The bank vole and other small rodents transmit the hantavirus, which is also dangerous for humans. The infection occurs through inhalation of the mouse feces, which is why certain precautionary measures are necessary when removing it.
What is the hantavirus?
There is not just one hantavirus, but many different ones. The pathogens are widespread and can be transmitted to humans through animal excretions. An infection triggers a flu-like illness that can cause the kidneys to fail. Bank vole in particular, but also other small rodents, carry the viruses within themselves and excrete them with their feces. There they remain infectious for a long time even on dried mouse droppings. The animals themselves do not get sick from it. Direct contact with infected mice is not necessary for an infection: it is sufficient to inhale infectious mouse feces over blown dust.
Dangerous places of infection
You are particularly at risk in these places:
- in deciduous forests, especially in beech and oak forests, e.g. B. in forest work
- when working in the field or in the garden
- in sheds, garden sheds or stables
- in attics and in basements
- when staying in areas heavily infested with rodents (v. a. Southern and central Germany)
Correctly remove mouse droppings
In particular, when cleaning stables or sheds that may be infested with mice, you should be careful and follow the safety precautions below.
1. Burst ventilation
The first step before every cleaning action is thorough ventilation. Open doors and windows completely and don't just tilt them - a proper draft has to be created for air to be exchanged. In this way you are already transporting some of the dangerous hantaviruses - as well as other pathogens - outside. It is also important that you are not in the room for at least 30 minutes of ventilation.
2. protective gear
The hantavirus is mainly transmitted through the respiratory organs, but also through skin contact. It is therefore important to prevent these routes of infection by using suitable protective equipment. Wear during the cleaning action
- high-necked clothing with long sleeves and pant legs
- Disposable gloves that are discarded after use
- a tight-fitting mouth and nose protection
Note: Is used as mouth and nose protection
an everyday mask is not very suitable because it does not keep the viruses away. Instead, choose an FFP2 or FFP3 mask that offers 80 or even 99 percent protection.
3. Moisten mouse droppings
Since the viruses are inhaled when (dry) mouse excrement is thrown up by movements or drafts, you should prevent the formation of dust by moistening it. This dust development is particularly high when working with a broom or a vacuum cleaner and can therefore increase the risk of infection many times over. Moisten the mouse droppings as follows:
- Fill a spray bottle with water
- Add a few drops of detergent
- A commercially available vinegar cleaner is suitable for this
- Shake the mixture vigorously
- Spray the solution on the dirt to be removed
4. Do not use a vacuum cleaner
Do not remove the dirt with the vacuum cleaner, as this distributes the excrement dust and the viruses further into the room via the exhaust air. Instead, it is best to use a shovel and broom, sweep up all the dirt and then fill it in a plastic bag. This is tightly closed and disposed of with household waste. Do not throw them in the household rubbish first, but straight away in the garbage can.
Note: If there are only a few mouse droppings, you can pick them up with a sturdy kitchen towel. However, you should also dispose of the cloth afterwards.
5. Post-cleaning
This is followed by a thorough, damp post-cleaning of the affected areas. This not only serves to protect against viruses and other pathogens, but also to completely remove traces of faeces and urine as well as any traces that may have occurred
unpleasant smells. A vinegar cleaner (this time applied undiluted) or a commercially available disinfectant are very suitable for this purpose.Alternatively, you can Baking soda use:
- thick layer of baking soda B. Apply Kaisernatron)
- alternatively use corn starch
- moisten using a spray bottle filled with water
- leave on for a day
- Remove powder and wipe with a damp cloth
Note: After cleaning, you should wash your clothes at at least 60 degrees Celsius and wash your hands thoroughly. However, it is better to also take a shower and not forget to wash your hair.
prevention
The best way to protect yourself and your relatives from the hantavirus, however, is to prevent or prevent a mouse infestation from the outset. fight one at once. (Snap) traps, the laying of poison baits and, in the event of a strong occurrence, an experienced pest controller are suitable for this. Be careful, especially if you are in the vicinity of a wooded area covered with beech or oak trees or parks, because the main vector of the virus, the bank vole, is particularly common in this area occurs. To keep them and other rodents out of your home, these precautions are useful:
- Never store food open, always keep it airtight
- the same applies to animal feed, especially grain and maize
- Do not leave animal feed overnight (e. B. Chicken feed)
- Dispose of waste only well closed in rubbish bins
- no food leftovers on the compost heap
- Shelter options (e.g. B. Remove piles of leaves, wood and stones)
- do not leave bulky waste standing for long periods of time
- close possible loopholes in buildings
