How Is Hantavirus Spread? The 4 Ways People Catch It
Hantavirus spreads mostly by breathing in dust from infected wild mouse urine and droppings. See all 4 routes, what doesn't spread it, and how to clean up.
Hantavirus spreads mostly by breathing in dust from infected wild mouse urine and droppings. See all 4 routes, what doesn't spread it, and how to clean up.
A dead mouse smells like rotting meat mixed with rotten cabbage and a sour, sweet sulfur note. Learn how to tell it from a gas leak and get rid of the smell.
Hear rats in your walls but never see one in the house? Learn why rats stay hidden, where they eat and drink, how to confirm it's rats, and how to get them out.
Disturb a mouse nest and the mice scatter, but dust, germs and mites stay behind. Here's what actually happens, the CDC steps to remove a nest, and what's next.
Can mice climb beds? Yes. Mice climb wood bed legs, hanging bedding and nearby furniture, and can jump about 12 inches. Here's why it's rare and what to do.
Accidentally vacuumed mouse droppings? Don't panic. Here's what to do now, how to clean the vacuum, and which symptoms over the next 8 weeks need a doctor.
Hear mice in your walls but never see them in the house? Here's why mice stay hidden in wall voids, how to confirm it's mice, and how to get them out for good.
Can rats climb walls? Yes. Rats scale brick, wood and concrete, shimmy up pipes and run along wires. See what stops them and how to keep them off your home.
Do mice carry rabies? Almost never. The CDC says small rodents are rarely infected, and Virginia had zero rabid mice in 2024. See what to do after a mouse bite.
Are mice in walls dangerous? Yes. They chew wiring, ruin insulation, spread germs and allergens, and leave odors. Here are the 5 real risks and what to do next.
40 states plus DC have reported hantavirus. See the state-by-state CDC case counts, the 10 states with zero cases, and what it means for Virginia and Maryland.
Can mice chew through steel wool? Rarely. Hard steel fibers stop most gnawing, but mice pull loose wool out and it rusts. Here's how to use it the right way.
Can mice climb walls? Yes. House mice run up brick, wood, concrete and siding, plus pipes and wires. Smooth walls and metal bands stop them. Here's what to do.
How small of a hole can a mouse fit through? About 1/4 inch, the width of a pencil. See why the skull sets the limit, how rats compare, and how to seal gaps.
How high can mice jump? A house mouse jumps about 12 inches straight up, and some sources say up to 18. See how far they leap, fall and climb in your home.
The chances of getting sick from mouse droppings are low for most homes. See the real odds for hantavirus, LCMV and salmonella, who is at risk, and symptoms.
Maryland has four rat species, but only two get into houses. See how to tell them apart, where rats are worst in the state, and what keeps them out for good.
Rats in Virginia come down to five species, and only two get into houses. See how to tell them apart, where each one lives, and what keeps them out for good.
Learn how to get rid of mice for good with a proven step-by-step plan: find the signs, remove food, trap and bait, and seal every entry point mice use.
Does baking soda kill rats? Not reliably. See the dose math, why homemade rat poison recipes fail, and what kills rats fast in Northern Virginia homes.
Norway rat vs roof rat: identify which one invaded your home by size, habits & nesting location. Get expert identification tips for your property.
Roof rat vs Norway rat: Learn to identify which invaded your Virginia home. Better Termite and Pest Control's expert guide to rat behavior and removal.
Rats in your attic? Learn to spot the warning signs, understand health risks & discover effective removal solutions. Complete homeowner guide.
Mouse vs vole identification made simple. Discover key differences in appearance, behavior & yard damage patterns. Learn which rodent you have.
The best mouse bait for traps, ranked by a Northern Virginia pest tech, plus what to look for in a mouse bait station and how far apart to set them.
Mice vs rats -- not sure which you have? Learn to spot key differences in size, droppings & behavior. Effective treatment solutions for your home.
Deer mouse vs house mouse: compare fur, tail, droppings and habits with photos, plus what actually shows up in Northern Virginia and DC homes.