Mice Droppings – Identification, Risks, Dangers

Mice are little creatures whose poop and droppings are contaminants of various diseases and viruses. By nature, mice like to frequent places where humans have their habitats. This could range from homes, apartments, garages, attics, basements, and even your car.

Mouse poop or mouse droppings are normally found in all those places where there is a significant mouse infestation. It is a sign that a mouse infestation has not ceased and is still active. Even though they may be mistaken for poop of any other animal, there are some unique signs that make it easy to identify if the poop is from a mouse, a rat or any other animal.

Mice can leave behind 50-75 pellets per day. The number of droppings can help you determine the severity and type of pest problem you are facing.

Mouse droppings range in size from 3/16 to ¼ inch long — the size of a grain of rice. The ends are pointed. Color varies from blackish brown to gray depending on how old it is and the diet of the mouse.

Fresh droppings are black, turning brown within a week, and then grey. If he consumed pesticide from a bait station, the droppings may be the same color as the bait.

Older rodent droppings will crumble; fresh droppings will be soft.

It is important to correctly identify the pest that has left droppings before selecting the correct approach to eradicating them. In addition to identifying them visually please note that mouse poop generally has no smell.

More than 30 different types of disease are associated with mice and their droppings. They include the Rickettsia virus, which can create a condition similar to chicken pox. Hantavirus is another. Eosinophilic Meningitis is another concern. The droppings of mice can cause Leptospirosis or Salmonellosis. The CDC has a complete list along with symptoms and treatement here.

Now that you aware of the disease mouse droppings expose you and your family to, you will be understandably eager to clean up the area immediately. Never touch droppings with bare hands. Instead follow these steps from the Center for Disease Control (CDC):

• Air out the space for 30 minutes
• Wear rubber or latex gloves and a mask (a respirator may be needed)
• Use a disinfectant spray (DIY by mixing 1 part bleach to 10 parts water) and soak area for 5 minutes
• Clean area with disposable rags or paper towels
• Put waste in a sealed plastic bag in a covered trash can

It is important not to sweep or vacuum until after these steps have been completed. Sweeping or vacuuming spreads germs.