As a property manager, you’re the go-to for just about everything. Leaky faucet? You’ve got someone for that. Broken light fixture? You’re already on it. When a tenant moves out and leaves a mess behind, your maintenance crew knows the drill: clean, repair, and reset.
Situations involving blood, bodily fluids, drug residue, or extreme hoarding go far beyond the scope of general maintenance. They’re biohazard scenes, and treating them like any other mess can create serious consequences for your team, your tenants, and your property.
This isn’t just about cleaning up. It’s about protecting people’s health, following safety regulations, and preventing long-term damage to your investment.
You wouldn’t ask your handyman to handle electrical rewiring without proper training. So why risk their safety—and your liability—by asking them to clean up a potentially infectious scene?
Crime scenes. Unattended deaths. Hoarding situations. Drug residue. Sewage backups.
These aren’t just unpleasant—they’re hazardous, legally complex, and emotionally heavy.
Yet many property managers still default to their maintenance crew or janitorial team when these events happen, assuming it’s “just another mess to clean.”
But this isn’t a clogged sink or scuffed floor. It’s a potential public health risk, and it requires far more than elbow grease and cleaning supplies.
In these moments, well-meaning isn’t enough. Without the proper training and equipment, even a simple wipe-down can become a dangerous—and expensive—mistake.
Proper biohazard remediation demands:
Biohazard scenes may contain HIV, hepatitis B/C, or drug contaminants like fentanyl. One misstep can expose your crew—and your tenants—to serious health risks.
Gloves and masks aren’t enough. Professional teams use PPE (personal protective equipment), containment barriers, and HEPA-filtered vacuums to stop the spread of contaminants during and after cleanup.
Blood-soaked materials, sharps, and hazardous waste must be handled and transported according to strict regulations. Most general cleaning crews aren’t trained in these requirements, putting you at risk of non-compliance and fines.
Biohazard scenes often follow traumatic events. Cleaning up after an unattended death or suicide takes more than a strong stomach—it requires sensitivity, discretion, and the ability to work calmly in highly emotional environments.
Expecting your regular crew to take this on isn’t just unfair—it’s unsafe. The bottom line: if they haven’t been trained for it, they shouldn’t be doing it. Period.
On paper, handling a cleanup in-house is a budget-friendly move. You’ve already got a crew. Why not just hand them some gloves and cleaning supplies and knock it out?
But when the mess involves biohazards, drug residue, or extreme filth, doing your best without professional training is a gamble—and one that rarely pays off.
Here’s what that decision can really cost you:
Surface-level cleaning may not eliminate deep contamination. If a unit still smells, shows stains, or makes tenants uncomfortable, you’ll struggle to lease it, losing days, weeks, even months of income.
Blood, decomposition, urine, and mold leave behind odors that typical cleaning solutions can’t touch. Tenants may report “a weird smell,” but the real issue is invisible contamination that continues to spread.
Biohazards soak into subfloors, drywall, HVAC systems, and insulation. Without professional remediation, you risk locking those problems in, forcing costly repairs down the road.
If a future tenant gets sick or discovers the prior condition, you could face lawsuits, health department fines, or a damaged reputation. Many biohazard scenarios require strict adherence to OSHA and EPA regulations—cutting corners opens you to major consequences.
Your maintenance crew didn’t sign up to deal with hazardous waste. If they’re injured or infected while cleaning, you could be held responsible for their medical costs and lost wages.
What starts as a “small mess” can quickly snowball into a major issue, costing you more time, more money, and more stress than hiring professionals would have from the start.
When your property is facing a situation involving blood, bodily fluids, drug residue, hoarding, or sewage, it’s not just dirty—it’s dangerous and deeply complex. This is where your standard cleaning crew reaches its limit—and where Bio-One steps in.
We’re not a janitorial service. We’re a professional biohazard remediation team trained to handle the scenes no one else should touch.
Here’s what sets Bio-One apart:
Every Bio-One technician is certified in handling bloodborne pathogens, trauma scenes, and chemical decontamination. From fentanyl residue to decomposition fluids, we know how to clean safely, thoroughly, and in compliance with strict OSHA standards.
