Bio-One of Marion County decontamination and biohazard cleaning services

Safety Measures to Consider When Cleaning Up Drug Residue

Safety Measures to Consider When Cleaning Up Drug Residue

In recent years, the issue of drug residue in homes, rental properties, and public spaces has become an increasingly significant concern for homeowners, landlords, and law enforcement alike. The presence of drug paraphernalia can pose serious health risks, making it crucial to approach cleanup operations with caution and thorough knowledge.

Understanding the Health Hazards

Substances like methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine can leave behind harmful residues that, if not properly handled, can lead to significant health effects. For example:

  • Methamphetamine residue can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other health problems.
  • Fentanyl, an extremely potent opioid, can be absorbed through the skin and result in overdose or death.
  • Cocaine residue can cause neurological damage, as well as respiratory and heart problems.
  • Marijuana residue, while less harmful than other drugs mentioned, can still cause respiratory issues and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Children, pregnant women, and pets are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of drug residues.

Identifying Drug Residue

Identifying the presence of drug residue may not always be straightforward. Visual clues can include powdery substances, burnt spoons, glass pipes, or small baggies with residue. Surfaces that have been used to cut or prepare drugs may also bear traces. However, not all residues are visible to the naked eye. In the property, common areas where drug residue may be found include:

  • Walls and floors
  • Countertops and other surfaces
  • Carpets, rugs, and upholstery
  • Furniture
  • Drains and plumbing fixtures
  • Air ducts and ventilation systems
biohazard cleanup technician in home

If you suspect that your property has been used for drug activities or have discovered evidence of drug use, the best thing you can do is seek professional help for proper testing and cleanup. DIY attempts may result in inadequate cleaning and potentially expose you and your loved ones to harmful substances.

Beware of Fentanyl Residue

Due to its high potency, even small amounts of fentanyl can be lethal. This makes it crucial for property owners and managers to take necessary precautions when dealing with suspected drug residue. It is advised to contact trained and certified professionals for fentanyl testing and cleanup.

Learn more: Can fentanyl be absorbed through your skin? | UC Davis Health

Best Practices for Safe Cleanup

When undertaking the task of cleaning up drug residue, prioritizing safety is essential. Here are key best practices you should follow:

  1. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear gloves, masks, and protective eyewear to minimize your risk of exposure. Depending on the severity and the type of residue, additional protection may be necessary.
  2. Ventilation: Before cleaning, ventilate the area well to disperse any airborne particles. Keep doors and windows open during and after the cleanup process.
  3. Avoid Dry Brushing or Sweeping: This can cause particles to become airborne. Use wet wiping methods and appropriate cleaning solutions designed to neutralize drug residues.
  4. Proper Disposal: Contaminated materials should be double-bagged, sealed, and disposed of according to local regulations regarding hazardous waste.
cleaning up drug residue fentanyl example

Landlords and authorities face particular legal considerations when dealing with drug residue.

The Importance of Proper Testing for Drug Residue on Properties

Proper testing for drug residue is essential in determining the extent of contamination and ensuring thorough cleanup. It also serves as critical documentation to protect property owners from potential legal implications. There are various methods for testing drug residue, including:

  • Surface Wipe Testing: This involves wiping surfaces with a sample collection device and sending it to a lab for analysis.
  • Swab Testing: Swabbing is similar to surface wipe testing, but it involves using a swab instead of a collection device.
  • Air Sampling: This method collects and analyzes airborne particles to determine the presence and concentration of drug residue in the air.

Please note that proper testing should be conducted by trained professionals with experience in handling drug residue. DIY testing kits may not provide accurate results and could potentially put individuals at risk.

biohazard cleaning technician

Cleaning Up Drug Residue is a Job for Professionals

If you find yourself facing the challenge of cleaning up drug residue, remember that you don’t have to tackle it alone. Professional services like Bio-One of Marion County specialize in the remediation of homes and properties impacted by drug residue and drug paraphernalia. They have the expertise and equipment necessary to safely and effectively manage the cleanup process and can provide peace of mind in what may be an uncertain and overwhelming situation.

For further information or to seek professional assistance with drug residue cleanup, don’t hesitate to reach out to experts.


Bio-One specializes in blood and bodily fluids, decomposition/undiscovered death, crime scene, suicide cleanup, tear gas, feces/urine, sewage backups, and odor removal. Helping people get their lives back in order is our #1 priority. 

Bio-One of Marion County is here to help you 24/7, 365 days a year! Call (317) 499-0614, and you'll speak directly to one of us when you call; there is never an answering service.  We'll treat you like a person with the compassion and respect that you deserve.

