Bio-One of Fremont decontamination and biohazard cleaning services

What Are Biohazards? Understanding the Risks and Why Professional Cleanup Matters

When we hear the term "biohazard," it might conjure images of a lab experiment gone wrong or a movie scene featuring hazardous materials. In reality, biohazards are much closer to home than most people realize—and they often require immediate attention to ensure safety.

At Bio-One Fremont, we specialize in addressing biohazard situations, providing expert cleanup services to restore spaces to safety and normalcy throughout the San Francisco Bay Area (Alameda, Santa Clara, San Mateo, San Francisco) and surrounding counties (Contra Costa, San Joaquin, Sonoma, Napa, Vallejo). But what exactly qualifies as a biohazard, and why is professional cleanup so important?


Defining Biohazards

A biohazard, short for biological hazard, refers to any biological substance that poses a risk to human or animal health. These hazards can spread disease, contaminate environments, and create significant health risks if not properly handled and decontaminated.

Common biohazards include:

  • Blood and bodily fluids (e.g., after accidents or traumatic events).
  • Human, pet, and rodent waste such as feces or urine.
  • Decomposing organic matter, including remains from undiscovered deaths.
  • Animal waste or remains, often found in hoarding or animal hoarding situations.
  • Fungi and mold, which can release harmful spores.
  • Contaminants from fire or smoke damage, including lingering odors.
  • Strong odors from food, cigarette smoke, marijuana smoke, or hoarding conditions.

Bio-One Fremont: Your Local Cleanup Experts

Bio-One Fremont specializes in cleaning and restoring spaces affected by a wide range of biohazard scenarios. Here’s a closer look at the services we provide:

Undiscovered Deaths and Suicides

The emotional toll of these situations is immense, and the cleanup process can be just as overwhelming. We handle these cases with compassion and discretion, ensuring the area is thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated.

Blood Spills

Whether due to accidents, medical emergencies, or trauma, blood spills require expert attention to remove biohazards and prevent contamination.

Human, Pet, and Rodent Feces Cleanup

Human and animal waste can carry harmful pathogens, making proper removal and sanitization critical for safety. Whether it’s a one-time incident or part of a larger cleanup, we ensure thorough decontamination.

Hoarding and Animal Hoarding Cleanup

Hoarding situations often involve not just clutter but also biohazards such as mold, animal droppings, and pests. We handle these complex cases with sensitivity and care.

Odor Removal

Odors from hoarding, spoiled food, feces, cigarette smoke, marijuana smoke, and other sources can linger and create unlivable environments. We use specialized techniques and equipment to neutralize odors at their source, ensuring a fresh, clean space.

Mold Remediation

Mold isn’t just unsightly—it can trigger respiratory problems and exacerbate allergies. We identify and remove mold to ensure a safe and healthy space.


Why Professional Cleanup Matters

Handling biohazards isn’t just a cleaning task—it’s a critical health and safety measure. Attempting to clean up biohazards without proper training and equipment can expose you to harmful pathogens and increase the risk of contamination.

At Bio-One Fremont, we:

  • Use EPA and CDC rated protective equipment and cleaning products.
  • Follow strict safety protocols to eliminate risks.
  • Work discreetly to protect your privacy and ensure your peace of mind.

Bio-One Fremont: Here When You Need Us Most

Biohazards are not just messes—they’re potential threats to health and safety. That’s why Bio-One Fremont is available 24/7 to respond to your needs with expertise, compassion, and professionalism.

If you’re dealing with a biohazard situation, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote. Call 925-369-3096 or visit BioOneFremont.com to learn more about how we can help.

Your safety is our priority. Let us handle the tough jobs so you can focus on moving forward.

When facing a biohazard cleanup, hoarding situation, or other challenging cleanup needs, uncertainty about costs can add unnecessary stress. That’s why at Bio-One Fremont, we take pride in offering free, no-obligation “Not To Exceed” quotes. This means the price we quote is the maximum you’ll pay—no lowball offers, no surprise add-ons after the job begins.

Here’s why our approach to quoting services is a game-changer and how it reflects our commitment to transparency, honesty, and exceptional customer care.


