Hantavirus warning + preventives

[njs7877]

Being in SD, I live around lots of corn fields. Lately since they have been cutting the fields down, we have been noticing a lot more mice and rats, even though the lovely hawks have been working overtime! Thought I would post this to let others know to keep an eye out. Had a family member die from this virus in CA many years ago, she had pigeons, and apparently they meddled in some rodent poo and carried the dust back to her place on their feet.
Anyways please be safe everyone.
Nikki


http://www.kgoskerm.com/news/region...death-prompts-hantavirus-warning-in-panhandle

"Some recommendations when cleaning areas where rodents might live:

Open all doors and windows for at least 30 minutes before cleaning.
Wear gloves and a mask to protect from exposure.
Avoid using vacuums or brooms that can stir up contaminated dust. Instead:
Wet contaminated areas with a household disinfectant or bleach solution (1 ½ cups of bleach per gallon of water) and let soak for 15 minutes.
Use a damp towel to clean up the material, then mop or sponge the area with bleach solution or household disinfectant."

 

[Petunia]

So sorry for the loss of your family member. I have been fighting rodents all summer -- never had the problem before. I am having an exterminator come up to see if he can help me find how they are getting in. I hate them -- I clean up -- and then there is evidence that they are still getting in, and I have to clean again. There was a report of HV in the Houston area, but I don't know if it has been confirmed.

So good luck. Hope the hawks work harder. I have rat snakes in my area (if my neighbors don't kill them) -- but they aren't keeping up with the rat/mouse population .

 

[NC Susan]

not just farms. suburban houses also.
have a cat on overtime who chased mice INTO the house. Noticed it when the fluffy stuffing insulation from the dishwasher appeared on the floor and the droppings were hidden behind the canisters on that counter......and the stove........and under the fridge..........and under the sink.... !!!. according to and following precautions listed the 'net' i found rubber gloves, lots of paper towels and newspaper and a gallon of clorox to clean with. Kitchen smelled like a hospital but it sure wasnt going to hatch any hantavirus