You will need to make sure that you take serious precautions when dealing with the areas that rats were invading within your home. There are some pretty dangerous threats of disease associated with the poop and pee of rats, and they're definitely not something that you will want to put yourself in contact with. You will also need to make sure that you have done the other important steps before you get to the cleanup operation, and this will include making sure the holes are sealed so that no other rats can get back in, and the right traps have removed (killed) the existing rats in your property. If you have not done these steps, your cleanup operation will be pointless. You'll just be cleaning up again in a few weeks time after yet another rat. We would recommend that you keep placing and baiting traps for at least one week after you have caught your last rat. This is to ensure that all traces of the animal have been removed before you start the extensive cleanup.
Find out: Do rats jump? How high or how far?
After about five minutes (this is why you'll want the area well ventilated), you should then use paper towels and bags to scoop up the feces, nesting material, and anything else the rats have come into contact with. Once you are sure everything is gone, use a strong disinfectant and antibacterial cleaner to wipe everything down.
If you have a steam cleaner, you might want to give it a run-around the areas in which you have spotted the rat, or that you have noticed signs of a rat infestation – droppings, etc. If the rat has been in your bedroom or bathroom, give all towels a good clean on a hot wash with laundry detergent, and you can also use upholstery and carpet shampoo on the floors and couches, etc. If you wish. It does depend on where the rat has been in the home, but you might find that your wife is much happier after doing her own kitchen / bathroom / entire house cleanup.
Find out more: What's the Difference Between Rat and Mouse Feces?
When doing your own cleanup mission, make sure you are protecting yourself. Wear the right protective clothing – gloves, eye protection, and even disposable coveralls if you can. It only takes one infected rat to contaminate your home, and we are sure that the most common rat diseases are not welcome in your home. If you aren't sure where to start, or what to do, give us a call. Not only are we the number one wildlife control company in your area for the third year running, we also offer free advice on how to deal with wildlife control issues such as rats.
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