1. Clarity and Honesty from the Start

Cleaning up biohazards, hoarding environments, or infestations can involve many variables, making it impossible to accurately quote a job without seeing the space. By offering a free on-site inspection, we provide a detailed estimate that covers every aspect of the job.

And with our “Not To Exceed” promise, you can rest assured that the price you’re quoted is the highest you’ll pay. If the job ends up being simpler than expected, we’ll adjust the cost down—but we’ll never go above the quoted amount.


2. No Gimmicks or Hidden Fees

Unfortunately, some companies lure customers with low initial prices, only to tack on charges as the job progresses. At Bio-One Fremont, we believe this practice is unfair and unethical. Our “Not To Exceed” quotes eliminate this concern, giving you the confidence to move forward without fear of surprise charges.


3. Customized Solutions for Unique Needs

Every cleanup situation is different, and we treat it as such. By conducting an on-site evaluation, we can create a tailored plan that addresses your specific challenges—whether it’s a biohazard, hoarding cleanup, or rodent infestation.

The result? A comprehensive and transparent estimate that reflects the scope of work required, with no guesswork involved.


4. Supporting Families During Tough Times

Many of our clients reach out during emotionally challenging periods, such as the loss of a loved one or the discovery of a hazardous situation in their home. The last thing they need is added financial stress.

Our “Not To Exceed” quotes provide peace of mind by ensuring:

  • Clear expectations about costs.
  • No pressure or hidden agendas.
  • Compassionate and professional support from start to finish.

5. Why “Free” Really Means Free

When we say “free quote,” we mean it. There’s no obligation to proceed with our services after receiving your estimate. Our goal is to empower you to make an informed decision without any sales pressure.


6. Why Our “Not To Exceed” Approach Matters

At Bio-One Fremont, we understand that trust is earned. By committing to “Not To Exceed” quotes, we demonstrate that we’re serious about delivering on our promises. This approach ensures you can focus on the cleanup process, not worry about unexpected costs.


Ready to Get Started?

If you’re facing a challenging cleanup and need expert assistance, contact Kevin Jameson and the Bio-One Fremont team. We’re available 24/7 to provide free, no-obligation “Not To Exceed” quotes and help you take the first step toward restoring your space.

Call us at 925-369-3096 or visit BioOneFremont.com to schedule your consultation today.

Compassion. Integrity. Results. That’s the Bio-One Fremont promise.

When we hear the word “hoarding,” many of us conjure up images from shows like Hoarders, which often portray extreme cases. However, hoarding behavior encompasses a spectrum, and not all individuals who struggle with it have homes filled to the brim with clutter.

The Institute for Challenging Disorganization has categorized hoarding behavior into five levels on their Clutter-Hoarding Scale. The Bio-One Fremont team has completed multiple training programs to better understand the root causes of hoarding situations and to support those clients who reach out for support.

Level 1 Hoarding

At Level 1, a home may not be spotless, but it remains easily accessible and sanitary. While there is clutter, safety concerns are minimal. Many of us find ourselves in Level 1 at some point, with clutter being a common aspect of daily life.

Here are the key characteristics of Level 1:

  • All stairways, doors, and windows are accessible, free from clutter.
  • The home maintains good ventilation and lacks unpleasant odors.
  • Pet ownership adheres to zoning regulations, with proper waste disposal.
  • Pest infestations like insects or rodents are absent.
  • Essential safety alarms, such as smoke detectors, are in place.

Level 2 Hoarding

Moving to Level 2, the home remains livable but shows signs of increased disarray. Cleaning becomes overdue, potentially overwhelming occupants. Hygiene levels may decline.

Key characteristics of Level 2 include:

  • One primary exit may be obstructed by clutter.
  • Pet waste and hair may be present.
  • Minor electrical or plumbing issues might arise, along with neglected appliances.
  • Garbage bins may overflow.
  • Mild odors from unwashed dishes, laundry, or bathrooms may em

Level 3 Hoarding

Level 3 marks a significant transition, indicating more serious hoarding behavior and household disorganization.

