Pet Rodent Owners Here are some simple steps that owners of pet rodents should take in order to minimize the chances of getting sick from their animal: 1) Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after handling pet rodents or cleaning up pet droppings, cages, or areas where pets have been. 2) Keep rodent cages clean and free of soiled bedding. 3) Clean cages in a well-ventilated area or outside. Wear rubber, latex, vinyl or nitrile gloves and wash hands thoroughly when you are done. Once the cage is washed clean of organic material, disinfect it with a dilute bleach solution (one half cup of bleach to one gallon of warm water.) Let the bleach solution remain on the cage and all food bowls, water dishes, hide huts, etc. for ten minutes and then thoroughly rinse them with warm water. 4) Closely supervise young children, especially those under the age of five, when cleaning cages, and make sure they wash their hands immediately after handling pet rodents and caging and bedding. 5) Do not kiss pet rodents or hold them close to your face. 6) Do not allow pets in kitchens or around food preparation areas. 7) Do not allow pet rodents to come in contact with wild rodents or their droppings or nests. Do not allow pet rodents in areas with wild mice, such as garages and back yards.