Bio-One of Marion County decontamination and biohazard cleaning services

Signs of Animal Hoarding & How Professionals Can Intervene

Signs of Animal Hoarding & How Professionals Can Intervene - Bio-One of Marion County

While owning a pet can bring endless joy, some individuals tend to take their love for animals too far, leading to animal hoarding. Animal hoarding commonly affects individuals who have a passionate desire to save animals, leading them to collect more pets than they can responsibly take care of. Unfortunately, they might be dealing with unaddressed psychological, social, and financial issues, making them unable to provide adequate care for the animals in their possession. In this blog post, we will discuss four signs of animal hoarding and how professionals can assist in intervening for those in need.

Overcrowded Living Spaces

When owners start to accumulate more pets than their housing can accommodate, animals can end up living in cramped and unsanitary conditions. This overcrowding can lead to an unhealthy environment, making it challenging for pets to receive proper exercise and care.

Obsessive Behavior Toward Animals

Individuals struggling with animal hoarding often display obsessive behavior toward their pets, such as obsessive cleaning, repeated feeding, and grooming routines, and an inability to give up any of their animals. This behavior can cause a severe lack of time for other personal needs, leading to adverse effects such as personal hygiene neglect.

Unawareness of Sanitary Conditions

Another sign of animal hoarding is an unawareness or lack of concern for the sanitary conditions surrounding animals. Hoarders can become so preoccupied with their animals that they don't recognize unhealthy conditions such as a buildup of animal waste, piles of garbage, and unhygienic living areas in general. This can lead to a rapid spread of disease among the pets and can even put other people in close proximity at risk.

Poor Animal Continuous Health

Overcrowded living conditions, poor ventilation, and inadequate food and water supplies all create an unwelcoming environment for pets that is detrimental to their health. Animals may develop respiratory problems, skin irritations, and infections, among other health issues if they are not given regular health check-ups.

Additionally, substantial amounts of time are often poured into taking care of a high number of animals, resulting in owners becoming detached from family, friends, and the rest of the world. This isolation can lead to erratic behavior.

Addressing Animal Hoarding Situations

Addressing animal hoarding situations often involves a combination of legal, mental health, and animal welfare interventions. Legal action is frequently necessary to remove the animals from the harmful environment and ensure they receive proper care. These animals are typically rehomed through animal rescue organizations, which provide them with medical treatment and work to find them safe, suitable homes.

Simultaneously, mental health professionals often need to work with the individual to help them understand the harm their behavior is causing both to them and their animals. This could involve Cognitive-behavioral Therapy, medication, or other forms of mental health treatment. Keep in mind, that animal hoarding is often a symptom of a larger mental health issue, and treating it requires addressing these underlying problems.

Photo by @user8531954 - Freepik.

Lastly, preventative measures are crucial in addressing animal hoarding situations. This involves education about responsible pet ownership, monitoring potential hoarding situations, and promoting spaying and neutering to prevent pet overpopulation.

Bio-One of Marion County is Ready to Help

It can be challenging to accept or recognize animal hoarding, but we hope these signs can help you identify and take prompt action if you witness this type of behavior.

At Bio-One of Marion County, our dedicated professionals offer animal hoarding cleanup services to clear out and sanitize properties, providing a safe and healthy environment after the removal of animals and identifying any necessary repairs. If you or someone you know requires assistance with animal hoarding, do not hesitate to contact our experts at Bio-One!


You don't need an article to tell you that a sewer backup is no joke. Sewage backups can be a disaster for homeowners, causing damage to floors, walls, and furniture and posing a serious health risk. In the event of a sewage backup, it's important to act quickly and follow the proper protocols to minimize damage and ensure the safety of your family. Here's what to do in the event of a sewage backup:

Sewage Backup
Sewage Backup

Step 1. Stop using all plumbing fixtures and call a professional plumber:

To prevent the backup from spreading, turn off your main water supply and stop using all plumbing fixtures, including toilets, sinks, and showers. If you're unable to locate the source of the backup, or if the backup is severe, it's best to call a professional plumber. They have the tools and expertise to prevent future backups safely and effectively from occurring.

Step 2. Protect yourself, and do not touch anything.

Sewage water is contaminated and poses a serious health risk. If you have to be near the contaminated area, put on rubber gloves, waterproof boots, and protective eyewear to protect yourself from coming into contact with the contaminated water.