What to Do When Confronted with an Animal Hoarding Scenario

Animal hoarding can have severe consequences for both the welfare of the animals involved and the health of the hoarder. Often characterized by an individual keeping an excessive number of animals without the ability to properly house or care for them, animal hoarding presents significant challenges for intervention and remedy. Addressing animal welfare in hoarding situations requires a multifaceted approach that not only seeks to rescue and rehabilitate the animals but also to provide support and assistance to the hoarder.

If you encounter an animal hoarding scenario, here are some steps you can take to help address the situation.

Signs of Animal Hoarding

Recognizing animal hoarding is the first step toward intervention. Typical signs include:

  • Overcrowded Living Conditions: Too many animals are housed in cramped spaces.
  • Poor Animal Health: Noticeable neglect, malnourishment, or illness among pets.
  • Sanitation Issues: Accumulation of feces and urine, leading to an unhealthy environment.
sad cat kitty in cage example of animal hoarding

Animal hoarders may suffer from other mental health issues, believing they are helping their pets by keeping them close, even in adverse conditions.

Steps to Address Animal Welfare in Hoarding Situations

  1. Assess the Situation: First and foremost, evaluate the scope of the problem. Determine the number of animals involved, their living conditions, and their health status.
  2. Contact Local Authorities: In most cases, animal hoarding is considered a form of animal cruelty and should be reported to local law enforcement or animal control agencies.
  3. Gain Consent: Try to gain consent from the hoarder to enter their property and assess the situation. This can be challenging, as hoarders may resist intervention.
  4. Involve Animal Welfare Organizations: Contact local animal welfare organizations for assistance in removing and caring for the animals.
  5. Provide Support: It is important to recognize that animal hoarding, just like hoarding, is a mental health condition, and the individual may require assistance beyond just removing the animals. Offer support and resources for mental health treatment.
  6. Follow Legal Processes: Depending on the laws in your area, there may be certain legal processes that need to be followed when addressing animal welfare in hoarding situations. Be sure to follow these procedures to ensure the safety of both the animals and those involved.
rescuing dog from animal hoarding house

Animal Welfare in Hoarding Situations varies in Different Areas

The approach to animal welfare in hoarding situations and the regulations differ significantly among U.S. states. Here are some examples:

  • California: Recognized for its comprehensive animal welfare laws, California mandates that anyone caring for more than a specified number of animals obtain a kennel license and adhere to strict care standards.
  • Texas: Focuses on the prevention of cruelty to animals, with laws that enable law enforcement to intervene in severe hoarding cases to rescue animals in distress.
  • Florida: Has specific statutes against animal hoarding under its animal cruelty laws, allowing for both intervention by animal services and potential mental health evaluations for the hoarder.
  • New York: Besides general anti-cruelty laws, New York has implemented regulations that address adequate shelter, food, and water for animals, which can be enforced in hoarding situations.
  • Illinois: Enforces an "Animal Welfare Act" that includes provisions for the well-being of animals and penalties for neglect, which can be applied to hoarding cases.
the aftermath of an animal hoarding event

This varied landscape reflects the complexity of addressing animal welfare across different jurisdictions, further demonstrating the importance of localized solutions tailored to each state's legal framework and enforcement capabilities.

Long-Term Solutions

Once rescued, animals from hoarding situations need care, including medical attention, rehabilitation, and socialization, before finding new homes. Many shelters and rescue organizations specialize in these recovery processes, offering a beacon of hope for these animals.

  • Community Awareness: Education on responsible pet ownership and the realities of hoarding.
  • Legal Involvement: Stronger regulations and consequences for hoarding behaviors.
  • Support Systems: Mental health support for hoarders and robust animal welfare services.

How Bio-One of Marion County Can Help

Confronting an animal hoarding situation is not something you can do on your own. Early intervention can prevent suffering for both the animals involved and the person hoarding them. If you encounter a situation that you think might be animal hoarding, don't hesitate to take action. Your bravery can pave the way for healing and a better future for countless animals. 

animal hoarding cleanup services

At Bio-One of Marion County, we understand the delicate nature of these situations and offer compassionate, discreet, and professional animal hoarding cleanup services. Our team can handle all aspects of animal welfare in hoarding situations, including waste removal, sanitation, and deodorization. Contact us for more information or if you need help addressing an animal hoarding situation in your community!


Bio-One specializes in blood and bodily fluids, decomposition/undiscovered death, crime scene, suicide cleanup, tear gas, feces/urine, sewage backups, and odor removal. Helping people get their lives back in order is our #1 priority. 

Bio-One of Marion County is here to help you 24/7, 365 days a year! Call (317) 499-0614, and you'll speak directly to one of us when you call; there is never an answering service.  We'll treat you like a person with the compassion and respect that you deserve.

