Hello!

I just cleaned out my entire pantry 4 weeks ago. Took everything out and wiped down everything. 3 days ago I noticed something in between a few jars but didn’t think anything off it. I took a good look yesterday……. Mice droppings! What’s the best way to deal with this? Do I throw everything out on that shelf? I am worried about the germs it may have spread. Have you had mice in the pantry? How should I clean the droppings? Do I just pick them up with gloves? What have you done to clean it up?


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  • This would be a nightmare,l would get a professional in!


  • Are there any open packets of food on this shelf? I would throw a out all packets that look like they’ve been in. If they’re in sealed containers, it should be fine. Remove everything from shelf. Wash with hot water and disinfectant, wearing gloves. And see where you could discreetly lay some baits to get rid of them


  • first up, you are sure that it is mice and not cockroaches . disinfect the cupboard and see if you can tell how they are getting in and seal it up!


  • I have most pantry items in containers, so if I come across signs of mice activity, I take everything off the shelves, vacuum any droppings and then wipe the shelves with a disinfectant. Anything that’s in boxes that may have been chewed gets closely inspected and if I find even the slightest hole, I throw it out!


  • I have had that problem, I threw ou everything that was chewed, washed out pantry and all tins and containers. Now all packets are in containers. also keep a bait and trap on floor inside pantry, trap has peanut butter on it. The bait I use is tomat block in a corner container, mouse goes in eats bait and comes out othr side.


  • If the packets aren’t chewed then you’ll be right to keep them. Buy a trap and set it. I bought a plastic one from Coles which conceals the mouse.


  • Providing the bags/boxes are still intact – no chewed corners or holes, you should be pretty safe to keep. Invest in some air-tight containers that can be relatively cheaply at $2 shops, Reject shop, etc, for future use. Clean the shelf thoroughly with disinfectant and wipe down with peppermint oil, mice hate peppermint! Place a drop or two on a cotton ball. Place the cotton balls in areas where mice are likely to enter your house, by doorways or heat vents, etc.


  • if in doubt throw it out but a decent wipe down should suffice once you have caught and removed the rodent!


  • throw out all open biscuit packets etc, and check all sealed boes for chews on the side and corner of them throw out if you find any nibbles. for all items in sealed containers they will be fine. I would out as much as i can in sealed containers so its easier to clean and you wont need to trown so much away just incase the mice have gotten to them.


  • I like to store most things in glass or plastic containers because of this!


  • Clean, clean, clean and if in doubt about any food throw it out. We had a similar problem and now store all pantry food in containers.


  • try and catch the little beggers.(traps, cat what ever)
    clean well.
    add peppermint oil to pieces of sponge and place on shelves.(to deter)
    you may also like to think about having a peppermint plant growing in a pot in the kitchen.
    Wishing you good luck.


  • I sympathise, we live rural and had that awful mouse plague a few years back. I used disposable gloves, Dettol and loads of paper towel to clean up mouse droppings. As far as throwing out food, it depends on what type of packaging it was in, anything I had that was in glass jars or plastic containers were thoroughly disinfected and the rest I tossed out. As for al the alternatives to deter mice like Peppermint Oil, Cloves etc..the best way is to find out where the little blighters are getting in and block their entrance. Best of luck.


  • I’d wear gloves and wipe it down or use the vacuum if you can. I’d only throw out items that may have been entered by the mouse ie open box of cereal or anything like that. I always think if in doubt chuck it out rather than questioning the quality or potential problems with what you are eating. Some cockroach poo is as big as a mouses so maybe get the pest man in for a visit


  • The idea of the peppermint oil is fantastic!!


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