Step 3. Call a biohazard cleaning company to clean and disinfect the contaminated area.

Biohazard companies clean sewage backups by following a standard set of procedures to ensure the safety of workers and the environment. These procedures include:

  • Isolating the affected area to prevent the spread of disease and contamination.
  • Wearing personal protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, and eye protection, to prevent exposure to harmful bacteria and viruses.
  • Removing all standing water and solid waste to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
  • Using specialized cleaning agents to remove all remaining organic material and disinfect the affected area.
  • Ventilating the affected area to remove any lingering unpleasant odors and to allow the area to dry.
    • Disposing of any contaminated material in accordance with local regulations to prevent environmental contamination.
    • Inspecting the affected area to ensure that all contaminants have been removed and that the area is safe for reoccupation.

    Sewage backups can be a major headache, but following these steps can help you minimize the damage and keep your family safe. If you ever have any doubts or concerns, don't hesitate to call a professional plumber or biohazard cleaning company for assistance.

    Call us 24/7 at (317) 499-0614 for a free estimate! Learn more about the biohazard services we provide to residents in Indianapolis and surrounding areas at BioOneMarionCounty.com/services

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    We are thankful for all our Bio-One partners and want to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving! This is a time to gather with loved ones, look back on the year, and give thanks for all we have.

     

    As we celebrate the holidays, let’s take a moment to recognize the brave first responders who won’t have that luxury of spending the holidays with their families. We thank our police officers, firefighters, and healthcare workers for working through the holidays and keeping us safe and healthy.

     

    If an emergency situation arises that we can help you with, please reach out to us directly, we can be reached on our cell phone 24/7 at (317) 499-0614!

     

     

    Your friends at Bio-One!

     

    BIO-ONE IS THE MOST TRUSTED AND REFERRED CLEAN UP COMPANY

    Bio-One specializes in all types of extreme cleaning including blood, unattended death, homicide, suicide, hoarding, and feces cleanup.


    First Responder Relay Presented by Bio-One, Inc.

    We are delighted to announce our sponsorship of the First Responder Relay in Las Vegas on October 16th. The First Responders Relay is a 9 person 48-mile running relay with stages ranging from 4.0 miles to 7.7 miles. The relay is competition comprised of first responder personnel from throughout the United States and the World, and is hosted by the California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF).

    There is still time to register, but don't delay! Registration closes September 18.  Visit www.CPAF.org to join us in Las Vegas!

    Bio-One Marion County Turns 1-Year Old Today!

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    Bio-One Marion County turns 1-year old today! It’s hard to believe that we launched one year ago today. It’s a very rewarding experience being able to help so many people.

     

    We would like to thank our Bio-One family, mentors, community members, customers, referral partners, and team members. We are so grateful for each and every one of you who supported us and encouraged us in this journey.

     

    We are excited about the years to come and the impact we hope to make in our Indianapolis community.

    Bio-One is a locally owned and operated biohazard and hoarding cleaning company.  We specialize in blood, bodily fluid and feces removal, rodent droppings cleaning, sewage cleanup, hoarding and pet hoarding cleaning, mold remediation, and odor removal services.  Helping people who are faced with difficult situations to get their surroundings and lives back in order is our #1 priority. 

     

    We’re here 24/7, 365 days a year to help you.  Call (317) 499-0614  and you'll speak directly to one of us when you call, never an answering service.  We’ll treat you like a person, with the compassion and respect that you deserve.  Our motto is “Help first, business second”, and that’s what we live by.  We hope you’ll never need us, but if you do we’ll be here for you.

     

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    Join us tomorrow for National Night Out hosted by Greenwood Police Department at Amphitheater Park from 5-7 PM! Please stop by and check the Bio-One Marion County table. We can't wait to see everyone! Come on out and meet your local police, get to know Bio-One and how we can assist in times of need, and more importantly have a great time!

     

    National Police Week Badge

    #HELPFIRST FOR FIRST RESPONDERS

    Bio-One Donates First Aid Kits in Recognition of National Police Week

     

    INDIANAPOLIS, IN (May 13, 2021) – In recognition of National Police Week, May 9-15, Bio-One thanked first responders by donating first aid kits to the Beech Grove Police Department as part of the nationwide campaign #HelpFirst for First Responders. Throughout the week, Bio-One offices in 41 states distributed a cumulative of 5,000 first aid kits, which included alcohol swabs, Advil, gloves, gauze pads, and an assortment of bandages.

