Hey everyone!
When I scrubbed what I thought was “dried mud” off my attic beams, I inhaled hantavirus-laden rat feces and spent 3 days hospitalized. Here’s how to avoid my $12k mistake:
- Size/shape: Rat pellets = ½" rice grains with tapered ends; mouse = ¼" specks
- Fresh vs. old: Glossy black = active infestation; gray/crumbly = old but still toxic
- UV test: $20 flashlight reveals urine trails (blue glow) even if droppings are gone
Now I carry a rodent ID kit (magnifier + test strips). How do we spot hidden infestations before getting sick or fined by health inspectors?
Rat vs. roof rat droppings: Norway rats = blunt ends (¾"), roof rats = curved/spindle-shaped. Mix Borax + water in spray bottle, old feces dissolve safely without aerosolizing pathogens. CDC-approved method!
Thought my toddler ate a raisin… was RAT POOP! ER used zinc sulfate flotation test ($300) to confirm. Now I scan meals with a 60x jewelers loupe.
1700s house ‘dust’ = 200yo rat mummies. Archaeologist said droppings contain lead from colonial paint! EPA made me hazmat-suit demo everything.
Hantavirus rapid tests exist ($150/strip). Positive? Seal room and nuke it with ozone generators. Landlord tried evicting me, showed CDC guidelines and stayed.
Hidden droppings under floors = failed inspection. I use endoscope cameras ($80) through outlet covers. Found 7 infestations this month, sellers hate me.
Baking soda + vinegar exploded rat turds into a toxic smoothie. Health Dept fined me $5k for ‘biological terrorism.’ Now hiring pros with HEPA vacuums. Lesson learned.
Loupes miss Giardia cysts! Send suspicious ‘raisins’ to Veterinary Diagnostic Lab ($45 PCR test). Faster than ER panic.
Bat vs. rat guano: Bat = crumbly + shiny insect wings; Rat = hair bits + seeds. My UV flashlight also found owl pellets with mouse skulls. Nature’s gross confetti.
Hiding droppings = fraudulent concealment in 32 states. Previous owner paid me $22k after buyer found wall-feces insulation. Always photograph + timestamp!
@DIYorDie Ozone machines require airtight sealing! I tent rooms with 10mil plastic and duct tape. Kills hantavirus… and houseplants.