|
Open doors and windows before cleaning, if possible.
When cleaning areas where rodents have been, always wear rubber gloves, as well as clothing and footwear (e.g. coveralls and rubber boots) that can be disinfected (or disposable coveralls that can be discarded), wear HEPA filter mask and protective eyewear (goggles).
Always liberally spray disinfectant on dead rodents, droppings, rodent nests and areas where rodents have been and leave for at least five minutes before cleaning.
Always sweep up - never vacuum up droppings.
A 1:10 dilution of common household bleach and water (e.g., 250 ml. bleach to 2.5 litres of water) can be used to disinfectant traps, dead rodents, droppings, floors and other surfaces. Mixing bleach and detergent is not recommended because it can cause production of harmful vapors.
Special cleaning instructions are as follows:
Floors
To minimize dust that may carry the virus, do not vacuum or sweep bare floors before mopping. Mop floors, preferably twice, with a disinfectant. Spray dirt floors with a disinfectant solution. Commercially steam-clean or shampoo carpets.
Surfaces
- Clean counters, cabinets, drawers or other surfaces by washing with a disinfectant solution.
Furniture
- Steam clean or shampoo cloth furniture. If rodents have nested inside furniture, then remove and burn it or have it burned.
Bedding and clothing
- Use rubber gloves to handle dirty laundry, wash bedding and clothing with hot water and detergent and dry in a hot dryer or hang to dry in the sun.
- After cleaning, disinfect and wash gloves and hands, as well as all protective gear. Immediately wash all clothing that is not disposable or soak in hot, soapy water until it can be washed.
Additional Safety Tips:
Do not go into buildings (including camps, sheds and out buildings) that have had rodents, or may have had rodents, without properly airing out and disinfecting. If working in crawl spaces, be sure to wear a mask, protective clothing, footwear and gloves that can be disinfected or thrown away.
If you are at risk for occupational exposure to hantavirus (e.g., pest control workers, wildlife researchers), consider contacting the Workplace Health Safety and Compensation Commission for additional precautionary guidelines.
|
