At Viking Pest Control, our mission is to keep your home and family safe—not just from pests, but from the diseases they may carry. One of the more serious illnesses associated with rodents in the United States is Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a potentially fatal respiratory disease.
What Is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a group of viruses within the Bunyaviridae family. The strains found in the U.S. are most commonly associated with Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, which can become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Who’s Carrying It?
The primary carriers of Hantavirus in our region are deer mice. It has also been found in white-footed mice, cotton rats, and occasionally Norway rats, although the latter are not typically considered significant disease vectors for Hantavirus.
How Does It Spread?
Hantavirus is mainly transmitted through contact with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents. The virus becomes airborne when these materials are disturbed—such as when sweeping or vacuuming without proper filtration. While rare, bites or scratches from infected rodents can also spread the virus.
Important reminder: Never attempt to handle wild rodents or their nests. Not only does this increase your risk of exposure to Hantavirus, but it also opens the door to other diseases spread by fleas, mites, and parasites.
Know the Symptoms
Hantavirus symptoms can take anywhere from 1 to 8 weeks to appear after exposure. Early signs often resemble the flu:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain
As the virus progresses, symptoms can become much more severe, including:
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness in the chest
- A dry, hacking cough
These respiratory symptoms are serious and can be fatal without immediate medical attention.
How to Safely Clean Up After Rodents
If you discover signs of rodent activity in your home, proper cleanup is critical:
- Never sweep or vacuum droppings, urine, or nests. This can send viral particles into the air.
- Always wear rubber gloves when handling contaminated areas.
- Use an EPA-registered disinfectant and let it sit for at least five minutes, or as directed on the label.
- Use paper towels to wipe up the mess and dispose of them in a sealed garbage can.
- Mop or sponge the area again with disinfectant to ensure thorough cleaning.
- Wash gloves and hands with soap and warm water after cleanup.
For large infestations or when rodent nests are found, call Viking Pest Control. Rodent nests can harbor fleas, mites, and other ectoparasites that pose additional health risks.
Prevention is the Best Protection
Keeping rodents out of your home is the most effective way to prevent Hantavirus exposure. Mice can squeeze through openings as small as ¼ inch, so proper exclusion is key.
That’s where Viking’s SMART pest control and Viking Green Pest Solutions come in. Our trained technicians use intelligent pest control systems and eco-friendly exclusion methods to block rodents before they become a problem—without putting your family or pets at risk.
Call Viking Today
If you see signs of rodents or suspect a nest in your home, don’t take any chances. Leave the cleanup and prevention to the professionals.
Call Viking Pest Control today for an inspection and customized rodent prevention plan. Let us help you protect your home—and your health.