Biohazard events don’t wait for business hours—and neither do we. Whether it’s 2 a.m. or a holiday weekend, our team is ready to respond fast and begin remediation, minimizing disruption to your tenants and timeline.
We understand how sensitive these situations can be. Our teams arrive in unmarked vehicles and plain uniforms to protect your privacy and your property's reputation. We work quietly and professionally to avoid drawing attention to the situation.
We don’t just wipe down surfaces. Our team investigates what’s behind walls, under floors, and inside vents—because biohazards often seep into areas you can’t see. We eliminate not just the visible mess, but the root causes of odor, bacteria, and health risks.
Biohazard claims are complicated, but we make them easier. Our team handles documentation, photos, and direct communication with your insurance adjuster, saving you time, stress, and paperwork.
When it’s more than just a mess—when it’s a potential threat to health, safety, and liability—you need certified professionals who know what they’re doing and care about doing it right.
Bio-One is here to take that burden off your plate so that you can move forward with confidence.
You’ve built a reputation for running a clean, safe, and professional property. Every decision you make—from the paint color in the hallways to the landscaping out front—affects how your tenants (and future tenants) see you.
That reputation can unravel in an instant if a serious cleanup is handled the wrong way.
The truth is:
Your maintenance team isn’t trained—or equipped—to manage trauma scenes, drug contamination, or biohazard remediation.
And honestly, they shouldn’t be. That’s not their job. It’s not in their job description. And expecting them to take on that kind of risk puts everyone in a dangerous position.
Biohazard cleanup isn’t about wiping up a mess. It’s about:
Bio-One is here, so you don’t have to shoulder this burden alone.
We’re a trusted partner to property managers across the country—ready 24/7 to respond fast, work discreetly, and handle the toughest situations with care and professionalism.
Let your staff do what they do best: keep your property running smoothly.
And let Bio-One take care of the rest—quietly, quickly, and thoroughly.
Disasters don’t wait for you to be ready. A tenant passes away. A unit is discovered in a hoarding state. A sewage backup catches you off guard. When these situations arise, every hour counts—and scrambling to find the right help in the middle of a crisis can lead to costly delays, safety issues, and missteps you can’t afford.
That’s why the smartest move you can make right now is to partner with Bio-One of Riverside—before an emergency hits.
Here’s how to take the first step:
We serve our communities with care, and we show up when it matters most.
Don’t wait until you’re in the middle of a mess to start looking for help.
Be ready. Be protected. Be proactive—with Bio-One of Riverside.
Most maintenance staff aren’t trained to safely deal with bloodborne pathogens, drug residue, or hazardous materials. Without the proper PPE, disposal methods, and regulatory knowledge, even a well-intentioned cleanup can lead to health risks, liability, and long-term property damage.
Biohazards include blood, bodily fluids, drug residue (like fentanyl), sewage backups, decomposition, animal waste, and hoarding situations. If there’s a risk of infection, contamination, or toxic exposure, it’s not a job for general cleaning crews.
Improper cleanup can spread contaminants, damage building materials, create lingering odors, or lead to lawsuits and code violations. You may also be putting your team at risk of exposure to harmful pathogens or chemicals.
Yes. Biohazards often seep into subfloors, HVAC systems, and other hidden areas. Bio-One’s certified technicians are trained to inspect and remediate beyond the surface to ensure thorough decontamination.
We offer 24/7 emergency response and can typically be on-site within hours, day or night. When every minute matters, we’re ready to help fast.
No. We understand the importance of discretion. Our teams arrive in unmarked vehicles and wear plain uniforms to protect your tenants’ privacy and your property's reputation.
Often, yes. Many biohazard incidents—such as unattended deaths or trauma scenes—are covered under property or renter’s insurance. Bio-One assists with documentation and communicates directly with adjusters to streamline the claims process.
If the situation involves law enforcement (e.g., a crime scene or death), ensure the scene has been officially released. Then call us. We’ll guide you through the rest—including what to document, what to expect, and how to move forward.