Key characteristics of Level 3 include:

  • Presence of mild insect infestations.
  • Key living areas obstructed by piles of objects.
  • Multiple appliances rendered unusable.
  • Spills left unattended, contributing to unclean living spaces.
  • Rooms repurposed for storage, no longer serving their original function.
  • Noticeable unpleasant odors permeating the home.
  • Accumulation of dirty laundry throughout.

Level 3 households may benefit from seeking outside assistance, although concerted efforts from the family can also make a difference.

Level 4 Hoarding

At Level 4, excessive clutter dominates the home, necessitating professional intervention.

Key characteristics of Level 4 include:

  • Structural damage such as water damage and broken fixtures.
  • Presence of excessive pets and pet waste.
  • Blocked access to essential areas by clutter.
  • Presence of expired and rotting food, contributing to odors.
  • Rooms rendered unusable due to clutter.
  • Medium level of insect infestation.
  • Sewage issues may arise.

Level 5 Hoarding

Level 5 represents the highest level of hoarding behavior, presenting alarming hazards that require specialized expertise to address.

Key characteristics of Level 5 include:

  • Extreme clutter rendering important living spaces unusable.
  • Lack of ventilation.
  • Irreparable structural damage.
  • Disconnected water and/or electrical services.
  • Pets at risk due to living conditions.
  • Occupants in danger due to pet behaviors or health conditions.
  • Household appliances rendered unusable.

If you or someone you know is struggling with hoarding behavior at any level, assistance is available. Visit https://bioonefremont or call (925) 369-3096 to speak with a certified specialist.

In challenging situations like biohazard cleanup or hoarding scenarios, understanding the costs involved is paramount. At Bio-One Fremont, we recognize the importance of transparency in pricing, and we're here to demystify our pricing structure for you.

A common query we receive over the phone is, "Can you tell me how much it will cost to…?" The truth is, every job location is unique in size, square footage, and degree of impact, making it difficult to provide a fixed cost upfront.

However, we are committed to providing clear answers to this question. Upon your request, Bio-One Fremont typically responds in under 60 minutes to your site to develop a detailed project plan and estimate – all at no charge to you.

Here's how we determine our pricing:

  1. Expected Time on the Job Site: We meticulously estimate the time needed to complete the task based on its complexity and the specific requirements of each situation.
  2. Materials and Equipment Required: Our pricing accounts for the materials and specialized equipment necessary for the safe and effective execution of the job.
  3. Disposal Fees: Proper disposal of biohazardous waste is of utmost importance. Hence, our pricing includes any associated disposal fees to ensure compliance with regulations and environmental standards.
  4. Work Required to Meet Your Goals: Every situation is distinct, and we customize our approach to fulfill your unique objectives and needs. Our pricing reflects the level of work necessary to achieve the desired outcome.

When you choose Bio-One Fremont, you can expect complete transparency and clarity in our pricing. We provide a detailed, line-item quote that comprehensively outlines our plan and associated costs. This empowers you to make informed decisions about our services with confidence.

Understanding that unforeseen expenses can be overwhelming, we offer financing options for every job. We firmly believe that everyone deserves access to the support they need without financial strain. Our financing options provide flexibility and peace of mind for our customers.

At Bio-One Fremont, our top priority is to deliver compassionate, professional, and effective services to our community. Our pricing structure reflects our unwavering commitment to providing high-quality results while ensuring transparency and affordability for our customers.

Should you have any further questions about our pricing or services, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to assist you every step of the way.

Fremont, CA - Family-owned and operated, Bio-One of Fremont is a leader in crime scene cleanup and biohazard decontamination services in Alameda, Contra Costa and Santa Clara Counties.

Whether you need help remediating a crime scene, suicide, or other trauma event in the San Francisco Bay Area, they are ready to answer the call.

Since joining the Bio-One family, Bio-One of Fremont has continually grown and provided a very valuable service to families around the Bay area.

The scenes they remediate are often overwhelming and dangerous, but the crew are trained and experienced and here for you. It is a wonderful service they provide.