Safety Tips on Preparing for a Biohazard Cleanup Situation - Bio-One of Marion County

Biohazard situations are some of the most dangerous and can be life-threatening if not handled appropriately. Therefore, if you find yourself exposed to an unexpected hazardous situation in the workplace, your home, or your property, knowing how to prepare and protect yourself and others is crucial. In this blog post, we have enlisted the expert advice of Bio-One of Marion County's experienced biohazard cleanup technicians to provide essential safety tips on how to prepare for these situations.

Understand What Classifies as a Biohazard Situation

Biohazard situations are situations where there is a risk of exposure to infectious materials like blood, bodily fluids, and other hazardous materials. These materials can carry diseases and pose a high risk to health and safety. Examples of biohazard situations include:

  • Blood spills or bodily fluid accidents
  • Exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances
  • Animal and insect infestations
  • Mold growth in the property

It's essential to understand biohazard situations, so you can take precautions and know when to seek professional help.

Have a Plan in Place

Have a plan in place, detailing how you'll respond to a biohazard situation. The plan should include how you'll notify other people in the building of the danger, the procedures for containing the hazard, the measures you'll take to protect everyone's safety, and who will help you with the cleanup. Having a plan in place will help you respond quickly, which is essential in mitigating the risks posed by biohazard situations.

Protect Yourself

Personal protective equipment is essential when exposed to a potentially hazardous situation. The appropriate PPE for biohazard situations includes gloves, goggles, respirators, protective suits, and shoe covers.

example of ppe

It's vital to have this equipment readily available and to know how to use it properly. If you're not sure, ask a professional for guidance.

Protect Others From the Affected Area

If you're faced with a hazardous event involving blood, bodily fluids, feces, urine, or human and animal waste, and you're not equipped with the right PPE, seek help immediately. Also, restrict access to the area to protect others until proper cleaning and disinfection has been done.

Contact a Professional Biohazard Cleanup Company

When it comes to biohazard situations, it's always best to contact a professional biohazard cleanup company. These companies have the experience, tools, and protective equipment to handle biohazard materials. Hiring a professional biohazard cleanup company will help ensure that the risk of exposure to hazardous materials is minimized.

biohazard remediation team

How Bio-One Can Help

Biohazard situations are some of the most dangerous situations you can face. Follow the essential safety tips outlined in this blog post to prepare yourself for a biohazard situation, and to handle it effectively without putting yourself or others at risk.

Remember to always stay safe and know that Bio-One of Marion County is ready to assist if the situation is beyond your expertise.

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!


We love seeing Bio-One offices send in their mask pictures! Everyone is looking awesome and staying safe. Thanks for doing your part!

Bio-One Flagstaff recently partnered with an amazing non profit called Changed By Nature Outdoors.

It is national, and they do adventures all over the US. They take vets, wounded warriors, first responders, etc on outdoor adventures to try and help them find an outlet to be able to refocus and help with PTSD. They have saved lives this year that would have been lost to suicide but were not because of the program. 

Way to go Bio-One Flagstaff! We are always proud of what our Bio-One franchises accomplish.


If you know of someone in need of our services, please take a look at our locations to find the nearest Bio-One office near you. Stay safe!

July 11th was National Cheer Up The Lonely Day.

Did you do you anything to make someone happy yesterday? If not, find a friend and tell them you appreciate them or give a stranger a compliment. We believe in taking care of others even if this means a simple act of kindness. 


If you know of someone in need of our services, please take a look at our locations to find the nearest Bio-One office near you. Stay safe!

June is National PTSD Awareness month.

We would like to take this time to thank everyone serving our country, both past and present. Thank you for keeping us safe. We appreciate everything you do for us.

We would also like to acknowledge all the other people suffering from PTSD due to varying circumstances. You are strong and not alone. 

PTSD Awareness Day is observed every year on June 27th


If you know of someone in need of our services, please take a look at our locations to find the nearest Bio-One office near you. Stay safe!

April 7–13 is National Victim's Rights Week!

Bio-One has the opportunity to help people after an unfortunate event, but we understand the pain of survivors is a long and ongoing process. We operate by the motto: help first, business second and we believe a community support system is such a great way to help those around you.

If you know someone needing support, offer them an ear or help point them in the direction of professoinal help if necessary.

Below are some Victim's Support resources:

Victim Support Services

National Center for Victims of Crime

Victim's Services

Today, January 9th, law enforcement associations across America are celebrating National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

Women and men who make the decision to put on a uniform and serve and protect our communities deserve our gratitude and respect for their service. All of us show our appreciation and support of law enforcement throughout the year, and we hope you take extra time today to thank a police officer, send a note of support, etc.

Thank you to all the prior Bio-One officers and all the law enforcement out there keeping our neighborhoods safe. We appreciate you!