We’re certified in biohazard remediation and trauma cleanup—not just surface cleaning. We follow OSHA and EPA regulations, use professional-grade PPE and equipment, and bring compassion, sensitivity, and discretion to every scene.
Absolutely. We encourage it. We offer free biohazard readiness calls to help you prepare for potential emergencies. You’ll get peace of mind, emergency contact info, and a trusted vendor already in your system.
The roots of crime- and trauma-scene cleaning companies can be traced to the 1990s, and at that time only a dozen or so companies existed. The industry was widely unregulated and awareness of contamination risks were relatively non-existant.
"I was young and dumb and saw something you only see in movies, so I quickly shut the door, took a deep breath, sat on the couch with the widow and told everyone else to get her out of here and take her to lunch, and we’ll clean this up for her," said Nick-Anthony Zamucen, Founder of Bio-One Inc. "We were just trying to help a lady in her greatest time of need, and that’s for me how I got into the crime scene and cleaning business." Read Nick's story in Franchise Times.
Today, there are hundreds of companies that advertise crime and trauma scene cleaning, and a simple Google search may prove overwhelming when you're experiencing one of the most traumatic moments in your life. To help, we've listed pre-qualifying questions to ask before choosing a crime and trauma scene company.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Crime and Trauma Scene Cleaner
There are a number of key questions to ask crime and trauma scene cleaning technicians or business owners to properly root out which one is best for your goals and circumstances.
Last but certainly most important, make sure the business you speak with shows care and compassion for your situation. They should want to do everything possible to support you and your loved ones.
If you are searching for a crime and trauma scene cleaner, Bio-One is here for you. All of our offices adhere to our business motto Help First, Business Second and are available 24/7. Click here to search for a Bio-One team near you.
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 7 of our Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up.
Thank You to the Thin Gold Line
The second week of April is a time to celebrate and thank telecommunications professionals who dedicate their lives to serving the public. Often called the thin gold line, 911 dispatchers are true heroes behind the scenes.
Coast to coast, Bio-One teams found fun and unique ways to recognize the Thin Gold Line.
Bio-One Helps Homeless Man with Vehicle Clean Up
This week, News San Diego reported "Homeless man's story inspires San Diego mom to enlist community's help", featuring Rene Flohr and Nicki Chipp-Flohr, owners of Bio-One. The Bio-One duo spotted a NextDoor post asking for anyone who could help 79 year-old, Les, who had been living out of his vehicle and was recently diagnosed with skin cancer. His vehicle was floor to ceiling full of items, and Bio-One was ready to help clean and clean the vehicle so it could be sold or donated.
In a message to Bio-One owners, Nicki said, "I am very proud of what we are doing to help someone. I thought you’d all appreciate it, since we live the Bio-One motto of #helpfirstbusinesssecond." We couldn't agree more!
Read the entire story on News San Diego.
A "Week in the Life" at Bio-One
The Bio-One team in Tuscon, AZ had a busy week with work ranging from COVID-19 cleanings, mold remediations, bird dropping clean up, medical waste disposal, suicide remediation, and more.
If you've ever wondered what it takes to be a crime and trauma scene cleaner, we recommend read through the Tuscon team's Weekly Wrap-Up!
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 6 of our Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up.
Cherokee County Biohazard Remediation
Lives in the Atlanta area were forever altered on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 after a shooting spree at three metro Atlanta spas left eight people, including six Asian women, dead within the span of 45 minutes.
Our hearts and sympathies are with everyone impacted by this tragedy.
Two weeks after the tragic events in Atlanta took place, Bio-One answered the call to remediate the spa in Cherokee County. Led by Michele O'Brien and Rebecca Phillips, the Bio-One team provided a quick response and thorough Cleaning. Read more in our recent blog post.
Tragedy in Rock Hill, South Carolina
As details from the tragedy in Rock Hill, South Carolina unfold, one Bio-One team paid special tribute to the victims, first responders and other local law enforcement officials. Bio-One owners, John and Jen Symons, live in Rock Hill and experienced the police response first-hand. "It's a tight-knit community. We just can't believe it," said Jen Symons.
Their team is currently in communication with local law enforcement, and activity supporting neighbors through this difficult time.
