Rat droppings are more than just unpleasant; they pose real health risks. But how can you tell if that smudge you found is indeed rat waste? Rats tend to shed dark, coarse hair about 1/8 inch long, around their nesting areas and leave droppings and urine on surfaces and food, contaminating your home. Many households turn to professional pest exterminators such as Reston pest control services to help identify and clean the rat poop.
Here, we’ll explore how to identify rat droppings, safely clean them, and the associated health risks you should be aware of.
How to Identify Rat Poop
Recognizing rat droppings can be challenging if you aren’t sure what you’re looking for. Here are the main identifiers:
- Rat droppings have a pellet-like, tapered shape. Rodent professionals can usually identify rat feces by the rounded shape of the droppings and their size (around 12-13 millimeters wide, 10-12 millimeters long, and 4-8 millimeters thick).Droppings can be found in secluded areas like basements, pantries, and anywhere rats may hide or scavenge.
- If you’re uncertain, try holding a droplet with gloved hands. Rat poop will glide over your hand smoothly, unlike other rodent droppings, which are likely to crumble.
- Rat droppings are often light brown to yellow, depending on diet. If you’re having trouble identifying them, cut open a fresh piece; if you see yellow foam or shiny silver foil, it’s likely rat waste.
Health Risks Associated with Rat Poop
Rat feces carry diseases that can affect anyone in your household, making them among the most dangerous household pests. Here’s a rundown of the most severe health risks associated with rat droppings:
- Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can lead to fever, headache, and muscle aches, and in severe cases, it can cause liver and kidney damage. Leptospirosis can spread through contaminated water, so it’s crucial to address any droppings near water sources immediately.
- If you consume food or water contaminated with rat feces, you risk contracting Salmonella. Symptoms include fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea, and can escalate if untreated.
- Inhaling dust contaminated with rat urine or droppings can lead to Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe respiratory disease with symptoms like fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. This virus can escalate rapidly, leading to serious complications or even death.
- Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV is a viral infection that is transmitted through rat saliva and urine. LCMV causes flu-like symptoms and, in severe cases, neurological issues.
How to Safely Clean Rat Droppings?
- Ventilate your room for at least 30 minutes before you start cleaning.
- Wear protective gear. Use rubber gloves so you don’t touch the waste directly; a face mask so you don’t inhale the dust (diseases can be transmitted by inhaling polluted dust); and even consider wearing protective goggles so contaminated dust doesn’t get in your eyes.
- Spray with a 10% chlorine bleach solution. Mix 360 ml of chlorine bleach with 5 liters of hot water and spray the droppings with the solution.
- Pick up the droppings with a paper towel. Then, put the towel with the rat feces in a sealed plastic bag. Dispose of the plastic bags outside of your home.
- Wipe all floors and surfaces with disinfectant.
- Wash your hands with hot water and disinfectant. Remember to scrub under your nails and around your wrists.
Conclusion
The best way to avoid rat droppings is to prevent an infestation. To deter rodents, use traps or natural repellents like peppermint oil, hot pepper flakes, garlic, and clove oil. For larger infestations, consider contacting a professional pest control service to safely and effectively remove the rats and their waste. With careful identification, safe cleaning, and prevention strategies, you can minimize health risks and keep your home rat-free.