Kevin Jameson, owner, states - "We hope you never need our service, but in the case of an unattended death, suicide, or a violent crime, Bio-one of Fremont is here to help families and loved ones so that they do not have to go through additional trauma of cleaning up. Our goal is to allow families to start the grieving and healing process while we restore the property for them".

As a former crime scene technician, Kevin describes that when there is a death, only the body is removed and the family is left with the aftermath. That's where Bio-One helps. Using proper equipment to remove biohazards and medical waste safely in addition to proper PPE and hazmat suits, Bio-One allows the family to safely return to their home.

Most jobs are covered by homeowners insurance, and Bio-One of Fremont realizes that working with an insurance company can be overwhelming during difficult times. Bio-One of Fremont has dedicated staff who work directly with your insurance company from opening a claim to submitting all necessary documentation to close it upon completion.

"Anything trauma scene-related or death-related is typically covered by homeowners insurance so our clients only pay a deductible for our services"

Coordinating with the insurance company allows family members to focus on healing and supports Bio-One of Fremont's motto, "Help First, Business Second"!

A portion of their business is also hoarding. You can find a guide on their website.

They also provide cleaning for people with mental health or mobility issues. Bio-One of Fremont crew members are certified in Mental Health First Aid and have completed additional training with the San Francisco County Department of Mental Health to further assist their clients.

Additionally, Bio-One does cleanouts when residents or tenants leave behind a large mess or odors related to mold, cigarette and cannabis smoke.

Bio-One provides many services and resources which can be found on its website.

They answer the call 24/7 and are here to help you.

Their company vehicles are also unmarked for your privacy.

Bio-One of Fremont has a 5-star rating and have received numerous testimonials which can be found on their website.

Located in Fremont and Livermore, you can reach them by phone at 925-369-3096 or via email at mailto: info@bioonefremont.com

Find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bio.one.fremont or visit their website at www.bioonefremont.com.

There are varied reasons people hang on to things they don’t need based on their circumstances or deeper-lying struggles. A cluttered home—even one that would qualify as a Level 5 situation—doesn’t stem from laziness or lack of willpower. 

More often than not, a cluttered home is the result of a difficult-to-control situation, which is part of normal life.

What’s the source of your clutter? Following, are a few factors that may be contributing to your at-home clutter:

Kids Will Create Big Messes

Having children can bring an abundance of joy, but also plenty of clutter.

Baby gear that is only used for a short period of time, rapidly changing clothes sizes, and piles of toys accumulate quickly.

It doesn’t end with the baby phase, though. As all guardians know, older kids and teens bring their own messes into the home.

Food-related messes combined with sleep deprivation can make it difficult to keep up with housework.

With children leaving clutter everywhere and food-related messes needing immediate care, it can be difficult to keep up with housework. Especially when you consider the sleep deprivation that also comes with kids.

Between art and science projects on the counter and smelly gym bags and laundry

left around the house, things can get (or stay!) messy.

It doesn’t help that children aren’t well-known for cleaning up after themselves!

Other Clutter-Causing Issues

Old Age

As adults age, they may struggle to keep up with their housework.

Think of all the reaching and bending over. Consider all the hard scrubbing. With health issues, simple cleaning tasks take much longer to accomplish, if it can still be done.

Decreased mobility and increased health issues can make cleaning overwhelming or even impossible.

In addition, it can be difficult to let go of possessions accumulated over a lifetime.

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety can make it difficult to throw away possessions.

People with anxiety may hold on to items in excess in case of a feared emergency or indecision about what to do with items.

Depression

Finding the motivation to clean and declutter is often a struggle for someone suffering from depression.

The stress of an out-of-control home situation (whether it’s actually out of control

or simply perceived to be) can create a negative feedback loop.

What’s a negative feedback loop?

For example, maybe you’re struggling with depression and lack the motivation to do the dishes. This means the dishes quickly pile up and within a week or two every surface in your kitchen could be covered in dirty dishes.

Now, you’re facing an overwhelming mess that can make you feel even worse—piling on exhaustion, guilt, and shame—and making you even less likely to find the motivation to clean up.