COVID-19 Cleaning at Dojo
This week, we're spotlighting the Atlantic City team where they are regularly Cleaning Ganguly's Mixed Martial Arts. According to Bio-One owner, Victor Russomanno, "We are contracted with a local martial arts studio to clean them weekly. In addition to their in-house protocol, we use an electrostatic sprayer to ensure maximum coverage and protection, to ensure those who are training are staying safe through our efforts."
Across the United States, Bio-One teams actively clean local businesses, government buildings, and residents in the fight against coronavirus. Learn more about our COVID-19 cleaning process.
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!
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.
If selling or buying a home is in your future, you're likely well versed the entire process, from the initial offer to closing. But are you aware that disclosing a death in the home may be required? The rules vary by state. 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:
To be more specific, here are three death disclosure examples as stated from experts or articles based in Texas, New Jersey, and California:
For a state by state guide on disclosure laws we recommend visiting this resource on Nolo.com.
How to Search Property Records
If you'd like to do your own sleuthing and search property records, look no further than DiedInHouse.com. Founded in 2013, this website promises to instantly search millions of records to determine if a death has occurred at any valid U.S. address.
In a 2015 interview with Forbes.com, founder Roy Condrey stated, "I went online to find a ‘Carfax’ of sorts for deaths in homes and I didn’t find anything, but I did find pages and pages of people asking if there’s a way to find out if their house is haunted."
The service isn't free, though. Once you enter an address, you're prompted to pay a minimum of $11.99 for a single search. The report will, however, provide a number of property records including meth labs, fire, death, and registered sex offender information.
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 clean 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. Our experts not only contain and clean the dangerous biological materials, we carry out our work in a caring and private manner. Find a Bio-One team near you.
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 4 of our Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up.
New Start for New Haven Veteran
In New Haven County, Bio-One and Junkluggers answered the call to help a veteran and his disabled wife. The couple were overwhelmed with a hoarded home and much of their furniture would need to be disposed due to biohazardous conditions. With Bio-One's Help First, Business Second motto in mind, Bio-One owner, Matthew Hill, teamed up with Junkluggers to re-furnish the home with gently used furniture at no cost to the client.
“Anytime we can give a little more to our clients, we always seize the opportunity,” said Hill. “Junkluggers has been an awesome organization with a great mission that fits nicely into what we are trying to accomplish.”
#HelpFirst for Heart-Breaking Scene
In South Carolina, Bio-One owner, Kris Elliott, was called to clean and clean a heart-breaking trauma scene. After hearing the family's story, he generously decided not to request payment for his services and shared their GoFundMe page on Facebook. As of March 20, Bio-One offices in North Carolina and South Carolina have contributed just under half of the total donations. This is #helpfirst at it's finest.
If you'd like to learn more about the family and donate, please visit their GoFundMe page.
Poker Run Supports Law Enforcement
Supporting local law enforcement is a 24/7 activity at Bio-One! In Tuscon, AZ, the Bio-One team participated in the South Arizona Law Enforcement Foundation (SALEF) poker run. SALEF collaborates with law enforcement to understand their greatest needs, and work with businesses in the community to raise money by presenting community events and submitting for grants.
Looks like they were gifted a beautiful day for cards, corn hole, and backing 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 3 of our Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up.
Five 30 Yard Dumpsters
The team in Pensacola has been working non-stop on a two story home that required Bio-One hoarding services. Over the course of five days, they filled five 30 yard dumpsters, and found multiple antique pieces, photographs, sentimental items and cash that was promptly turned over to the client.
Look through the transformation photos on their Facebook page!
Backing the Blue in Omaha
The Bio-One team in Omaha dropped off bagels at the Omaha Police Department just before roll call, and Vanessa Urbach, the civilian crime and prevention specialist, tweeted a "Thank You" with shoutouts to Bio-One. Joining the conversation was our own Bio-One Twitter handle, Deputy Chief Ken Kanger, host of the What's Up Omaha Podcast, and a number of other officers in the department.
Kudos to the Omaha team for backing the blue!
