When people think about rodents, they usually worry about chewed wires or food messes. But in North Carolina, including Raleigh and the surrounding Triangle area, mice and rats can also carry serious health risks. One concern that gets a lot of questions is Hantavirus.
While Hantavirus is rare, it can be dangerous. Knowing how it spreads, where it shows up, and how to protect your home can help keep your family safe and give you peace of mind.
What Is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a virus carried by certain rodents, especially deer mice. People can become infected when they breathe in air contaminated with virus particles from rodent urine, droppings, or nesting materials.
This usually happens during:
- Sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings
- Cleaning out attics, garages, sheds, or crawl spaces
- Disturbing old nests or insulation
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Hantavirus can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a serious lung illness that requires immediate medical care.
Learn more directly from the CDC here:
https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus
Is Hantavirus a Risk in North Carolina?
Yes, Hantavirus has been found in North Carolina, though cases remain uncommon. The deer mouse, which can carry the virus, lives throughout the state, including rural areas around Raleigh, Johnston County, and the greater Triangle area. The risk tends to increase when rodents move indoors during colder months, when homes have crawl spaces or attics with easy entry points, and when storage areas are cluttered and left undisturbed for long periods.
Even though Hantavirus isn’t something most homeowners encounter, it’s still important to take rodent activity seriously and address it early.
Common Signs of Rodent Activity in Raleigh Homes
Rodents are sneaky and often go unnoticed until the problem grows. In Raleigh homes, warning signs may include small black droppings in kitchens, garages, or attics, scratching or scurrying sounds at night, chewed food packaging or wires, and nesting materials such as shredded paper or insulation. Some homeowners also notice strong musty or urine odors.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best not to clean them up yourself without proper safety steps.
Why DIY Cleanup Can Be Dangerous
Many homeowners grab a broom or vacuum when they see rodent droppings, but this can increase the risk of breathing in contaminated dust. Health experts recommend avoiding sweeping or vacuuming droppings, wearing protective gloves and masks, and wetting down affected areas with disinfectant before cleanup.
In real life, most homeowners don’t have the right equipment or training to do this safely. That’s why professional help is often the safest choice, especially when health risks like Hantavirus are involved.
How Rodents Get Into North Carolina Homes
Rodents only need a hole about the size of a quarter to squeeze inside a home. In Raleigh and nearby areas, they commonly enter through small gaps in siding or brickwork, vents and crawl space openings, damaged rooflines, or garage doors that don’t seal properly.
Once inside, attics and crawl spaces provide warmth, shelter, and nesting materials, making them ideal places for rodents to settle in and multiply.
How to Reduce Rodent and Hantavirus Risk
Here are some practical steps homeowners can take:
Seal Entry Points
Repair gaps, cracks, and broken vents around your home.
Reduce Food Sources
Store pet food and pantry items in sealed containers and clean up crumbs quickly.
Declutter Storage Areas
Avoid piling boxes in garages, sheds, and crawl spaces.
Schedule Professional Inspections
A trained wildlife professional can spot early warning signs before they turn into a health risk.
Why Professional Rodent Control Matters
At Freedom Wildlife Solutions & Pest Control, we understand the unique pest pressures in Clayton, Raleigh, and across the Triangle area. Rodent problems aren’t just about nuisance animals, they’re about protecting your family’s health. Professional rodent control safely removes rodents without spreading contamination, identifies and seals entry points, cleans and sanitizes affected areas, and helps prevent future infestations. If you suspect rodent activity or simply want peace of mind, it’s smart to act early.
Learn more about our rodent control and wildlife removal services here:
https://freedomwildlifesolutions.com/rodent-control/
When to Call for Help
You should contact a professional if:
- You see droppings in living spaces
- You hear rodents in walls or ceilings
- You’re unsure how to safely clean contaminated areas
- You want to reduce health risks like Hantavirus
Early action saves money, prevents damage, and keeps your home safer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hantavirus in North Carolina
Can you get Hantavirus in North Carolina?
Yes, Hantavirus has been found in North Carolina, though cases are rare. The virus is carried by certain rodents, including deer mice, which live throughout the state, including the Raleigh area.
How do people catch Hantavirus?
People are most often exposed by breathing in air contaminated with rodent urine, droppings, or nesting materials. This can happen while cleaning attics, garages, crawl spaces, or sheds where rodents have been active.
Is Hantavirus common in Raleigh homes?
Hantavirus is not common, but rodent infestations are. Any home with mice or rats has a higher risk, especially if droppings or nesting materials are disturbed without proper safety precautions.
What are the symptoms of Hantavirus?
Early symptoms may include fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. As the illness progresses, it can cause coughing and shortness of breath. Anyone experiencing symptoms after rodent exposure should seek medical care right away.
Is it safe to clean up mouse droppings myself?
Cleaning rodent droppings without proper protection can be dangerous. Sweeping or vacuuming can release contaminated particles into the air. Professional cleanup is the safest option when health risks are involved.
How can I prevent rodents in my North Carolina home?
Sealing entry points, reducing food sources, keeping storage areas organized, and scheduling routine inspections are the best ways to prevent rodents from getting inside your home.
When should I call a professional for rodent control?
You should call a professional if you see droppings, hear scratching sounds, notice strong odors, or suspect rodents in your attic or crawl space. Early action helps prevent damage and reduces health risks.
Protect Your Home and Family Today
Rodents don’t belong in North Carolina homes, especially when they bring health concerns like Hantavirus. Whether you’re in Raleigh, Clayton, or anywhere in Johnston County, professional help can make all the difference.
Call Freedom Wildlife Solutions & Pest Control today or
Schedule your service online to keep your home protected year-round.