This cycle can leave those struggling with depression feeling more overwhelmed and less able to approach their home situation.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Individuals with ADHD often have intense, passionate interests and may accumulate items related to that interest. In addition, it can be difficult for a person with ADHD to create and stay focused on a plan for a big cleaning project. Anytime there are multiple steps involved, it’s easy for people with ADHD to get distracted.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by obsessive, intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. People with OCD sometimes deal with anxieties and emergencies by compulsively buying items. They may have obsessions about running out of essential items or a buying ritual that is difficult to break out of.

Trauma and Stressful Life Events

Trauma can be a trigger for accumulating clutter. If someone grew up without:

  • Sufficient food
  • Clothing
  • Hygienic products
  • Love and support

They may feel driven to hold onto things rather than throw them away when they are no longer needed. Research shows that childhood emotional abuse and physical neglect in particular predict higher levels of hoarding symptoms.

Items that have sentimental value.

People who have experienced loss may also accumulate possessions to soothe the ache of missing their loved one. Buying new things triggers a brief dopamine high, bringing temporary emotional relief.

Generational Habits and Heredity

If you grew up in a home where clutter was common, you are more likely to show these behaviors yourself. You may have a genetic disposition toward it through related diagnoses like anxiety or depression. You may also be more used to an environment where clutter, mess, and even the higher levels of hoarding are the norm.

Clutter Is Normal… But It Can Cause Stress

No matter the reason clutter starts, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and stressed by the situation. Home maintenance is a big task under any conditions. Certain factors can make the situation feel impossible such as:

  • Trauma 
  • Medical issues
  • Mental health struggles
  • Interpersonal issues

Stress can lead to big messes and big messes can lead to stress.

Stress can lead to disorganized homes, and disorganized homes can increase stress. Natalie Christine Dattilo, PhD, clinical health psychologist and instructor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, calls it a chicken-or-egg dilemma.

“Recent studies have shown that clutter in our homes is associated with higher cortisol levels [our stress hormone], but it’s still unclear which comes first,” says Dattilo.

“Is it that when we are under stress, our ability to maintain a well-organized home becomes impaired? Or when our home is in disarray, does that make us feel more stressed, overwhelmed, and anxious?”

Regardless of the root of the issue, there is a way out. Resources are available to help you deal with your home situation. Bio-One can help! Our services can help ease your stress. For more information on how we can help you with your clutter call (925) 369-3096.

The word “hoarding” probably evokes a particular image, made more common by shows like Hoarders that highlight extreme examples. In reality, not all hoarders have rooms full of items piled high to the ceiling.

The Institute for Challenging Disorganization (now, there’s a relatable title!) has classified hoarding behavior into five levels on their Clutter-Hoarding Scale.Level 1 Hoarding

At Level 1, a home is not pristine, but the space is still easily accessible and sanitary. There is clutter, but no concern for safety. Most, if not all of us, have been in Level 1. Many people spend most of their time in this stage.

Here are the defining characteristics of this level:

  • All stairways, doors, and windows are accessible, not blocked by clutter.
  • The home has good ventilation and is free of bad odors.
  • The number of pets in the home is appropriate and compliant with zoning regulations.
  • Pet hair and waste is cleaned up and disposed of properly.
  • There are no visible pests like insects or rodents.
  • Appropriate alarms like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed.

At Level 2, the home is still very livable, but there’s more evidence of disarray. The home is in need of cleaning and may be starting to overwhelm the residents. The hygiene level isn’t optimal.

Most of us bounce between Level 1 and Level 2. However, here are the more defining characteristics of Level 2:

  • One important exit is blocked with clutter.
  • Pet waste and hair can be found in the home.
  • Electrical and/or plumbing issues are present. There may be a major appliance that has been broken for more than one season.
  • Garbage containers are overflowing.
  • Some mild odors are present, related to overflowing dishes, laundry, uncleaned bathrooms, etc.
  • Occasional presence of household pests in the home are quickly dealt with

Level 3 is considered the turning point between manageable household disorganization and a more serious issue. Level 3 homes show extreme disorganization and indicate hoarding behavior.

