A dead mouse in your home can be quite a distressing experience. However, you want to pick up a dead mouse without touching it to maintain good hygiene and prevent the spread of disease—mice are carriers of hantavirus and the like. In this article, you will learn to safely pick up the dead critter without having to see a doctor.
How to pick up a dead mouse without touching it
Follow the simple steps below:
1. Wear rubber gloves
make sure to wear gloves to avoid touching the dead mouse. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you can use rubber or plastic gloves. Rubber or latex gloves are an excellent choice; they also create a barrier between your skin and the mouse, reducing the chances of contamination.
Only wear gloves that fit properly and are neither too loose nor too tight. The problem with tight gloves is that they tend to limit your movements, while loose gloves increase your chances of coming into contact with the dead mouse.
2. Pick up with tongs or a pair of scissors
Tongs or a pair of scissors is another effective method you could employ to pick up a dead mouse without touching it. Use this method if you are uncomfortable handling dead rodents or do not have access to gloves.
Pick up the mouse with tongs or scissors, and be careful not to damage the body. Place the mouse in a plastic bag or container and dispose of it in an airtight trash can.
3. Make use of a plastic bag
If you have no gloves or tongs, a plastic bag can be a quick and easy way to remove a dead mouse without handling it. Simply place the bag over your hand, reach out, and pick up the mouse without touching it.
Next, turn the bag inside out, making sure the mouse is contained, and then tie it securely. Finally, place the bag containing the dead mouse in an airtight garbage can.
4. Use a dustpan and brush
Picking up a dead mouse with a dustpan and brush can be effective to prevent contact. Use the brush to sweep the mouse into the dustpan. If the area is dusty, do not sweep the dead mouse. Instead, disinfect the area with bleach or any disinfectant to kill bacteria.
Typically, a disinfectant must meet certain EPA standards, such as being able to kill 99.9 percent of harmful germs within 5 to 10 minutes. Vinegar is usually not very effective. Take care not to damage the body, and place it in a plastic bag or container safely.
5. Utilize a vacuum cleaner
If the dead mouse is in an inaccessible area or a small crevice, consider removing it using a vacuum cleaner, preferably a HEPA filter vacuum. Nevertheless, it’s advisable to disinfect the area and the body before picking it up. Just suction the mouse up with a nozzle or hose attached to the vacuum cleaner. Make sure to dispose of the mouse and vacuum cleaner bag right away.
6. Apply baking soda and vinegar
If you’re worried about the odor left behind by the dead mouse, apply baking soda and vinegar to help you get rid of it. Make a paste with equal parts baking soda and vinegar and apply it to the affected area. Allow the solution to dry before vacuuming up the place.
The combination of baking soda and vinegar can neutralize the odor, as well as disinfect the area.
7. Get a disinfectant
While it’s critical to clean and disinfect the affected area after picking up the dead mouse without touching it, it helps to use another disinfectant spray or wipes to eliminate bacteria and viruses left behind by the mouse.
Thoroughly clean the area where you found the mouse, including any surfaces or objects that they may have come into contact with while alive.
8. Wear safety clothing
If you have multiple dead mice or a severe infestation, wear protective clothing to avoid potential contamination. Protect yourself from bacteria and viruses with long-sleeved shirts and pants, a face mask, and goggles before cleaning.
9. Contact an exterminator
A single mouse is rare because mice usually nest in families of 4, 8, 10, or even dozens. Thus, you probably have more dead mice if you find one. Call a professional exterminator to thoroughly inspect your home and promptly eliminate rodents.
Mice exterminators can guarantee mouse removal services that will make your home safe for your household.
Is picking up a dead mouse safe?
Without gloves, no. Picking up a dead mouse is safe if you take the necessary precautions such as wearing gloves because dead mice can transmit bacteria and viruses that are harmful to humans, such as Hantavirus, which can cause severe respiratory illness.
Wear gloves or use a barrier, such as a plastic bag, when handling a dead mouse to avoid direct contact with the mouse. Touching your face or mouth while handling the mouse can also increase the risk of contamination. To avoid contamination of other surfaces or objects, immediately dispose of the mouse and any cleaning materials used for removing it.
Make sure to clean and disinfect the area where the mouse was found to eliminate any bacteria or viruses that may have been left behind. Clean the area with a disinfectant spray or wipes, including any surfaces or objects that may have come into contact with the mouse.
Handling a dead mouse if you have any cuts or open wounds on your hands can increase your risk of infection, so wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling a dead mouse or cleaning the area.
While picking up a dead mouse with the proper precautions can be safe, there are risks involved, especially if you’re unfamiliar with handling dead animals. If you’re unsure how to handle a dead mouse, it’s best to seek assistance from a pest control professional—they have the equipment and experience needed to safely and effectively handle dead mice.
They can also advise you on how to avoid future infestations and keep your home or business rodent-free.
Conclusion
Picking up a dead mouse without touching it can be a simple and easy process. You can safely and effectively remove a dead mouse and prevent the spread of disease by using gloves, tongs, a plastic bag, a dustpan and brush, a vacuum cleaner, baking soda, vinegar, disinfectant, and protective clothing. To avoid further contamination, always dispose of the mouse and any cleaning materials in the trash immediately after cleaning, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