     

    The #HelpFirst campaign aligns with the Bio-One motto, Help First, Business Second, and will be used to help officers and community members in the event of a minor medical emergency. 

     

    “We recognize the importance that our police play in keeping our communities safe,” said Roxana Jimenez, owner of Bio-One. “We want these officers to know how much we appreciate them and all of their hard work.”

     

     

    As a 2021 corporate sponsor of the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Bio-One, Inc. will also pay tribute to fallen officers during the virtual 33rd Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13 at 8:00 p.m. The event will be broadcasted live on Facebook, YouTube, and LawMemorial.org/CV.

     

    “We are so thankful for Bio-One’s corporate partnership and their continued support of the Memorial Fund,” said Marcia Ferranto, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund. “This partnership will further bolster the Memorial Fund’s mission of honoring America’s Law Enforcement, as well as provide support for the Museum’s upcoming exhibition opening in September. We are grateful for their commitment.” 

     

    Established in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the fallen, telling the story of American law enforcement, and making it safer for those who serve. The Memorial Fund maintains the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., which honors the names of all of the 22,611 officers who have died in the line of duty throughout U.S. history.  

     

    About Bio-One 

    Bio-One, a crime and trauma scene cleaning franchise, operates in Central Indiana. Bio-One is committed to providing excellent service in recovery and suicide cleanup, homicide cleanup, hoarding situations, junk removal, deceased animal recovery, feces removal, pest, and rodent droppings, and much more. Each Bio-One office is independently owned and operated by a member of the local community. For more information about Bio-One, visit us at BioOneMarionCounty.com.

     

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    The California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF) is proud to announce that the 2021 United States Police & Fire Championships (USPFC) are now Presented by Bio-One, Inc. 

     

    Operating under the motto, "Help First, Business Second," Bio-One provides high-level decontamination and biohazard cleanup services while offering clients the privacy and compassion needed at difficult times. Bio-One operates in 41 states with over 110 locations and is committed to providing first-class service. 

     

    "We are thrilled to add Bio-One as the Presenting Sponsor for the 2021 USPFC because   First Responders warrant our support," said California Police Athletic Federation President LC Collins. "Bio-One’s reputation is second to none, and with their partnership, we can offer first responders a health and wellness outlet.  We look forward to working with them for years to come."

     

    Founded by San Diego Police Lieutenant Veon "Duke" Nyhus, The United States Police & Fire Championships were first held in San Diego in 1967. Duke recognized the need to promote physical fitness and camaraderie among the Public Safety and First Responder community members. 

     

    The USPFC caters to active and retired public safety and first responders who participate in Olympic-style competitions and open to individuals representing firefighters, law enforcement, and officers from corrections, probation, border protection, immigration, and customs across the country. Traditionally athletes compete in 45+ sporting events from biathlon to motocross across 35+ venues in Southern California.

     

    "At Bio-One our support for Law Enforcement and Fire Service Officers is unwavering, and we're thrilled to partner with the California Police Athletic Federation during this memorable event," said Nick-Anthony Zamucen, founder of Bio-One. "We wish each athlete success and look forward to celebrating these everyday heroes."

     

    The 2021 USPFC Presented by Bio-One will take place from June 10th to the 19th in venues across San Diego, California, and strengthen the relationship between First Responders and the community for many years to come!

     

    About the United States Police and Fire Championships

    The California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF) is the parent organization of two multi-sport programs designed for peace officers and firefighters. The World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) are open to active and retired law enforcement and fire service personnel throughout the world. The United States Police & Fire Championships (USPFC) are open to active or retired public safety and first responder personnel from an eligible agency within the USA. For more information, please visit www.uspfc.org. 

     

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    Spring cleaning is commonly associated with refreshing your home for warm weather ahead. While common activities include dusting, mopping floors, and removing clutter, Bio-One also sees an increase in hoarding remediation.

     

    Maybe you’ve discovered a loved one is living in a hoarding situation and you want to help. Or you’ve inherited an estate and a trash or animal hoard was revealed. Perhaps, you are living in a hoarding situation and have decided it’s time for help. 