Here are the defining characteristics of this level:

  • Mild insect infestations from pests like lice, cockroaches, ants, or bedbugs are present.
  • Piles of objects are obstructing key living areas.
  • Multiple appliances in the home are broken and unusable.
  • Spills may be left uncleaned for several days. Food preparation and eating areas are left visibly dirty.
  • One room is no longer being used for its intended purpose, like bedrooms being used exclusively for storage.
  • Noticeable unpleasant odors are present in the home.
  • Dirty laundry is left throughout the home.

Level 3 households should consider hiring outside help. Although, it’s still possible to get it under control with a concerted effort from the whole family

At Level 4, the home shows excessive clutter.Those living in Level 4 conditions need professional help. At this level, part of getting help includes professional cleaning to transform the house into a safe, hygienic space where people can thrive. Mental health counselors and social workers may also step in to help residents change their habits.

Here are the defining characteristics of this level:

  • Structural damage is present, such as water damage, broken doors, and plumbing issues.
  • Excessive pets and pet waste may be present.
  • Clutter is blocking access to stairs, rooms, and exits.
  • Expired and rotting food is present in the home and contributes to odors.
  • Multiple rooms are cluttered to the extent that they cannot be used for their intended purposes.
  • A medium level of insect infestation is present. There may be bats, squirrels, and/ or rodents in the attic or
  • basement.
  • Sewage is backed up

Level 5 is the highest level of hoarding behavior. Level 5 homes are alarmingly hazardous.

They require professionals with safety equipment and training to clean.

Here are the defining characteristics of this level:

  • Extreme indoor clutter makes important living spaces unusable.
  • There is no ventilation in the home.
  • Structural damage is irreparable.
  • Water and/or electrical services have been disconnected.
  • Pets living in the home are at risk due to living conditions.
  • Occupants of the home in danger due to pet behaviors, numbers, and/or health conditions.
  • Household appliances are unusable due to disrepair or being blocked by clutter.

If you or someone you know is struggling with these levels of hoarding we are here to help. 

You can find more information at https://bioonefremont.com/ or contact us at (925) 369-3096

Clutter is an everyday occurrence and there comes a point when we all need to clean up our messes. Leave things long enough, and we all start to fall into one of the 5 levels of hoarding.

But what are the 5 levels of hoarding? 

What moves a messy room from Level 2 to Level 3? 

Understanding the hoarding level of your space can help you prioritize which messes are one-person tasks and which may need some help from a back-up team.

Let’s walk through each level of the Institute for Challenging Disorganization’s Clutter-Hoarding Scale to better understand just how normal hoarding is.

Level 1: Safe Clutter

There’s no doubt that many of us would like our homes to look as pristine as a real estate listing ad. But life’s hectic! With busy work and family schedules, numerous responsibilities and obligations, and competing priorities it’s easy to put off a small mess for later. However those moments of procrastination stack up to put our home at a Level 1. 

Level 1: Safe Clutter

Signs of this level of hoarding include clutter and messes that do not threaten your safety:

  • Dishes from dinner waiting to be washed
  • Piles of shoes by the door
  • Stakes of unopened mail and bills waiting to be paid on the counter
  • Your kid’s clothes and toys all over the floor


Ok, that last one MIGHT be dangerous if you’re barefoot.

None of these messes block exits in your home, and they do not cause an immediate bad odor. If we’re honest, we can admit that all of us—at one point or another—have had our home come in on this level of the hoarding scale. 

Leaving your house in this state does not necessarily affect your health. 

However, it may exacerbate avoidance habits that lead to snacking and more procrastination—which might lead to more clutter, shifting you up the scale.

Level 2: Blocked Exits and Declining Hygiene

This is another common level of hoarding. Most of us frequently bounce between Level 1’s clutter and Level 2’s disarray.

Level 2: Blocked Exits and Declining Hygiene

At this level, things literally begin to stack up: 

  • An exit in your home may be blocked.
  • There may be electrical or plumbing issues. 
  • Dishes and other messes are probably starting to smell.

At Level 2, the clutter can begin to impact a variety of areas of our lives. Some studies claim intense clutter increases our stress, makes allergies worse, and overall causes us to feel less satisfied with life.

