What To Do If You Find Rodent Droppings In Your Garage

Finding rodent droppings in your garage is not an enjoyable experience, but it's not necessarily a disaster either. Regardless of the type of rodent you're dealing withc, there are some basic steps to take to clean them up and to prevent any more from appearing. So, let's talk about what to do when you find rodent droppings in your garage.

The first thing to do is try not to panic. The rodents who left the droppings may no longer be around. Are the droppings dry and old? Fresh and moist? Is there still an odor? Depending on the season, they may be droppings from mice seeking a warm place to shelter over the winter. Often by spring, mice will depart and head outside, knowing they're safer from humans if they're not indoors. But it's also possible they may seek out cool places such as garages or basements. You may want to try to identify the pest that left the droppings behind, because it could help you determine your course of action. If the droppings are dry, you mainly just need to clean them up and do some basic prevention.

Rodent droppings can spread disease, so it's best to exercise caution when dealing with them indoors. Before you tackle this cleanup project, you will need to gather the following supplies: rubber or disposable gloves, paper towels, a spray bottle with a diluted bleach solution or other disinfectant (undiluted white vinegar can work), and trash bags for disposal. You should also open windows or doors for ventilation before you begin cleaning. Wearing a face mask is also a good idea for extra protection.

The CDC recommends not sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings, even dried ones, because this can put particles into the air that may contain bacteria. Wearing a protective mask, such as an N95 respirator, is a good idea. Wear some rubber or disposable gloves. Open windows or doors if you can for some ventilation, and take breaks to get some fresh air while you're cleaning. 

The CDC recommends the following method for cleaning up mouse urine or droppings. If you don't have a disinfectant cleaner on hand, use white vinegar to clean mouse droppings. Spray the droppings with the vinegar, a diluted bleach solution, or other household disinfectant, and let it soak for five minutes. Use paper towels to pick up the droppings and wipe up any urine. Dispose of these in a trash receptacle that is emptied regularly. Spray additional disinfectant on the spot to deodorize and disinfect it, and clean surrounding areas also. You can use the disinfectant spray and rags to clean surfaces and mop the floors if this is practical. Again, avoid stirring up dust by sweeping or vacuuming.

Wash your gloved hands with soap and water or disinfectant before removing the gloves. Then wash hands with soap and water (or use hand sanitizer) after removing the gloves also. This thorough cleaning method is a good way to prevent any potential spread of disease. After cleanup, continue to check the garage for additional droppings, and put some preventive measures in place to deter more rodent visits.

If the rodent droppings you find are somewhat fresh, there may still be rodents nesting in your garage or coming in from outside. Knowing what kind of rodents you're dealing with can help you locate their nesting area. Squirrels tend to nest in high-up places such as your rafters, gutters, or the eaves of your house. Mice can fit into surprisingly small openings, so it's best to fix holes in your siding and improve seals around doors. Keep your garage clean and free of food debris that might attract rodents.

There are many effective ways to deter rodents without resorting to poisons. Rodent poisons can be risky to use because they can also harm birds, cats, dogs, and humans when they get into the food chain, so it's best not to use them for household purposes. There are self-contained rodent traps that are popular in areas with rat problems, and they're designed to prevent other animals from accessing them. You can also use humane traps that allow you to catch and release mice away from your home. Mechanical mouse traps may be a danger to household pets or children, so use caution if you decide to go this route.

Placing pots of pungent-smelling herbs near your garage entrance may help keep rodents away, as they're very sensitive to smells. Peppermint, lavender, and rosemary can deter rodents effectively. Putting essential oils on cotton balls and placing them in glass jars can also work: refresh the essential oils every few days.