How Do I Clean up After an Animal Infestation?
Last updated October 25, 2026
The short answer
Safety First
Before you touch anything, put on rubber gloves, a face mask, and long sleeves. Animal droppings and urine can carry harmful bacteria and parasites. Avoid stirring up dust, and keep children and pets out of the area until the cleanup is done.
Open windows and doors to get fresh air moving through the space. If you feel unwell during or after cleanup, see a doctor. For large infestations or if the mess is in a crawlspace, attic, or HVAC system, consider calling the pros who have the right protective gear and equipment.
Remove Mess Safely
Use a shovel or scoop to pick up droppings and any dead animals. Place them in a heavy-duty plastic bag and seal it tightly. Dispose of the bag in an outdoor trash bin. Do not vacuum or sweep droppings, as that can send particles into the air.
After removing the solid waste, blot up any urine with paper towels and discard them. If the animal is still alive or you cannot safely remove it, contact an animal control service. Never handle a live wild animal yourself.
For soaked materials like carpet, padding, or drywall, you may need to cut away and discard the affected sections. This is often necessary if urine has soaked deep into porous surfaces.
- Wear gloves, mask, and eye protection
- Use a shovel or scoop for solids
- Double-bag waste in heavy-duty trash bags
- Blot urine with paper towels
- Discard porous materials that are soaked
- Wash hands thoroughly after cleanup
Disinfect All Surfaces
Once the waste is gone, clean all hard surfaces with a disinfectant that kills bacteria and viruses. Use a solution of bleach and water (about 1 cup of bleach per gallon) for non-porous surfaces. Let it sit for a while before rinsing.
For floors, walls, and countertops, scrub with a stiff brush to remove any residue. Pay special attention to corners, baseboards, and under cabinets. After disinfecting, rinse with clean water and allow everything to dry completely.
If the area is large or the smell is strong, you may need a more thorough treatment. Local water damage pros can handle deep cleaning and sanitizing of entire rooms, including hidden spaces.
- Use a bleach solution or commercial disinfectant
- Let disinfectant sit for a while
- Scrub hard surfaces with a brush
- Rinse with clean water
- Dry completely to prevent mold
- Wash all fabrics or discard them
Dry and Deodorize
After cleaning, dry the area thoroughly. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to speed up drying. Moisture left behind can lead to mold growth, which brings its own set of problems. Aim for a dry space with no musty smell.
To remove odors, use baking soda or a commercial odor neutralizer. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and let it sit overnight before vacuuming. For persistent smells, you may need to treat the subfloor or insulation, which often requires professional help.
In a semi-arid climate with cold winters and hot dry summers, drying can be easier, but still take the time to ensure everything is bone-dry before replacing materials.
When to Call Pros
If the infestation was large, the mess has soaked into walls or floors, or you cannot fully remove the odor, it's time to call the pros. They have industrial-grade equipment for deep cleaning, sanitizing, and drying. They can also handle crawlspace and air duct cleaning if needed.
Also, if the animal was in your attic or walls, insulation may need to be replaced. The pros can remove contaminated insulation and clean the area thoroughly. For any structural damage, such as chewed wires or holes, you may need an electrician or a general contractor.
Before you start any work, check your insurance policy to see if animal damage is covered. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Take photos of the damage for your records.
- Large areas or heavy contamination
- Mess soaked into drywall or insulation
- Strong odors that won't go away
- Crawlspace, attic, or HVAC involvement
- Need for structural repairs
Talk to someone now
Phones are answered 24/7 for Caldwell and nearby communities.
Call Now (208) 729-2441Frequently asked questions
Can I clean up animal droppings myself?
Yes, for small areas you can do it yourself with gloves, a mask, and disinfectant. For large infestations or if the mess has soaked into walls, floors, or insulation, call the pros to ensure thorough cleanup and safety.
What disinfectant kills animal waste germs?
A solution of 1 cup of bleach per gallon of water works on hard, non-porous surfaces. Let it sit for a while. For porous surfaces like wood, use a commercial disinfectant labeled for that material. Always test a small area first.
How do I get rid of the animal smell?
After cleaning and disinfecting, use baking soda on carpets and let it sit overnight before vacuuming. For persistent odors, the source may be in subflooring or insulation. If so, you may need to remove and replace those materials, which is often a job for the pros.