Tips for Cleaning Up After Rodent Infestations in Your Home

Rodent infestations are a common problem for homeowners, business owners, and property managers. These pesky creatures can cause quite a stir in houses and buildings, as they damage structures, contaminate food sources, and even create an unpleasant odor. Aside from property damage, rodents can cause significant health hazards from diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Cleaning up after a rodent infestation is an essential step in recovering your home or business and avoiding future problems. Here are some tips for cleaning up after rodent infestations.

Make Sure the Rodents are Eradicated

The first and most important thing to do when cleaning up after a rodent infestation is to make sure the rodents have been effectively eradicated. This means that all of the rodents must be caught or killed, and then removed from your property as soon as possible. If you are unable to eradicate the rodents on your own, we recommend consulting with a professional pest control company.

Remove Contaminated Items

Rodents can contaminate everything they come into contact with. Food, clothes, and furniture can become infected with rodent-borne diseases and bacteria, so, the best thing you can do is dispose of any contaminated items by sealing them in a plastic bag and throwing them away in an outdoor garbage bin. If any upholstered furniture is contaminated, it's best to have professionals determine whether they can be saved or not.

Disinfect and Clean All Surfaces

Once all of the rodents have been removed, you can begin cleaning carpets, furniture, walls, floors, etc. Use a diluted bleach solution to kill germs and bacteria left behind by the rodents. Finally, vacuum carpets and furniture to remove any remaining debris or droppings.

Always Wear Appropriate Equipment

You want to avoid touching or inhaling any contaminated materials. Always wear gloves, a face mask, and long sleeves when cleaning up after rodent infestations. Disposable clothing can be helpful to reduce the amount of contact with contaminants. Additionally, never attempt to clean an area that is heavily contaminated without first consulting a professional company for assistance!

Consider Calling Professionals

While cleaning up after a rodent infestation can be done on your own, some situations may require the services of a professional. If you have a large infestation, the cleanup process can be extensive, and it's best to call a professional service.

Additionally, a professional service can help identify any potential entry points in your home that may need to be sealed. This will help deter future infestations from occurring and protect your home from further damage and contamination.

At Bio-One of Marion County, we understand how overwhelming and stressful it can be to deal with rodent infestations. We specialize in providing rodent droppings cleanup services that will help you get your home back to a safe and healthy state as quickly as possible. Contact us today for more information! We are proud to serve Indianapolis and all the surrounding areas.

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Hoarding can creep up slowly, and before you know it, a house has become cluttered and unmanageable. Hoarding can lead to a whole host of problems, including health and safety risks, inability to use spaces as intended, and social isolation. But, if you're looking to get started with restoring a hoarded home, help is available. In this blog post, we'll share everything you need to know before you take on this journey. Whether it's someone you know, a loved one, or someone who has overcome hoarding, these tips can help make the process more tangible.

Step 1: Creating a Plan of Action

It's important to have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish, set realistic goals, and establish a timeline for completion. Your plan should include the following:

• Identify areas of the home that need attention
• Prioritize the areas of the home that are most hazardous
• Set realistic goals for each area
• Develop a timeline for completion
• Consider hiring professional help if necessary

Step 2: Clearing the Clutter

With a plan in place, tackling the clutter is the next step. It can be overwhelming and intimidating to look at a cluttered home, but remember that every small step is progress. Start by deciding what needs to be kept and what should be discarded. To simplify this process:

• Create "Keep" and "Discard" piles
• Ask if the item has been used in the past year
• If an item is broken, consider replacing rather than keeping
• Work with family or friends to make decisions about sentimental items

Step 3: Cleaning and Disinfecting

If the property has been cluttered for a while, it may be necessary to have the space professionally cleaned and disinfected. Hoarding can lead to health hazards such as mold growth, pests, or vermin. To properly clean and disinfect the home:

• Ventilate the area by opening doors and windows
• Use an all-purpose cleaner to wash down surfaces
• Vacuum furniture, carpets, and floors
• Disinfect commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs or light switches
• Be sure to wear protective gear if needed when cleaning

Use a disinfectant solution to clean surfaces thoroughly and ensure that even the smallest details are taken care of. Don't forget to clean fabrics and carpets, as these can easily catch dirt and germs!

Step 5: Mental Health Support

The process of restoring a hoarded home is not just about cleaning and organizing. It's also important to provide psychological support to those affected by hoarding disorder. Connecting with a licensed therapist or certified professional organizer can be beneficial for those looking for support during this difficult time. Help is available; don't hesitate to reach out for advice and assistance!

When Restoring a Hoarded Home, Don't Hesitate to Reach Out to Bio-One!

Restoring a hoarded home is no easy feat. The key is to break the process down into manageable tasks and stick to your timeline. Remember to be kind to yourself, or your loved one, throughout the process. Hoarding is a mental health disorder, and it takes time to overcome. By following these steps, you can at least have a clearer vision of how to rejuvenate and restore the property. This process must come along with assistance from a mental health professional to ensure there are no long-term issues. 

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Biosafety levels are critical in ensuring the safety of individuals working in research labs, healthcare facilities, and other industries that involve handling hazardous materials. In this blog, we will dive deep into the four biosafety levels and their significance, helping you better understand how to protect yourself and others while working with hazardous materials.

Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2)

This level is designed for moderate-risk agents that pose a moderate threat to human health. Examples of such agents include Mycobacterium, Streptococcus pneumonia, and Salmonella choleraesuis. BSL-2 requires additional safety precautions including the use of a biosafety cabinet, disposable gloves, and eye protection. All work is done under biological safety cabinets or other physical containment devices.

Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3)

This level is designed for high-risk pathogens that pose a significant threat to human health. Examples of such agents include tuberculosis, anthrax, and West Nile virus. BSL-3 requires additional safety precautions such as dedicated labs, negative air pressure, and complete personal protective equipment. Examples of facilities that operate at BSL-3 include certain laboratories in research institutions, universities, and government agencies.

High-security governmental labs, such as those associated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), also maintain BSL-3 labs due to the nature of the work conducted.

Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4)

This level is designated for the most dangerous pathogens that pose the highest threat to human health and do not have available treatments or vaccines. Examples of such agents include the Ebola virus and Hendra virus. BSL-4 requires the highest level of containment with full-body positive pressure suits, airlocks, and laboratories equipped with controlled ventilation systems.

Facilities that operate at BSL-4 are among the most advanced and secure laboratories globally. These include the National Microbiology Laboratory in Canada and, more specifically, the Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health (CSCHAH) in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Also, the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), is located in Manhattan, Kansas. Moreover, the Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) is the only U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) laboratory equipped to study highly hazardous viruses at Biosafety Level 4 within positive pressure personnel suits.

How To Stay Safe From These Pathogens

Biosafety levels are critical in ensuring safety when dealing with hazardous materials. It's important to be fully aware of the different levels of protection and protocols that come with them. When working with hazardous materials, it's crucial to take precautions and follow the protocols in place to ensure the safety of everyone potentially exposed.

If you're dealing with a hazardous situation, Bio-One can help!

Bio-One of Marion County is the premier biohazard cleanup and remediation service provider in Indianapolis. Our highly trained technicians are certified to work with hazardous materials. Whether it's a crime scene cleanup or infectious disease remediation, Bio-One of Marion County has the expertise and resources to help you stay safe. We are here to quickly respond to your needs with professionalism and respect!

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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.

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.

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!

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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:

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 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!