How to Prevent Hantavirus: Your Complete Protection Guide

Preventing rodent entry is the most effective long-term strategy. Rodents can squeeze through any gap larger than ¼ inch. A single mouse can enter through a hole the size of a dime.

Seal All Entry Points

• Inspect the exterior for gaps around pipes, conduits, cables, and vents
• Seal gaps ¼ inch or larger in walls, foundations, and around pipes
• Use hardware cloth (¼ inch mesh) or steel wool for openings — rodents cannot chew through these materials
• Install door sweeps on garage and exterior doors
• Cap chimneys with fine mesh
• Check for gaps where utility lines enter the building

Remove Attractants

• Store food (including pet food and birdseed) in airtight metal or hard plastic containers
• Keep rubbish bins tightly lidded — use rodent-proof bins outdoors
• Remove woodpiles, debris piles, and clutter from near the house exterior
• Keep grass and vegetation trimmed near the foundation
• Set snap traps (not glue traps) in garages, sheds, and crawl spaces

Electronic & Ultrasonic Deterrents

Ultrasonic pest repellers emit high-frequency sound waves that rodents find irritating. While their effectiveness varies and they should not replace physical exclusion, they can supplement a rodent-proofing strategy — particularly for garages, attics, and outbuildings.

After cleaning a rodent-contaminated space, residual virus particles can remain suspended in the air. Running a True HEPA air purifier in the space for several hours after cleanup can help capture any remaining particles. HEPA filters are rated to capture 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger — well within the range of hantavirus-laden aerosol particles.

For homes in high-risk areas or anyone who regularly works in spaces with rodent activity, HEPA air purification is one of several measures described in public health guidance on reducing indoor aerosol exposure.