Hoarder cleanout

Has anyone done a large scale hoarder cleanout? There is obvious mouse infestation. My biggest concern is being properly protected against any possible disease the mice may carry. I typically do smaller jobs. This is for a property investment co. that may lead to a lot of lucrative jobs. Is it worth it and any special gear other than the obvious masks gloves etc...

Originally Posted by BRASSCATCHER

You can get a cloth type disposable suit made by Tyvek. They are used by csi teams when processing crime scenes.

Yea, keep a few around here for cleaning up after teens ;-)

Most worried about air quality once this stuff starts getting stirred up.

Wow Mike, that's a big one. I thought my 2 story was bad.

Russell, be sure to keep a lookout for non metal stuff that will sell, oh and money too. Check in books and suitcases if they have any. I didn't have any special gear other than boots and gloves, but then the only bad stuff was the fridge that was unplugged with food still in it and I just tied the door shut and took it to the yard (told them not to open it either). We did find some Korean War psychological warfare leaflets that were worth a good deal.

One thing to be careful of for sure is needles. You never know what they could be contaminated with.

ya I love them its gets nasty at times but I do not do so much of the trash type ones but electronic ones and garages and Morton type building I have before I guess I have wore gloves before and just use a simple mask if that bad but ya things are out there cheap enough for full protection 3m does an awesome job with these and are decent prices

I was aware of the hantavirus prior to this job. Ive read a lot on it. Although likely hood is somewhat low, I don't feel being uninformed or underprotected is worth it. I think they need to contact a pest specialist prior to cleanup. Again large job 200-250 cubic yards. Who knows how bad the problem is once you start unearthing this stuff. I saw trace amounts of mouse droppings and someone had put d con everywhere. Again not intimidated by the work to me its like dealing with asbestos. If you don't know exactly what your doing and how to be equipped better off leaving it to someone who is.

It might be as simple as checking with your doctor about what to be careful of and how to protect yourself. A shot or two for things like tetanus or hepatitis plus whatever type of respirator mask is required for airborne stuff that could hurt you might be all you need. (again, the doc should know) Plus gloves, of course.

Don't forget that guys are working in all kinds of worse stuff than this every day...plumbers, garbagemen, home remodelling guys, etc.


J.

Originally Posted by sawmilleng

It might be as simple as checking with your doctor about what to be careful of and how to protect yourself. A shot or two for things like tetanus or hepatitis plus whatever type of respirator mask is required for airborne stuff that could hurt you might be all you need. (again, the doc should know) Plus gloves, of course.

Don't forget that guys are working in all kinds of worse stuff than this every day...plumbers, garbagemen, home remodelling guys, etc.


J.

Also remember that those people are around it every day and thier bodies are used to it