Hoarding and Packrat Cleanup Services

Where to begin?  First, we understand, and we understand that this is an overwhelming issue for most families to deal with.   By the time a clean-up crew is required, the disease has progressed for many years and health concerns have become the primary reason for the call.  The issue of Hoarding Disease, also known as "Pack-Rat Syndrome", is complicated.  Hoarding is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, volume IV (DSM-IV) published by the American Psychiatric Association, as a type of Obsessive -Compulsive Disorder, commonly referred to as OCD's.    The disorder is often seen as a condition within the elderly population.  Many times hoarding is not discovered for years as the individual afflicted with the disease hides the condition from the family, and makes access to their home unavailable even to the family.  When the condition is discovered, it us usually due to an unforeseen circumstance; a fire or a medical emergency of some type.  By then the property and hoarded goods have been rendered unusable due to rat and bug infestation, gross filth and biohazardous waste.

What to do?

Because the issue of Hoarding/Pack-Rat Syndrome is a recognized disease, the first thing to do is to call a mental health professional who can assist the Hoarder as they go through the process of parting with the items they have been hoarding over time.  Without such intervention, cleaning can be dangerous for both the cleaning company and the individual who is the hoarder.  This is a key component in a successful outcome to the entire process.

Once a mental health professional has agreed to assist, call us.  We will assist with a caring, professional hand in the cleanup process.  Any and all personal items that can be salvaged will be cleaned, disinfected and saved.   Usually, roll-off containers, which are large garbage containers often seen at construction sites that hold 40 cubic yards of waste are ordered and moved to the site.  As they become filled with refuse, we will have them hauled away and another brought to replace it.  We will continue the process until the contents of the property have been completely sifted through, salvageable items cleaned, and non-salvageable items are discarded.    Once the residence is completely emptied of all contents, including furnishings, we will begin the physical disinfection and cleaning of the floors, walls and ceilings.  The bathroom fixtures and kitchen fixtures and appliances will be assessed for function and cleaning requirements as we are able to gain access to them.  Often, these items are either unusable due to breakage or decay from being buried beneath hoarded items for years.

In properties where Hoarding or Pack-Rat Syndrome has occurred over many years, many different levels of treatment may be required to return the property to a safe and habitable condition.  In most cases, the carpet is too soiled and contaminated by rodent, entomological, and even human fecal material as to ever be salvaged.  Carpet that has been so contaminated will require complete removal as the padding and the flooring beneath will require disinfection and treatment.  The foundation of the structure will be inspected and a determination will be made as to whether further remediation is required, including the removal of subflooring.   If removal of structural flooring is required, A&M Bio-Recovery can provide referrals for companies that can assist in repairing structural issues.

Even after cleaning and repair work is done there is often an odor that remains as a result of years of contamination being present in the residence.    A&M Bio-Recovery personnel are experts at remediating odor and will provide remediation services as required to mitigate such odors.

It is important to understand that Hoarding/Pack-Rat Syndrome clean-ups can take weeks or sometimes months to remediate.  The property generally cannot be occupied during the time the remediation work is in progress.  Because of this, arrangements for alternate housing must be made prior to the work beginning.

Payment

Home Owner's or Renter's Insurance generally covers Hoarding/Pack-Rat Syndrome clean up services because the disease causes the residence to become uninhabitable.  A& M Bio-Recovery will be more than happy to work directly with insurance agents, thereby relieving an already stressed family of the burden of trying to deal with the business of payment.  If, by chance, there is no insurance, or the insurance company fails to pay, A & M Bio-Recovery is prepared to work out a no-interest payment plan that will fit within your budget.  Our goal is to get the client and the family through this difficult time as quickly and easily as possible without creating an additional tremendous financial burden.   Call us.  We will discuss cleanup with you and will go to the site to provide a free estimate.

Our rates are in accordance with industry standards.  No job is too small or too large.  We work on private residential and/or commercial properties.   We are an 8A Woman-veteran owned, small business experienced at working with State, Federal and City Governments.  We work with the Government purchase card and purchase order system.  We accept Visa, Master Card and Discover card.

For Hoarding or Packrat Syndrome Cleanup in the San Diego area, call:

A&M Bio-Recovery at:

(619) 931-3353