These negative impacts are sometimes the trigger that leads to the situation getting worse.

Level 3: Degradation and Pests

Level 3 is where things begin to get concerning. 

Level 3: Degradation and Pests

At this point, the mess itself may seem too daunting to tackle, and the increase in clutter results in a decline of cleanliness. There may be piles of objects obstructing multiple exits—or even a whole room used for storage instead of living.

It’s at this stage that pest infestations may become an issue. With the clutter, there are lots of places for unwelcome pests to hide and find food, and infestations of ants, lice, and cockroaches may warrant an exterminator. However, all that clutter makes it difficult for the exterminator to do a good job. Unfortunately, failing to clean up the source may set the stage for another infestation within a few weeks.

Another area of concern may be repairs needed around the home. Work may need to be done, but technicians or repair personnel may not be able to physically get to whatever needs to be fixed. This means small problems may become large ones as minor repairs are left to turn into bigger problems. 

This state of things deeply impacts your ability to socialize. Messy and infested living spaces make it difficult to relax with your partner or family. Friends may prefer to outright avoid hangouts at your home. Your loved ones may be concerned about your living situation at this point.

The longer your home sits at Level 3, the higher the chance that leftover messes become long-term damage.

Level 4: Waste and Structural Damage

Hygiene and safety take a backseat in a house at Level 4. Long-term spills and messes create bad smells, and much of the house cannot be adequately used for each room’s purpose.

Level 4: Waste and Structural Damage

Those whose homes fit this category face daily irritation and inconvenience, all of it eventually leading to high repair bills, tripping hazards, and health hazards.

You may not think tripping hazards are a big deal, but falling over them certainly can be. Depending on how high the stacks are, they could even fall on you and do some damage that way. 

There have been well documented cases where people have become trapped in their own home due to tripping hazards. Don’t let that be you!

Health hazards stack up in level 4 almost as quick as the clutter does. Issues like water damage that can no longer be reached lead to structural decay. Larger pests like bats or rodents may make their nests in the attic or basement and contribute to higher possibilities of disease.

A person or family living in this state may find it difficult to be comfortable doing anything. 

Tackling the job to get the home back to a healthy and safe state may seem impossible on their own.

Level 5: The Disconnect

This is often what people think of when discussing hoarding behaviors. The situation may be the result of a psychological hoarding disorder or difficulty due to disability. It may have been compounded by depression or generational trauma or habits. The contributing factors are nuanced, varied, and often highly personal.

Level 5: The Disconnect

But whatever the reason, a Level 5 household is in need of serious, professional help.

Those in a Level 5 house live in outright unsafe conditions. On the daily they are coming in contact with:

  • Zero ventilation
  • Mold and mildew
  • Pet waste
  • Infestations
  • Rot and decay

Not only is it difficult to socialize with others in your home, you may find it difficult to even leave because of the sheer volume of things in the home and the blocked entryways. 

Many who are at this stage find themselves disconnected from reality in a number of ways:

  • Denying there’s a problem
  • Not seeing their family
  • Perhaps even dealing with utility services that have literally been disconnected

At this stage, the structural damage to the home is often irreparable and fire hazards begin to enter the picture. 

Houses at level 5 are prone to fires because of the flammable piles of clutter. If a flame were to spark anywhere, it could easily catch something and spread from there. 

Not only that, but it’s very difficult for firefighters to enter. If a fire were to start  there’d be little to no way of stopping it. With so many flammable objects and no way to enter the home, all it can do is burn.

Hoarding is Normal—and Anyone Can Clean Up

So how did your home do? Do you have an idea of where your home fits on the hoarding scale? The vast majority of us are on there somewhere, and the good news is that no matter the level your home scores, there is always help available.

Bio-One Team

After walking through all 5 levels of hoarding, it’s clear we all struggle with cleaning up the house sometimes. There’s nothing wrong with a messy house. It’s a part of normal, everyday life. 

