Updated: 2026-05-30
Hantavirus Prevention
The most important prevention steps are controlling rodents, sealing entry points, reducing food sources, ventilating closed spaces, and avoiding dry sweeping or vacuuming rodent-contaminated dust.
Control rodents first
Seal holes and gaps, remove food sources, store food securely, and use traps as appropriate to reduce rodent activity around homes, cabins, sheds, and work areas.
Clean safely
Ventilate enclosed spaces before cleanup. Wet contaminated areas with disinfectant before removing droppings or nesting materials, and avoid stirring up dust by dry sweeping.
Reduce future exposure
Keep storage areas organized, elevate boxes, clear brush and debris near buildings, and inspect seasonal buildings before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I vacuum rodent droppings?
Public-health guidance commonly warns against dry sweeping or vacuuming droppings because it can aerosolize contaminated dust.
Where should I verify cleanup guidance?
Check the CDC hantavirus and rodent-control resources for current official guidance.