Safety First
Before Bio-One teams can help first, we have to ensure safety for every technician on the job site. This week, Bio-One owners took part in conversations about safety. Topics ranged from preventing common injuries on the job to attending OSHA training with Bob Easter. Jared Lafferty, Bio-One owner in Gwinnett County, even took the conversation to Twitter and featured safety protocols his team uses while on the job.
We couldn't be prouder of our teams for putting safety first!
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 2 of our Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up.
14,000 lbs of Clothing Removed from Hoarded Home
In Indiana, the Marion County team remediated over 30+ years of hoarded clothes in a home. The team calculated that approximately 14,000 lbs of clothing were removed.
Bio-One’s teams know that every job represents a unique experience for our customers, who may have difficulty parting with deeply personal items that can range from clothing, video tapes, trash, and even animals.
Read our recent blog post answering common questions about animal hoarding.
We work with all of our clients in a step-by-step process that instills trust while properly ridding the space of items that can prove harmful. Learn more about Bio-One's hoarding services.
Bio-One Welcomes Two New Offices in Wisconsin
Two Bio-One offices launched in Wisconsin this week, and we are very excited to welcome Angela, David, Andrew, and Viktoriya to the Bio-One family. Learn about these amazing teams below!
Madison, WI
Angela Welbes and David Levin are the owners of Bio-One of Madison. Both were born and raised in the midwest, and they met in 2015 while they were both living in Wisconsin. Their blended family consists of 3 daughters and a son. The COVID pandemic provided a personal reset that enabled an opportunity to join the growing Bio-One family and the ability to help the surrounding communities of Madison. They are excited to start this new venture together.
Milwaukee, WI
Andrew and Viktoriya Gonzales are the owners of Bio-One of Milwaukee. Andrew spent the last 24 years in the banking industry, in addition to serving on boards and committees for several Non-Profits, such as NAMI, Madison Development Corp and United Way. Viktoriya originally came to Wisconsin 16 years ago to further her education and loved it so much, she decided to stay. She has spent the last 12 years in telecommunications and management. Both have a passion for giving back to their community and have a drive to help those in the Milwaukee and surrounding area who are in need.
COVID-19 cleanings Help Seniors in Charlotte, NC
This week, the Bio-One team in Charlotte, NC announced the renewal of a COVID-19 cleaning partnership with the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services. This unique #HelpfFrst service offers free cleanings to seniors, 60 years of age or older. See their Facebook post below to learn more.
If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (en español: 1-888-628-9454; deaf and hard of hearing: dial 711, then 1-800-273-8255) or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death (after accidents) for people aged 10 to 34. And according the CDC, published reports from 2020 suggest that the pandemic has had a negative effect on children’s mental health.
“Beginning in April 2020, the proportion of children’s mental health–related ED visits among all pediatric ED visits increased and remained elevated through October. Compared with 2019, the proportion of mental health–related visits for children aged 5–11 and 12–17 years increased approximately 24%. and 31%, respectively.”
Researchers have yet to link recent suicides to the pandemic since 2020 suicide data is not yet available. But on the ground, there's growing concern.
The February 2021 NPR article “Child Psychiatrists Warn That The Pandemic May Be Driving Up Kids' Suicide Risk” explores possible correlation. Takeaways include:
For ways to help kids at risk, NPR encourages readers to read Part 2 of their story, “Make Space, Listen, Offer Hope: How To Help A Child At Risk Of Suicide”.
Suicide Prevention Resources
Survivors of Suicide – What to Do Next
The loss of a loved one by suicide can be a deeply painful and traumatizing experience; however, it’s important to know that everyone experiences suicide loss in their own way. As you begin the process of healing, consider reading the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s guide for to talk to others about what happened and identify ways to take care of yourself.
Additionally, if you have lost someone to suicide, there may be a cleanup required. There is no need for family or friends of the loved one to be further traumatized or overwhelmed with trying to figure out how to clean the impacted area. Bio-One is here for you. Learn more about Bio-One’s suicide remediation services.
If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (en español: 1-888-628-9454; deaf and hard of hearing: dial 711, then 1-800-273-8255) or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
