If you live in Florida and just spotted a mouse in your home, you might be wondering—should I be worried about hantavirus?
I’ve had plenty of customers call in a panic after finding rodent droppings or hearing scratching in their attic. The truth is, hantavirus is rare in Florida, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore a rodent problem.
Recently, Gene Hackman’s wife contracted hantavirus and unfortunately passed away. May she rest in peace.
Hantavirus is a dangerous virus that can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory disease. It spreads through airborne particles from infected rodent urine, feces, or saliva, making even cleaning up after rodents a potential risk if done incorrectly.
While most hantavirus cases happen in the western United States, Florida isn’t immune—cotton rats in our state have been found carrying a strain called Black Creek Canal Virus.
So, is hantavirus a big concern for Florida homeowners? Statistically speaking, no. There’s only been one recorded human case in the state.
But that doesn’t mean rodents should get a free pass in your home.
Whether they carry hantavirus or not, rats and mice can spread leptospirosis, salmonella, and other diseases, contaminate food, and cause costly damage to insulation and wiring. And with Florida’s warm, humid climate, rodent populations don’t slow down like they do in colder states—making year-round prevention a must.
How Do You Get Hantavirus? Common Exposure Risks
Photo Source -> UTMB Health, The University of Texas Medical Branch
One of the biggest misconceptions about hantavirus is that you have to touch a rat or get bitten to be infected.
That’s not true.
The real danger comes from airborne transmission. When rodent urine, feces, or saliva dries out, it can turn into microscopic particles that become airborne. Simply sweeping up rodent droppings or disturbing a nest in your attic can release virus-laden dust into the air, putting you at risk.
Which Rodents Carry Hantavirus in Florida?
Photo Source -> University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
Not all rodents are equal when it comes to hantavirus risk. Here’s what Florida homeowners need to know:
House Mice (Mus musculus): These small, grayish-brown mice are common household pests, but they don’t typically carry hantavirus.
Deer Mice (Peromyscus maniculatus): These are the primary hantavirus carriers in the western U.S., but they aren’t commonly found in Florida.
Cotton Rats (Sigmodon hispidus): If you’re worried about hantavirus in Florida, this is the rodent to watch. Cotton rats are larger than house mice, have coarse brown fur, and tend to live in fields, overgrown vegetation, and sometimes attics and sheds. They’ve been found carrying Black Creek Canal Virus, a strain of hantavirus native to Florida.
If you see a mouse or rat in your home and aren’t sure what kind it is, don’t take chances. It’s best to avoid handling them altogether and call a professional for identification and removal.
Can Hantavirus Survive in Old Droppings or Urine?
Yes, and this is where people can get caught off guard.
Hantavirus can remain active in dried rodent urine, droppings, and nesting materials for days or even weeks. The risk is especially high in closed-off areas like sheds, attics, or storage spaces that haven’t been disturbed in a while. Even months later, if those droppings are stirred up, the virus particles could still pose a threat.
That’s why proper cleaning is critical. Never sweep or vacuum rodent droppings—this can aerosolize the virus. Instead, use disinfectant spray, wear gloves and a mask, and let a professional handle it if you’re unsure.
Can Hantavirus Spread Through HVAC Systems?
Many Florida homeowners worry about whether a rodent infestation in the attic could spread hantavirus through their air conditioning system. While there’s no confirmed case of this happening, it’s possible. If rodents nest in or near HVAC ducts, their droppings could be disturbed when the system kicks on, potentially circulating contaminated dust throughout the home.
I can’t harp on this enough. Rodent-proof your home to protect your family not just for hantavirus, but for overall air quality and health. If you suspect rodent activity near your vents, it’s time to call in the pros. At Hoffer Pest Solutions, we specialize in rodent exclusion, ensuring your home stays sealed, safe, and pest-free.
What Are the Symptoms of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)?
Hantavirus infections don’t start with anything dramatic. In fact, early symptoms are so mild that many people mistake them for the flu. But within a few days, the illness can take a dangerous turn—one that often requires hospitalization.
Early Symptoms: It Feels Like the Flu—At First
The first stage of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) begins 1 to 3 weeks after exposure and includes:
✔ Fever (often above 101°F)
✔ Fatigue and muscle aches, especially in the back, hips, and legs
✔ Chills, nausea, and headaches
At this stage, there’s no way to tell if it’s hantavirus or just a common virus. That’s why people who have recently cleaned up rodent droppings, worked in an attic, or been in areas with rodent activity should take these symptoms seriously.
Severe Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention
After 4 to 10 days, HPS can escalate into a full-blown respiratory emergency. At this stage, symptoms may
include:
🚨 Severe shortness of breath – As the lungs fill with fluid, breathing becomes difficult.
🚨 Coughing, chest pain, and dizziness – Many patients feel like they’re drowning.
🚨 Extreme low blood pressure – This can lead to organ failure if untreated.
There is no cure for hantavirus, but early hospitalization can save lives. If you or a loved one experience sudden shortness of breath after possible rodent exposure, seek emergency care immediately.
Who’s Most at Risk?
While hantavirus doesn’t discriminate, some people are more vulnerable to complications, including:
Pregnant women and young children – Their immune systems may not fight the virus as effectively.
People with asthma or respiratory conditions – HPS can trigger life-threatening complications faster.
Anyone who frequently works in areas with rodent activity – Farmers, campers, construction workers, and people cleaning out old buildings should take extra precautions.
