Garage cleanout mice issues

CatsyCline · ‎07-24-2013

Our mother hoarded a ton of junk in her garage and basement. Over the years she woulnt allow removal of anything. She wanted to have yard sales but was unable physically. Shes 93 and in the local SNF.

I live 5 hours away I did 2 yard sales for her 10 yrs ago but she hung onto things thinking the value would increase. Mom isnt living in the real world she has clutter all over the house as well i have been met with seroius resistance from her. I had to stop trying to convince her to make changes my health is becoming marginal. Had hip replacement 18 mnts ago now may need 2nd. Also c spine surgery and 2 L spine

Yes it is hoarding not on the scale of the tv shows ...So a truck with men are coming tue to remove most of contents .

Im afraid of Hantavrus. The rodent infestation is disgusting. She collected a lot of cast off furniture , some of it wicker chairs and sofa. Seat cushions are just filthy w droppings and mouse pee when dried makes a toxic dust. Bunk bed set mattresses not old but full of rodent droppings

I was going to get ppe maybe from the nursing home . I have KN95 masks. need to be supervising the workers. There are two garage doors are rusted shut there is only a side entry

I'm staying here at the house now. No one else to help me here. One sister who hasnt been here in 4 yrs lives 1000+ miles away. She said she cant process the situation. We're both in our 60s because im the oldest it was determined by parents that i do the heavy lifting. Nice huh?

LindaSal · ‎05-15-2014

@CatsyCline That is certainly quite a job you have in front of you. Yes, by all means wear your mask, also eye protection. My DH was power washing our grill (where mice like to live rent free in the winter) and he had a mask on but had something fly into his eye. It caused a terrible infection! I think I would take an axe to the doors rusted closed, sounds like the building is in rough shape anyway. The more open air you can get into it the better. I am sorry you have to deal with this alone, It is quite the burden, mice are the worst little creatures

KingstonsMom · ‎03-09-2010

@CatsyCline

It's a shame this has been thrown into your lap alone, but that's a different subject.

For this subject, no, you do not need to 'supervise' the workers, at a risk to your own health.

You hire a company that is aware of the rat infestation problem and they will know how to protect themselves, that's their business and expertise.

All you need to do is protect YOU during their removal process, by wearing N95 masks, they're better than KN95 masks according to the CDC.

They're the ones that the gov't recently started giving out for free at a variety of places, drug stores, pharmacies, grocery stores, etc.

Check around and see if they're still being offered in your area.

Best of luck!

You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

Hire someone to do it all for you. Worth the money.

on the bay · ‎03-09-2010

@CatsyCline,

It sounds like our mother's garage and our mother! But hers were always-in case someone wants it. But she's already asked everyone. And of course you might need 20 plastic platters etc etc. And there were mice. We used peppermint in cotton balls after we ditched the awful traps with p butter that are cruel but also didn't work. When I saw them I got rid of them. The peppermint kept them out of the house.

Fortunately I have a sister who we are in this together-each does what she does best, and sometimes together.

I am so sorry you are going thru this alone.

Just as much as you can, force yourself to take needed brakes (or breaks!) so you don't lose your mind and body! And I get it. We are old too and have our own medical issues. And to think also, its not forever you will be doing this. My heart goes out to you!

"If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you'll learn things you never knew. Can you sing with all the voices of the mountains? can you paint with all the colors of the wind?"

bmorechick · ‎03-11-2010

While I cannot imagine what you are dealing with, with the mice infestation, I do know what it's like to clear out a home. After my mom died, my dad stayed for a while but at 93, cutting the grass and stuff was becoming too much for him. And no, he refused to hire anyone or let my sisters cut it. He finally moved into a 55+ community 2 years ago and loves it at 95. I live 2 hours away and sisters have their own place so we all decided to sell the house. It took me, one sister and my hubs two months and two dumpsters later to clear out 60 years of stuff. Yes, we too are in our 60's but fortunately all of us are distance runners to this day and we had the strength and stamina to move heavy boxes, furniture down the steps, and just so much stuff. It was unreal. I was sore in places I didn't know I had. If we had to deal with a rodent issue that would have been a nightmare. I hate mice, rats, raccoons, chipmunks, squirrels, deer, etc. basically anything wild because they are destructive and typically full of disease that won't kill them, but will you.

I agree, hire someone to take care of it and stay as far away as you can from the immediate clear out area. It's a good feeling when all of it is over. Then you can sit back and remember all the good stuff.

On It · ‎03-15-2021

@CatsyCline I am sorry you are having to deal with this alone. I hope you can get the issues resolved and removed. I would make it clear that you are doing the best you can, but if siblings want or need anything they had better show up for the clean out. Otherwise, things are going to the dump. ( I typically donate, but with a mice infestation I would not.)

You cannot get rid of the junk, sort every item, and clean the ones someone might want. My cousin had a similar problem without the mice. Neither of her sisters helped. She took care of her mother and the house until the end. Neither of her two sisters helped. When it was time to disperse the estate, the other 2 were quick to show up ready to get their equal share.

LizzieInSRQ · ‎12-27-2010

Do not live there, the air and surfaces are toxic. Who is your mother's financial guardian needs to pay for a rental, perhaps a studio apt for a month. I'm sorry for your spinal pain.