Spring Cleaning Season Comes With a Hidden Risk
As temperatures finally warm up across Canada, millions of homeowners are heading out to tackle that annual tradition: cleaning out the shed, the garage, or the seasonal cottage that's been shut up all winter. But before you grab a broom and start sweeping, health experts are urging Canadians to take a moment to protect themselves from hantavirus — a rare but potentially fatal illness that lurks in rodent-contaminated spaces.
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is caused by a virus found in the urine, droppings, and saliva of infected rodents, most commonly the deer mouse. When disturbed, contaminated dust can become airborne — and that's when the risk becomes real.
What Is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus is not common, but it is serious. In Canada, most cases are reported in rural and semi-rural areas of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba — though cases have been documented across the country. The illness progresses quickly and can lead to severe respiratory distress within days of exposure.
Early symptoms mimic the flu: fatigue, fever, muscle aches. Within a few days, a dry cough and shortness of breath can develop as fluid builds up in the lungs. There is no specific antiviral treatment — supportive care in hospital is the main response, which is why prevention is so critical.
High-Risk Spaces: Sheds, Cabins, and Cottages
Any enclosed space that's been left vacant through the winter is a potential hotspot. Rodents seek warmth and shelter when temperatures drop, and they often move into garages, outbuildings, and seasonal properties. By spring, they may have left behind nests, droppings, and urine — all of which can harbour the virus.
Ottawa-area residents with rural properties or Gatineau Hills cottages should pay particular attention when opening up for the season, as the region's mix of forested land and seasonal structures creates ideal conditions for deer mice.
How to Clean Safely
The key rule: never dry sweep or vacuum a space with potential rodent activity. Stirring up dust is exactly how people get infected. Health Canada and provincial health authorities recommend these steps:
- Ventilate first — open windows and doors and let the space air out for at least 30 minutes before entering
- Wear protection — use rubber or plastic gloves, and an N95 respirator (not just a cloth mask)
- Wet clean — spray surfaces, droppings, and nesting material with a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) and let it soak for at least five minutes before wiping up
- Double-bag waste — seal contaminated material in plastic bags before disposing
- Wash up thoroughly — wash hands with soap and water after removing gloves
If you find significant evidence of rodent infestation — heavy droppings, multiple nests, signs of gnawing — consider calling a professional pest control service rather than tackling it yourself.
After Cleaning
Once the space is clean, take steps to prevent rodents from returning. Seal any gaps or holes in the structure, store food (including pet food and birdseed) in sealed metal or hard plastic containers, and remove debris piles from around the exterior that could serve as nesting sites.
If you develop flu-like symptoms within one to five weeks of cleaning a rodent-contaminated space, seek medical attention promptly and mention the potential exposure. Early intervention can be life-saving.
For more information, visit Health Canada's hantavirus resources or contact your local public health unit.
Source: CBC News / CBC Top Stories RSS
