remove the cover from your heating duct and set it aside. Use your disinfectant spray to spray the inside of the heating duct so that the droppings are moistened with the spray.

Step 4

Use a paper towel to wipe up any droppings and discard the paper towel in a garbage bag. Use the vacuum cleaner to remove any hard-to-reach droppings inside the vent. Use a long attachment so that you can insert the hose deep inside the heating duct.

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Step 5

Spray more disinfectant into the heating vent and then wipe it away. Discard of the hepa filter from inside the vacuum cleaner, and dump all droppings into the garbage bag. Tie the garbage bag in a knot and discard it. Use the bleach and water solution to disinfect the vacuum.

Warning

If you are unable to clean the mouse feces thoroughly, you should contact a professional. Mouse droppings can cause infection for those with weak immune systems.

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