     

    No matter the circumstances, Bio-One provides care and compassion, and  can customize a unique plan to meet your needs. 

     

    Here are just a few of the many Indianapolis community members we’ve had the pleasure to help. 

     

     

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    After years of accumulating clothing, this elderly woman's home had been overtaken and she could not safely move throughout the house.  Overwhelmed by the enormous task of getting the home back to a safe condition, her children reached out to Bio-One. In two days, our team removed approximately 14,000 pounds of clothes.

     

    The homeowner was able to come back to a safe space, and her family has some peace of mind knowing their mother/grandmother is safe in her own home! 

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    This beautiful house needed some TLC after the homeowner became physically unable to properly take care of it. Her daughter realized the extent of the situation within the home and called Bio-One to help. 

     

    Because of the unique circumstances surrounding this job, our team went above and beyond to clean this home up as quickly as possible. We were so happy to help take this burden off our client and her mother. 

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    Sadly, this house was in far worse condition than the above pictures depict. This homeowner's friend called us when she realized the unhealthy and unsafe conditions of her friend's home. The homeowner had to clean out the home, or she would not be able to continue to live there. After cleaning out the debris and disinfecting the home, we were able to refer some wonderful contractors to help complete this home's transformation from top to bottom.

     

    This home ended up getting new flooring, new paint, some new appliances, and all of its minor issues were able to be repaired as well. The homeowner was able to come home to a safe, clean environment, and Bio-One was honored to help her get this fresh start!

    If you or a loved one could use some help with spring cleaning, contact Sarah at Bio-One!

     

    Bio-One

    "Help First, Business Second"

    24/7/365

    (317) 499-6014

    info@bioonemarioncounty.com

    sarah@bioonemarioncounty.com

    Disclosing death when selling a home

    If buying or selling a home in Indiana is in your future, you're likely well versed in the entire process from the initial offer to closing. But are you aware that disclosing a death in the home may be required? Here's what you need to know. 

     

    Property Disclosure Documents

    No matter how perfect a house looks on the outside, there is often property information a buyer needs to disclose before the sale can go through. Property disclosure documents reveal known structural issues, neighborhood nuisances, hazards, HOA details, water damage, notable repairs made to the home and death in the home. 

     

    Rules for reporting a death in the home vary by state, and variations in rules may include:

    • Timeframe: When the death occurred. 
    • How the person passed away: If the death occurred naturally versus due to negligence on the property.
    • Hauntings: If the seller has knowledge that the property is being haunted by the dead. 

     

    So what are the rules in Indiana? Here are the details:

     

    In the state of Indiana, you do not have to disclose a death that occurred in a home.

     

    Psychologically affected property is the term used to describe a home that is for sale, rent, or lease where one of the following occurred, or is reasonably assumed to have occurred:

    • A resident of the home had or died from an illness related to HIV.
    • Someone died on the property.
    • Criminal gang activity took place on the property.
    • There was a shooting involving law enforcement at the home.
    • Illegal drugs or controlled substances were manufactured on or sold from the residence.
    • A felony under Indiana IC 35 occurred on the property. IC 35 covers 19 articles with crimes ranging from theft to violence with bodily harm.

     

    For a state by state guide on disclosure laws we recommend visiting this resource on Nolo.com

     

    Remediating After a Death in a Home

    If a death recently occurred in the home you're hoping to purchase, there may have been biohazards from bloodborne pathogens that required remediation. Consider asking the seller how the death was remediated to ensure proper steps were taken. Remediation processes may vary depending on the location of the death, how the death occurred, types of flooring, and if the death was undiscovered for days or weeks. 

     

    Bio-One technicians are trained and equipped to properly disinfect biohazards from bloodborne pathogens, and we ensure safe biohazard material handling and disposal. Once the entire area is cleaned of blood and body fluids, we also help property owners restore the location to its pre-incident state. 

     

    If you are selling a home and need a biohazard remediated or want to ensure remediation was done correctly, give Bio-One a call at 317-499-0614. Our experts not only contain and disinfect the dangerous biological materials, we carry out our work in a caring and private manner. 

     

     

    Bio-One

    "Help First, Business Second"

    24/7/365

    (317) 499-6014

    info@bioonemarioncounty.com

    sarah@bioonemarioncounty.com