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AIBU?

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AIBU to worry after cleaning up rat droppings in the shed

3 replies

UhOhRatPoo · 18/04/2026 17:17

I discovered today that the floor of my shed was rotten, have just realised that there was a load of rat poo within the dust and dried rotten wood I was sweeping up and scooping into a bag with my hands. I have now read that it’s dangerous to be near it and sweeping spreads the particles into the air. I had gloves on and no open wounds and I don’t remember feeling like I was coughing or anything, but now I’m really worried about what I might have caught. Have showered and scrubbed hands with disinfectant. I was sweeping for about 30 mins, with good ventilation.

How do I stop worrying? I guess the only thing I can do is seek medical advice very quickly if I feel a bit off, isn’t it? And obviously tell doc about the exposure. I’ve read that things like hantavirus can take 6 weeks to develop…

OP posts:
HarryBlackberry1 · 18/04/2026 17:54

You should be ok OP. We had rats in our loft a few months ago, and we were merrily sweeping away rat poo. Only read about the dangers afterwards, but we were ok. You were well ventilated too.

Serencwtch · 18/04/2026 18:21

We get rats in the farm buildings I've worked in for 40+ years so dealt with a fair amount of rat droppings, dead rats etc etc

Yes there are risks but they're very low. As you washed your hands after there's not much to worry about.

If it makes you feel better I've never known anyone to get Ill from sweeping up rat droppings & I know a lot of country folk who Injure themselves regularly on farms.

UhOhRatPoo · 18/04/2026 18:24

Thank you so much both of you, I really appreciate it!

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