However, your health and safety are important, particularly when things advance to those higher levels. When facing a daunting clean-up, here’s quick tip for each level of hoarding:

  • Level 1: Pick one chore and set a timer for 20 minutes. Setting a lofty goal like “I will clean the whole house” will often stop you from succeeding. Keep it small and manageable.
  • Level 2: Organize an afternoon with family members and friends. It might seem silly to invite people over for a cleanup day, but more hands can get more done in less time for bigger wins. It also gives you an excuse for after-party pizza (though be sure to clean that up too!)
  • Level 3: Get a professional organizer to help. It’s natural to struggle to let things go. A helpful professional can help you go through the clutter to throw things away and give you a system to follow after they’re gone. If an infestation has taken place, an organizer may not be willing to help. At that point, a hoarding consultant will need to be brought in.
  • Level 4: Hire a hoarding consultant. At this point, it’s difficult to determine what is a mess and what needs repairs. A professional can identify easy spots you can tackle and harder tasks that need a team.
  • Level 5: Hire an experienced team to help. The household has nearly lost all function and may pose a risk to those who don’t know what to look for to ensure their safety. You need professional assistance to clear out and clean up.

Your home falls into one of these levels—just like everyone else’s! The next step is determining what you need to get back to a manageable Level 1.

Our team at Bio-One understands messy homes, and we’re here to offer discreet, compassionate help when you or a loved one is trying to dig out from a higher level mess. We offer affordable, professional services that include cleanup, disinfection, and decontamination. 

Every job has a unique remediation plan tailored to the specific needs and goals of the client. Rest assured, wherever you may fall on the levels of hoarding, we have the experience and equipment necessary to help you.

Consult with our team today to discuss your situation and determine how much time you can save with professional help.


Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up Week 4 Hoarding Trauma Scene Back the Blue

Bio-One teams across the U.S. answer calls to help their communities and remediate a variety of scenes. In our new blog series, we'd like to bring you into the Bio-One world by sharing stories of the unique and important work we do for local communities.

Here is Week 5 of our Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up. 

Chocolate Spill Makes for a Sweet Cleanup

In Scranton on March 25, Juan and Nicole Morales received a call for a "chocolate" cleanup. Assuming this was code for a sewage back-up, they rushed to scene to find a different situation entirely. Approximately 100 gallons of milk chocolate had spilled, covering asphalt outside a local business.

This is certainly the sweetest smelling job a Bio-One office has ever taken, but Nicole clarified, "That smell was nice for the first few minutes but at the end I felt sick. Good thing we had an awesome team that pushed through and got this done!" 

After scraping the chocolate with a forklift and pressure washing the area, the Bio-One team received a five-star review. Well done!  

Bio-One Milk Chocolate Spill Review
Bio-One Milk Chocolate Spill Before and After

Behind the Scenes with Citizen's Academy

Many Bio-One owners sign up for their local Citizen's Police Academy to acquaint themselves with the activities of their local police department. This week, Bio-One owner, Ginger Akemon, in Jacksonville, FL earned her Citizen's Police Academy certificate from the Clay County Sheriff's Office

"Definitely a learning process. Each County has their own, my goal is to go to each county's classes. This was 10 weeks long and over an hour drive each way, but well worth it, " said Ginger. 

Hoarding Transformation in Long Beach

In Long Beach, the Bio-One team has been working hard on several hoarding projects. These before and after pictures show the detail and expertise our teams bring to each job. 

Hoarding Remediation Services Blog Post
https://youtube.com/watch?v=flY9jwd6LFk

Have you ever seen hoarding shows on TV? Our team has first-hand experience remediating these situations with care and compassion. From clutter, trash, to animal hoarding, we understand that the removal of items can be stressful and sometimes overwhelming for families involved. Bio-One will make it a priority to establish trust to ensure everyone is comfortable and ready for each day to begin. 

It's as simple as 1, 2, 3.

First, we always offer estimates at no cost to you. An experienced crew leader will tour the home and propose a plan based on your needs, expectations, and goals. 

Second, our certified technicians are trained to be mindful of all possessions. We make it a priority to find and save items of value whether that's a wallet, coin collections, legal documents, photo albums, or baseball cards. 

Third, we want to make sure you are 100% satisfied and happy with our work. If for some reason something else needs to be done, we are here for you. 

Call Bio-One today to learn how we can help