download/print - Neighborhood Cats

sodium hypochlorite on the label of the bleach container. Most “ultra” bleaches will havethe necessary amount, but do check. Most of the time, you shouldn’t use more than a1:32 solution because bleach is corrosive to metal and repeated cleanings with too stronga solution will ruin your traps and other equipment. If ringworm may be present, thenyou’ll need a stronger solution to kill any spores. Several cleanings with 1:10 bleach towater solution will kill ringworm spores or one cleaning with undiluted bleach.To dip the traps in what is close enough to a diluted 1:32 bleach solution, use a 30gallon Rubbermaid or similar garbage can. Fill the can a few inches from the top withwater and then pour in a gallon of bleach. Be sure to use rubber gloves and eyeprotection, like safety goggles, to prevent burns from splashing. Wearing pants and along-sleeve shirt will give you added protection. Dip one end of the trap into the can,then lift it up, turn it over and dip the other end.Remove the trap from the can as soon as it’s been fully dipped, place it on the groundand let it air dry with the bleach solution on it. Once the traps are dry, thoroughly rinsethem off with a hose, removing all bleach residue. At all times, move the traps slowlyand carefully to avoid getting the bleach solution on yourself, but if you accidentally doget some on your skin, wash it off immediately and apply Aloe Vera gel to mitigate anyburns.photo: Meredith Weiss96