General approach to a recently infested building:
(1) If the building has been closed and unoccupied for some time, ventilate the building by opening doors and windows for at least 30 minutes prior to entry.
(a) Cross-ventilation to allow free flow of air through the building is desirable.
(b) If possible leave the immediate vicinity during the airing out period. Avoid being downwind from the structure.
(2) Persons entering the building or handling materials from the building should wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
(a) Rubber, latex, vinyl or nitrile gloves.
(b) Water-proof boots or shoes with covers.
(c) Coveralls.
(d) Protective goggles.
(e) Respirator.
Disinfectant solution may be either:
(1) household disinfectant, prepared according to instructions
(2) a 10% bleach (hypochlorite) solution, made daily
Cleanup of dead rodents and rodent nests:
(1) Spray the outside of the PPE with DEET.
(2) Spray dead rodents and rodent nests with disinfectant until soaked.
(3) If large number of insects are seen, spray with insecticide. Use of sprays should be avoided until after contaminated area has been soaked with disinfectant to reduce aerosols.
(4) Collect using a dustpan or paper towels to minimize personal contact.
(5) Double-bag in biohazard bags.
Cleanup of excreta on washable items:
(1) Spray droppings and urine with disinfectant. Do not try to sweep or collect until disinfected.
(2) Use a paper towel to pick up any excreta.
(3) Clean and mop the area with disinfectant.
(4) Steam heat or shampoo carpets and upholstered furniture.
Cleanup of nonwashable items (papers, books, etc.):
(1) Try to clean the outside of the items with disinfectant.
(2) Leave the items in the sunlight for several hours or in an indoor area free of rodents for at least 1 week.
Final steps:
(1) Potentially infectious waste should be disposed of safely:
(1a) By burning on site (if appropriate and legal for area).
(1b) Double-bagged in biohazard bags and disposed of as infectious waste.
(1c) Burying it in a 2 to 3 foot deep hole.
(2) After use the personal protective equipment should be disposed of or decontaminated.
(2a) Disposable equipment should be double-bagged or burned.
(2b) Coveralls should be washed on site in soap and water, or placed in a pail covered with disinfectant.
(3) Wash the gloves with disinfectant then rinse with water prior to removal. After removing the gloves wash the hands with soap and water.
