mice and rats- carpet cleaning

 We've discovered that we have a rodent infestation in our newly purchased
home. Can anyone give me pointers about how to go about cleaning the house
?
We want to get professional carpet cleaners, but will that take care of
mice and rat droppings ? Is there any specific kind of professional
equipment we should look for when selecting a carpet cleaner ?

We have lots of droppings in the attic and the kitchen pantry.

I was wondering if a good steam cleaner (recommendations ?) would do the
job ?
Can I steam clean an attic ? Or is that a bad idea because of introducing
moisture into the air where there is exposed insulation .... What other
ways do I clean the attic.
The other alternative idea I have-  getting disposable coveralls and a half
respirator with P100 filter and 10% bleach spray and a shopvac and cleaning
the attic.

How do you do heavy duty mice/rodent control.

Thanks much
anita

  Ewwww.  I would vacuum up everything I could, first, esp in the attic.
Steam will turn droppings into liquid droppings.  I would not steam
clean the attic.

Another aspect is that there's a connection between your attic and
kitchen - the walls.  You might want to cut open the drywall in a
couple places and see if they have nesting material or droppings in
them.

You might also consider small claims court; take lots of pictures
before cleaning.

 Be aware that mice carry Hansa virus, which can be fatal.  It is inhaled.
You should really hire someone professional, and then I would indeed talk to
the home inspector or the real estate agent, and then go to an attorney!

 I believe that is Hanta virus.



Betsy wrote:

 Yes, sorry!