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Having lived in New York City for 15 years, I’ve encountered some truly challenging apartments, as many broke post-grads can relate. Over this time, I’ve faced battles with mice and roaches, and fortunately, I have emerged victorious. Upon spotting a mouse—something that can happen even to the cleanest individuals—you might first think about how to remove it from your home.
However, once the shock subsides, the next step is to focus on cleaning. After identifying a pest in your home, it’s crucial to clean thoroughly to eliminate anything that might attract more unwelcome guests. Additionally, some pests, like mice, can carry diseases, making it vital to ensure your space remains sanitary.
How to Clean After You Have Mice
According to David Price, Associate Certified Entomologist and Director of Technical Services for Mosquito Joe, cleaning plays a significant role in pest prevention, whether you’re addressing a current infestation or working to prevent future ones. This involves larger home maintenance tasks, such as sealing gaps and cracks in your home’s exterior with steel wool or caulk, trimming exterior grass, and removing weeds. Additionally, it’s essential to stay on top of smaller tasks, like promptly cleaning up food spills and ensuring pet food is not left unattended.
Over the years, I’ve developed my own techniques for pest prevention as an urban renter with limited control over my building’s pest management. For instance, I store all my food in airtight containers. Mice are clever and always looking for food, so leaving items in a bag or cardboard box is just an invitation for them to feast. A set of four mouse-proof containers, like these, is around $20. Additionally, when it comes to your pets, avoid overfilling their bowls; serve them smaller portions and remove any leftovers each night.
When it comes to post-mouse cleaning, it’s essential to disinfect all areas they may have accessed. Marla Mock, President of Molly Maid, advises sanitizing all countertops, floors, and surfaces, and checking spots where mice might hide, such as beneath appliances and inside cabinets.
Use gloves and a diluted bleach solution to sanitize these areas. If you encounter droppings, apply the diluted bleach solution to them for a few minutes before attempting to sweep them up. Mice often leave greasy streaks along baseboards and low surfaces. These marks are significant, as they can signal to other mice that the area is safe. Be sure to thoroughly bleach your baseboards and any low surfaces, including table legs and appliance bottoms.
How to Clean After a Roach or Bug Infestation
Price recommends eliminating any sources of standing water after addressing a bug issue. I learned the hard way that ignoring a leaky shower head can lead to problems. Any moisture can attract pests you don’t want. Each bug encounter is a reminder to declutter your home to reduce potential hiding spots. Prevention is key, so develop the habit of cleaning up spills and food waste immediately. It’s also wise to have a sealed garbage can to trap odors.
According to Mock, after eliminating bugs, deep clean your entire home by vacuuming, dusting, and wiping down all furniture, floors, and baseboards while paying close attention to corners, cracks, and crevices. Additionally, wash your bedding and linens in hot water to kill bugs and their eggs, particularly if you suspect bedbugs. (If you do suspect bedbugs, consider specific treatment methods.)
What to Keep in Mind About Pests and Cleaning
First, if you spot a mouse or a roach, don’t feel ashamed. They are merely searching for food and shelter, and their presence does not reflect on your cleanliness; it simply indicates they found a way in. You cannot control your building’s pest prevention measures, the cleanliness of your neighbors, or weather events that force outdoor critters inside. Focus on what you can manage, including pest removal and future prevention.
“Most people do not think to start outside,” says Price. “They tend to think it’s only their home that’s the problem. Most infestations begin outside, whether from your trash or overgrown weeds and bushes. It’s crucial to tidy up your yard.”
When selecting repellents, remember that some are more potent than others. If you own pets, choose products labeled as pet-friendly. If you opt to use a strong spray like Raid, understand that this will force bugs out of their hiding spaces, unfortunately exposing them to open areas before they perish. It’s best to spray before leaving your house for an extended period to avoid inhaling any fumes, and be prepared to clean up once you return.
Lastly, when cleaning, try to think like a pest. Don’t just focus on visible areas—pull items off shelves, look under appliances, and check for those so-called “hidden spots.” If you’re apprehensive about discovering a live bug, enlist a friend to assist you. Ignoring the situation won’t make it go away. If you’re having difficulty controlling the infestation, consider hiring an exterminator or a cleaning service, and inform them in advance to ensure they are prepared to assist.