How to Identify If a Mouse in Your Home Poses a Hantavirus Risk
Not every rodent you see is a cause for panic, but knowing which ones pose a hantavirus risk in Florida is key to keeping your home and family safe. While house mice are more of a nuisance than a health hazard, cotton rats have been linked to hantavirus cases in the state. Here’s how to tell the difference.
✔ House Mice (Mus musculus) – Low Risk
Photo Source -> Purdue Extension - Purdue University
Small (2-4 inches long, not including tail)
Gray or light brown fur with a lighter underside
Pointed nose and large ears
Found indoors, especially in kitchens, garages, and basements
➡️ Risk Level: House mice do not typically carry hantavirus, though they can spread other diseases like salmonella.
✔ Deer Mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) – High Risk (Western U.S.)
Photo Source -> University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
Light brown fur with a distinct white belly
Large, dark eyes and oversized ears
More common in rural areas, barns, and cabins
Rare in Florida but a major hantavirus carrier in the western U.S.
➡️ Risk Level: Uncommon in Florida, but if you travel or have a second home in the western U.S., be aware of their presence.
✔ Cotton Rats (Sigmodon hispidus) – Known Carriers in Florida
Photo Source -> BioKIDS - University of Michigan
Larger than house mice (5-7 inches long, not including tail)
Coarse, dark brown fur with a grizzled look
Shorter tail compared to body length
Found in fields, overgrown yards, sheds, and attics
➡️ Risk Level: Cotton rats in Florida have tested positive for hantavirus, specifically the Black Creek Canal Virus. If you find one inside your home, take immediate action.
How to Get Rid of Rodents (DIY & When to Call a Pro)
If you’ve spotted a mouse or rat in your home, your first instinct might be to set a trap and hope for the best. While DIY rodent control can work for small infestations, Florida’s warm climate makes it easy for rodents to multiply fast.
If you want to avoid possibly paying thousands of dollars for rodent control, take our advice and be proactive. Sealing off entry points, reducing attractants, and knowing when to call in the pros.
The best way to handle a rodent problem? Prevent it before it starts. Here’s how:
1. Seal Entry Points – Stop Rodents Before They Get Inside
Rodents can squeeze through holes as small as a dime. In Florida homes, common entry points include:
✅ Gaps around pipes, vents, and AC units
✅ Cracks in foundation walls and siding
✅ Open garage doors and torn window screens
✅ Gaps under doors—especially if weather stripping is worn
🔧 Fix it: Use steel wool, caulk, and hardware cloth to block small openings. For larger gaps, a professional exclusion service can ensure rodents stay out for good.
2. Store Food Properly – Don’t Make It Easy for Rodents to Eat
Mice and rats are drawn to open food sources, including pet food, bird seed, and pantry items.
🍽️ Pro Tip
Keep all food in airtight, rodent-proof containers.
Don’t leave pet food out overnight.
Clean up crumbs and spills immediately.
3. Reduce Outdoor Attractions – Keep Rodents Away from Your Yard
Rodents love cluttered outdoor spaces that provide food, water, and shelter.
🌿 Minimize Rodent Havens
Move firewood stacks at least 20 feet from your home.
Trim overgrown shrubs and clear out debris piles.
Store garbage in sealed, heavy-duty bins.
4. Effective Traps & Baits – What Works Best in Florida?
Not all traps are created equal. Some work better for small house mice, while others are more effective for cotton rats and roof rats.
🪤 Best Traps for Florida Rodents:
Snap traps – Effective for small-scale infestations.
Live traps – Best for those who want to release rodents away from the home.
Bait stations – Useful for long-term control but require careful placement to prevent exposure to pets or children.
⚠️ What to Avoid: Glue traps. While they might catch a rodent, they don’t kill quickly and can lead to inhumane suffering.
When DIY Isn’t Enough – Professional Rodent Control
Sometimes, no matter how many traps you set, the rodents keep coming back. Here’s when it’s time to bring in a pro:
1. Signs of a Large Infestation
If you notice multiple signs of rodent activity, it’s time for expert help:
🚨 Scratching noises in the walls or ceiling at night
🚨 Droppings (small, black pellets) in the kitchen, attic, or garage
🚨 Strong, musty odors – A sign rodents have been nesting for a while
🚨 Gnawed wires, insulation, or food packaging
🔍 Don’t wait until the problem gets worse. If you see any of these signs, it’s likely the infestation has already spread beyond what DIY methods can handle.
2. Attic & Crawlspace Infestations – Why Florida Homes Are High-Risk
Florida’s warm climate makes attics and crawlspaces ideal nesting spots for rodents. They offer:
🏡 Shelter from predators
🌡️ Protection from extreme heat
🛏️ Soft insulation for nesting material
⚠️ The danger?
Rodents in attics can chew through electrical wiring, increasing fire risks. If left unchecked, they’ll multiply fast, turning your home into a breeding ground.
When to Call a Professional
DIY solutions are a great first step, but if you’re hearing scratching in your attic, spotting droppings around your home, or dealing with a repeated rodent problem, it’s time to bring in the experts.
At Hoffer Pest Solutions, we don’t just remove rodents—we prevent them from coming back. Our rodent exclusion services seal off entry points, protect your home, and ensure your family stays safe.
✅ A full home inspection to identify entry points and nesting areas
✅ Professional-grade traps & bait stations – Safe for homes with kids & pets
✅ Exclusion services – We don’t just remove rodents; we keep them out permanently
✅ Attic decontamination – Cleaning up rodent droppings & sanitizing affected areas
📞 Don’t wait until a small rodent problem turns into a major infestation. Contact Hoffer Pest Solutions today for a FREE rodent inspection!