Quick answer
To reduce hantavirus risk at home: seal entry points where rodents could come in, store food and trash in airtight containers, keep storage areas tidy, and always ventilate closed spaces before cleaning. If you find droppings, do not sweep or vacuum dry: use damp cleaning per CDC guidance.
Risk and action by room
| Room | Risk | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Food, crumbs and pet food attract rodents. | Store food in sealed containers. Clean crumbs. Take out trash often. |
| Pantry / storage | Boxes, sacks and clutter are favourite nesting sites. | Use sealed bins. Reduce cardboard. Check periodically for droppings. |
| Basement / cellar | Damp, low-traffic spaces let rodents stay undetected. | Seal cracks. Ventilate before working there. Use damp cleaning. |
| Attic | Insulation and stored textiles attract nesting. | Inspect periodically. Air out before entering. Use gloves to move items. |
| Garage | Open doors, stored wood and tools provide cover. | Keep doors closed. Move wood outside and away from walls. |
| Laundry room | Warmth and detergent boxes can attract small rodents. | Keep clutter low. Clean behind appliances occasionally. |
| Outdoor walls | Gaps around pipes, vents and foundations are entry points. | Seal openings ≥ 6 mm. Trim vegetation near walls. |
Signs of rodent presence
- Small dark droppings in cupboards, drawers, corners or behind appliances.
- Gnaw marks on food packaging, cables or soft materials.
- Nesting remains: paper, fabric or insulation piled together.
- Persistent urine smell or nocturnal noises.
What to do if you find activity
If you find rodent activity at home, ventilate the area before doing anything, do not sweep or vacuum dry, and check our dedicated guide on how to clean rodent droppings safely. For large infestations, contact a professional pest-control service or your local public health authority.
Frequently asked questions
How do you reduce hantavirus risk at home?
Seal gaps and holes, store food and trash in sealed containers, keep storage areas tidy and air out long-closed spaces (basements, garages, cabins) before cleaning. Avoid sweeping or vacuuming dry droppings — use a damp cleaning method per CDC guidance.
Where in the house is hantavirus risk highest?
In areas where rodents can enter, nest and remain undetected: basements, attics, garages, storage rooms and behind/under little-used appliances or furniture. Outdoor walls and foundations are common entry points.
What attracts rodents into homes?
Accessible food and water, clutter, warmth and shelter. Open bins, exposed pet food, paper or cardboard storage, brush piles near walls and unsealed gaps in the building exterior all increase risk.
Should I worry about mice in the city?
Urban mice can carry various pathogens, but Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in the US is mainly tied to deer mice in rural and peri-urban settings. Sensible precautions — sealed food storage, prompt cleanup — are still useful in any environment (CDC).
How often should you check for rodent activity?
Inspect storage areas, basements, attics and garages periodically, especially before and after winter, when rodents seek warmth and shelter indoors. Look for droppings, gnaw marks, nests and grease trails along walls.
Can pets bring hantavirus home?
Pets are not a known transmission route for hantavirus to humans. However, cats that catch wild rodents may bring carcasses inside; dispose of carcasses with gloves and disinfect the area.
Medical disclaimer: This page is informational and does not replace professional medical advice. Recommendations reflect public CDC and WHO documents.