We recently discovered evidence of mice (and perhaps small rats) in several boxes in our Museum's Collection Storage area. We have called in bids from various pest companies, so we are fine on that score. My question to you all is - since this is the first time I have encountered this in over 10 years in the Museum biz - how best to treat the contaminated boxes?? So far all we have found are droppings and evidence of packing material (ethefoam and tissue) being shredded and used for nesting. The boxes contain various items - metal, ceramic, some papers... The papers were not chewed, but I am not sure how best to clean them to make sure no stray fecal matter is left behind. I realize we may just have to get rid of some of the items if they are not pertinent to the Mission of our museum. The ceramic and metal items are such that we can clean with liquid cleaners. So far we are only at the stage of identifing the contaminated boxes and bagging them closed. We have little to no budget for clean up - all $$$ will go to hiring a pest control service Any suggestions....... thanks
