Should You Be Worried About Hantavirus in WA State?

Hantavirus has been making headlines recently due to a tragic case linked to rodent exposure. While infections are rare, they are serious, with a high mortality rate. Given the Pacific Northwest’s robust rodent population, it’s important for Washington homeowners to understand the risks, how to prevent exposure, and what steps to take if rodents are in your home.

Rodents are far more than a nuisance—they can carry over 35 diseases, including Hantavirus, and their presence in homes is more common than many people realize. While finding a mouse or rat in your home may seem like a small issue, it can pose real health risks if left unaddressed.

What is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a group of viruses carried by rodents, primarily transmitted through their urine, droppings, and saliva. When these materials dry, virus particles can become airborne, making inhalation the primary method of transmission. This is why improper cleaning methods, such as vacuuming or sweeping rodent droppings, can increase the risk of infection.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is the most common illness caused by hantaviruses in North America. Though not contagious from person to person, HPS is severe, with a mortality rate between 38-50%.

Symptoms of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS):

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Headaches and dizziness
• Coughing and shortness of breath
• Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain

Symptoms typically appear 1 to 8 weeks after exposure. Initially, it may feel like the flu, but the disease can rapidly progress to severe respiratory distress as fluid builds up in the lungs. Without immediate medical attention, HPS can be fatal.

To learn more about Hantavirus, visit the CDC’s Hantavirus resource page: CDC: About Hantavirus

Where is Hantavirus Found in Washington?

Hantavirus is found throughout the United States, but Washington State is home to one of its primary carriers: the deer mouse.

High-Risk Areas for Rodent Activity in Washington:

• Rural areas (barns, sheds, and outbuildings)
• Cabins and vacation homes that remain unoccupied for long periods
• Crawlspaces, attics, and garages where rodents seek shelter
• Older homes with unsealed gaps, especially near wooded areas

Deer mice are particularly abundant in the Pacific Northwest, where cool, damp conditions provide ideal nesting environments. Because rodents remain active year-round, the risk of Hantavirus exposure is not seasonal—it can happen at any time.

How to Prevent Hantavirus Exposure

Hantavirus exposure is entirely preventable if you take the right precautions. The best way to stay safe is to keep rodents out of your home altogether.

Rodent-Proofing Your Home

✔️ Seal all entry points larger than a dime—rodents can squeeze through tiny openings.
✔️ Store food in airtight containers and keep pet food sealed.
✔️ Reduce clutter—rodents seek out nesting materials like paper, fabric, and insulation.
✔️ Trim trees and vegetation—rodents often enter homes via overhanging branches or dense landscaping near the foundation.

Safe Rodent Cleanup Practices

Improper cleanup of rodent droppings can increase the risk of inhaling Hantavirus. The CDC recommends the following safe cleanup process:

1. Do not vacuum or sweep rodent droppings, urine, or nesting materials. This can cause virus particles to become airborne.
2. Wear protective equipment: Use rubber or plastic gloves and an N95 mask.
3. Disinfect before cleaning:
   • Spray urine, droppings, or nests with a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) or an EPA-registered disinfectant.
   • Let the solution sit for at least 5 minutes.
4. Carefully clean the area:
   • Use paper towels to wipe up waste.
   • Dispose of used towels in a sealed trash bag.
5. Mop or sponge the area with disinfectant to clean floors, countertops, and other surfaces.
6. Wash hands and gloves thoroughly with soap and water after cleaning.

For more details on safe cleanup guidelines, visit the CDC’s official guide: How to Clean Up After Rodents

If your home has heavy rodent infestations or contaminated insulation, professional cleanup services are recommended to reduce risk.

Ongoing Rodent Monitoring

Most rodent infestations go undetected until they’ve become a serious problem. That’s why ongoing monitoring is key. SMART digital rodent control detects rodent activity before you ever see signs of an infestation, stopping problems before they start.

➡️ Learn more about SMART digital rodent monitoring

Why Prevention Matters

Rodents aren’t just a nuisance—they pose serious health risks to you and your family. Many homes have hidden entry points that make infestations inevitable if left unsealed.

While traditional pest control relies on bait and traps, the most effective strategy is exclusion. By sealing entry points, eliminating attractants, and monitoring rodent activity proactively, you can prevent an infestation before it starts.

How Eastside Exterminators Can Help

At Eastside Exterminators, we specialize in rodent prevention and safe removal, offering:

• SMART digital monitoring to detect rodents early and eliminate them without chemicals
• Home Shield Exclusion Services to permanently seal entry points
• Sanitation services to remove droppings, replace contaminated insulation, and disinfect affected areas

Rodents are a fact of life in Washington—but infestations don’t have to be. Our proven four-step rodent control process keeps homes pest-free and protects families from dangerous diseases like Hantavirus.

If you’re concerned about rodents or potential Hantavirus exposure, don’t wait. Schedule an inspection today to keep your home safe.

📞 Call us at (425) 318-7912 or learn more about our rodent control services here:
Rodent Control Services