What to do if you crush a rat? - briefly
Wear disposable gloves, place the crushed animal in a sealed plastic bag, and discard it in a covered trash bin; then clean the surface with a disinfectant such as bleach solution. Dispose of the waste according to local regulations and wash your hands thoroughly.
What to do if you crush a rat? - in detail
If a rodent is accidentally stepped on, first avoid touching the body with bare hands. Put on disposable gloves or use a tool such as tongs to handle the animal.
- Contain the carcass – place it in a sealable plastic bag, then put the bag inside a second bag. Tie both securely.
- Disinfect the area – spray a broad‑spectrum disinfectant on the ground and any surfaces that may have been contaminated. Allow the product to remain wet for the time recommended by the manufacturer.
- Remove waste – discard the double‑bagged remains in an outdoor trash container that is regularly emptied. Do not place the bag in indoor recycling bins.
- Wash hands – after removing gloves, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Observe health – monitor for fever, chills, rash, or swollen lymph nodes over the next few days. If any symptoms appear, seek medical evaluation promptly, mentioning possible exposure to rodent‑borne pathogens.
Preventive steps reduce the likelihood of repeat incidents: