State and local health departments are once again cautioning us to "Be Careful" as we spring clean in garages, basements and old sheds. Science Specialist Ed Yeates has more. Ed, what lurks behind those doors?

A lot of dirt and dust. But the health departments worry most about rodents and chemicals.

While the evidence is still inconclusive, some researchers wonder if the Hantavirus will be more prevalent this year because of all the El Nino rains. Mice and other rodents carry the virus. Humans pick it up by inhaling dust from rodent droppings. So in case you've forgotten the cleanup guidelines.

ED YEATES, SCIENCE SPECIALIST: "NUMBER ONE RULE. IF YOU'RE OPENING UP A STORAGE AREA FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS SEASON, LEAVE THE DOORS AND WINDOWS OPEN - AIR OUT THE PLACE FOR A FULL 30 MINUTES BEFORE YOU GO INSIDE TO CLEAN."

During the winter, mice like to explore behind debris, or in dark areas under stairs. Before beginning, you'll need garbage bags, plastic gloves and disinfectant. Storage areas can accumulate a lot of dust in one season, so clean a small area at a time, spraying down the dust, before you sweep or vacuum. Discard all debris in a double bag.

GERRIE DOWDLE, COMMUNICABLE DISEASE CONTROL PROGRAM, STATE HEALTH DEPT: "THE HANTAVIRUS IS AN INHALED VIRUS AND SO WHAT YOU'RE DOING IS ACTUALLY TWO THINGS. YOU'RE PROBABLY KILLING THE VIRUS WITH THE DISINFECTANT, BUT YOU'RE ALSO MAKING IT WET SO IT WILL NOT BECOME AIRBORNE"

"IF WHILE CLEANING, YOU SHOULD FIND A DEAD MOUSE MAKE SURE THE GLOVES ARE STILL ON AND DISPOSE OF IT IN A FRESH DOUBLE BAG."

Keep the gloves on as you clean out cans of old paint and varnish. And put those cans in a leak proof box for disposal at your nearest waste collection site. After cleaning, wash your hands with gloves still on. Then do it again after you remove the gloves.

Additional Information:

Suggestions for eliminating or cleaning up rodents (from the Utah State Health Dept.)

1. Keep mice and other rodents our of your home Seal all openings into your home that are larger than 1/4 inch Keep all weeds, woodpiles, and garbage at least 100 ft. from house Keep all food, including pet food, in rodent proof containers Keep kitchens and food preparation areas clean

2. Trap all mice in your home Remember to wear gloves while handling mice Use snap traps Spray mice and trap with disinfectant Place rodent in a double plastic bag for disposal Leave several baited spring loaded traps inside the house at all times

3. Clean up after mice Wear rubber gloves while cleaning Air out area for 30 minutes Do not create dust by sweeping or vacuuming Spray rodent droppings and nests with disinfectant Place rodent droppings, nests, and other contaminated items in double bag Wash gloved hands in disinfectant, then soap and water Wash bare hands after removing gloves

For more information on rodent clean up and elimination, call: Utah Dept. of Health Bureau of Epidemiology (801) 538-6191

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days:

April 25 - Sandy Sandy City Public Works Dept. 8775 S. 700 West 9 a.m. - noon

May 2 - Salt Lake City Salt Lake City Public Utilities 1530 S. West Temple 9 a.m. - noon

May 16 - West Jordan West Jordan Public Works Dept. 8030 S. 4000 West 9 a.m. - noon

June 6 - Murray Murray Public Works Dept. 4646 S. 500 West 9 a.m. - noon

August 15 - Sandy (same time and location )