Mice Have Visited - How Best To Clean Up

montanaandy · 04-14-2003, 05:43 PM

I began to get the AS ready for the summer this past weekend and I noticed that I had been visited by some mice over the course of the winter (I put the barn cats in the trailer for a few days every few weeks during the winter). I know that these are deer mice and can cary the hantavirus in their droppings. The mice did a pretty good job tearing up the toilet paper in the bathroom and were in the sleeping area as well as the kitchen counter. They didn't get to any wiring that I can see. I sprayed the droppings that I came across with Lysol (using a mask and rubber gloves). I know that a dilute of bleach will kill off the virus but I don't want to spray the matresses with this. Any one have any experience in this area/any suggestions? Thanks, Montanaandy

**Pick** · 04-14-2003, 06:47 PM

My suggestion would have been to vacuum up the droppings with a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, or a bagless that uses water. Have their been any cases of hantavirus reported in your area?

THEN wipe everything down with a bleach based cleaner. Lysol's antiseptic qualities are questionable.

I put moth balls in the rear bumper compartment. It has, or seemed to work for the last 9 months. I also put "sticky traps" in key areas of the AS. No catches since the MB's when in the bumper compartment.

montanaandy · 04-14-2003, 10:22 PM

I have read that you do not want to vacuume up the droppings because this can stir things up and release the particulates into the air and possibly into your lungs. I plan on using disposable surgical gloves and a wisk broom/dust pan to get them up as best I can. I will use a bleach based cleaner/solution as you suggest after I have removed the droppings. I don't know of any reported hantavirus cases here in Billings, Montana but I am fairly certain that these are deer mice (my barn cats have killed a number of them and the carcasses have the big ears that deer mice normally have). Montanaandy

WayWard Wind · 04-14-2003, 10:53 PM

Being new A/S owner, critters were our big concern last Fall when we put Bambi to sleep. We were told to try putting Bloodmeal ( get it at your local landscape dealer, etc ) in the trailer for mice, spiders, & creepy crawlers. We did & I was very happy this Spring to see that there were no evidence of the invaders. while this doesn't help your present problem, once that is taken care of, you may want to try this approach next Fall.
Best,

**Pick** · 04-15-2003, 06:12 AM

Montanandy, good point about the dust! That is why I said use a HEPA filter vacuum or bagless water vac. They are SUPPOSED to not kick up dust. I would take the bagless water vac, such as a Rainbow over the HEPA unit. Rainbows are not supposed to kick up dust, that is their "selling point".

Anyhow, I also run my ozone generator in the AS, once a week or so, for 90 minutes, insects and vermin are repelled by high concentrations of ozone.

montanaandy · 04-15-2003, 11:22 AM

I am intrigued by the idea of using an ozone generator. What does a unit such as the one that you use retail for? Montanaandy

**Pick** · 04-15-2003, 03:00 PM

Ozone Generator information HERE

They have all kinds of information on this site. Take the time to read as much as you can.

montanaandy · 04-15-2003, 05:14 PM

Interesting read on the ozone generators. Which model do you have? Has it worked as advertised? Montanaandy

**Pick** · 04-15-2003, 09:38 PM

I bought the 800 model. It works fast! You can start to smell the ozone immediately. It has a timer that maxes out at 90 minutes. I usually run it full bore for 90 minutes, or you can run it continuously if you want. I use it in various rooms in our house too. I think it works great, but remember, it only works on organic odors. It will not remove diesel or chemical smells.

I'd like to try that 24000 model. I bet you couldn't stand to be in a room with that one after 5 seconds!

BevnCraig · 04-16-2003, 07:48 AM

Hi,
If there is a smell from the mice excretions there are 2 products I've found very successful. I used to get them on the web, but now many large chain pet stores carry them.
They are NATURE'S MIRACLE liguid. That works pretty well and can soak in.
The best that I've found is actually naturally occurring ZEOLITE mineral. They sell it as a powder called ODORZOUT. It even has the Queen of Clean's endorsement. It is absolutely incredible and is completely natural too! I have a few bags of Zeolite rocks (It comes from volcano something or other I think) and use them in old trunks, etc. to remove smells. The neat thing about the bags of zeolite is that it can be reused again and again. After it has absorped a lot of odor, just let the bag sit outside in the sunshine for a day and it releases the odor and is recharged and ready for use again.
If you aren't near a store that carries it. Go to www.88stink.com
Hope this is helpful.
Bev

dmreilly10000 · 04-16-2003, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by montanaandy
I am intrigued by the idea of using an ozone generator. What does a unit such as the one that you use retail for? Montanaandy

Here is a thread from a few months ago on ozone generators : http://www.airforums.com/forum...ighlight=ozone

Hi Pic, glad to hear your ozone generator has helped.

COArgosy78 · 04-16-2003, 06:06 PM

Here is a link to the CDC site for hantavirus:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/h...s/prevent3.htm[url]

I have also had this concern with our trailer stored in an open field. I have been told that you should always make sure the mouse population is gone before any cleanup. The droppings and urine are not a risk after several days. Only fresh droppings/urine. So get rid of mice before cleanup and wait several days after all signs of mice are gone before cleanup. There is also suppose to be a mask with a charcoal filter available (home depot, I think) that is safer to use. I have a disinfectant/virucide that I bought at Sams Club which is biodegradable and kills: strep, e coli, pneumoniae, HIV-1, influenza A and herpes simplex to name a few. Can be applied to beds, carpet, walls, etc. Called Odoban. Can also be used in holding tanks. Don't use the spray cans of Lysol, not enough. Hope this helps. Leigh

eikel1we · 04-16-2003, 11:07 PM

Consider taking the mattresses to Stanley Steemer (carpet cleaner) Call 1-800-STEEMER for the nearest location. Our daughter works in the local office and the cleaning of mattresses is one of their services. Be very careful what you spray on fabrics and carpet - "our expert" tells us. A lot of that stuff attracts dirt. NEVER BLEACH solutions, that will discolor and rot fibers.

sue

53flyingcloud · 04-17-2003, 01:26 AM

Leigh

Quote:

The droppings and urine are not a risk after several days.

Leigh, I don't know who told you that, but...I wouldn't for a minute believe it nor, place much trust in that statement.

It's the dry particules, stirred up and floating in the air which, if inhaled can cause serious health problems.

There's even a known case where, an individual dranked the contents of a can soda with dried urine on the top and, was taken seriously ill..Expired as a result.

I know that this is an extreme case but, it does point out that, just because a few days have gone by..
"Doesn't make it any safer."

I'd recommand treating all areas with extreme cautions. Like several have mention, wear gloves, mask and, clean very throughly.

I also use this motto..
"When in doubt, dispose of it safely."

ciao