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Photos of Rat Droppings and Poop
CLICK ANY CONTAMINATION PHOTO FOR A LARGER IMAGE
To learn about the potential health risks associated with rat feces, or cleaning or handling rat feces, please read my rat diseases page.
This Attic was a Mess. |
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A Heavy Attic Infestation |
Droppings on a Vent Box |
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Droppings on a Shelf |
Rat Nest and Droppings |
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Lots of Rat Grease & Urine |
Lots of Pellets and Nuts |
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A Regular Rodent Toilet |
Look at this Rat Trail |
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Just Another Attic Mess |
Mice droppings or rat droppings?
It’s bad enough that you’ve discovered rodent waste somewhere in your home meaning the creatures have already invaded your building, but now you need to determine just what kind of rodent you’re dealing with. Both rats and
mice can be equally destructive, but mice are usually a more mild and sanitary infestation than a rat issue, though most rodents carry diseases. Rats will leave obvious signs of their territory; grease marks around entry
points and fecal matter along set pathways will be telltale signs. Since rats are significantly larger than mice, their droppings are also larger. Both species have oblong droppings, though the rat’s indiscriminate diet
can lead to loose stool or discoloration. Mouse stool rarely is larger than a grain of rice. Anything larger is likely that of a rat. Regardless of what species left the fecal matter behind, the poop needs to be cleaned
up, especially if you’ve already had the rodents trapped and removed. Leaving waste behind will draw other rodents to the area. Be careful when cleaning up rodent poop. If possible, avoid using a vacuum to prevent
aerosolizing the deadly Hantavirus contained within rodent droppings. Any discovered waste areas should be cleaned and then sterilized.
Can you vacuum up rat feces? You should never vacuum up rat feces unless you are wearing gloves, a respirator and eye protection. Even then, you are increasing your risk of contracting the disease known as Hantavirus.
Hantavirus is a potentially deadly disease associated with rodents. When you vacuum up rodent feces, the air expelled at the back of the vacuum will be laden with aerosolized virus particles. These particles are now easily
inhaled or can settle on hair and clothing for exposure at a later time. There are some instances where vacuuming must be used. If you are performing this task it is vital that you take the appropriate steps to decontaminate
after you leave the cleanup area. If the space is an attic, you should avoid returning until the particles within the air have settled. If at all possible, avoid using the vacuum or broom to take care of rodent feces. The
most acceptable method is by picking up the mess or scooping it with a tool when applicable.
Customer Question: Hello -
I have a property in Tampa that has an issue with roof rats. I lived in the home myself for several years without a problem (probably because I had a dog), but have rented the home to tenants without pets.
They started experiencing the evidence of roof rats in mid-December after we had an early rainy season. Unfortunately, the tenant tried to trap the rats on his own and I was not aware of the issue until about
a month into it. I had a pest guy inspect the property and he recommended poison. Unfortunately, now a couple of them have died and of courses stunk up the attic. He also said it was impossible to close up
the all potential openings in the roof, so we didn't do anything; consequently, they are still coming into the attic, creating noise and frustration for the tenant. Last week I called in Mike at A Wildlife Pro,
who is linked to your website. He came out and inspected the attic and roof, and set some traps, and he closed up openings identified in the roof. That seems to have solved the problem. Afterwards, I will be
substantially pruning back vegetation around the house to deter rat habitats.
It's been 2 - 3 months since a handful of rats have inhabited the attic. The tenant is very concerned about the rat waste that is present in the attic. I am unsure whether or not to sanitize the attic given
the brief timespan of the rats being there, and the limited number of them. I noticed that your company provides this service. I am looking for some feedback on the situation, hopefully you can provide some.
This is a 2300 sf one story home. I am thinking that at the very least, an inspection needs to be performed to remove nests and carcasses after
Mike traps the rats and seals the openings. What about sanitation?
Is there a real threat of disease given this particular situation, or is it typically only an issue in longer-term infestation with multitudes of rats? The tenant is quite sensitive to this issue, so I'd like to
have some idea how real the threat of disease is. Also, is this something you have found homeowner's policies to cover? I have no idea the cost of performing this work. I realize you need to inspect, but if you
could provide a typical cost range, it would be helpful for me know the magnitude of what we are talking about. I would be interested in having you take a look at the premises. Thank you, Sandra
Answer: While rat droppings can carry diseases, the threat is only if droppings are directly handled or ingested. I don't think there's any risk of airborne diseases. And honestly, if it's been this
long without a problem, I don't think there'll be one. If you do want cleanout, call the guy back, and see if he can do it, and if so, what the cost is.
I hope you enjoyed my images, pictures, and photographs of rat droppings, rat feces, rat urine, rat crap, rat shit, and all matter of rat waste.
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