Risks of Rodents in a Hoarder's Property

A significant risk in a hoarders property is the presence of rodents. This can make already challenging conditions ten times worse. In this article we will explore the dangers and potential consequences of rodent infestations in hoarders properties. We will highlight the importance of cleaning, particularly after the rodent infestation.

A rat standing on a large amount of clutter. It's inside a hoarders property and is very dirty.

The Hoarder's Home

Hoarder's will often live in a environment that has a lot of clutter, limited pathways and lacks in cleanliness. These conditions are an ideal breeding ground for rodents, the clutter will provide hiding spots, nesting material and a consistent food source. As access can be difficult in certain areas, it creates an ideal quiet and sheltered space for the rodents to thrive.

An old woman in a very dirty kitchen filled with clutter and rotten food.

Health Risks in a Hoarders Home

Rodents in a hoarders home can present significant health risks for the hoarder and anyone entering the home. Rodents carry diseases such as Hantavirus, Leptospirosis and Salmonellosis. These diseases can be transmitted via direct contact with droppings, urine or saliva. In hoarded homes, these bio-hazards can be hidden within the clutter, making it crucial to hire a hoarders cleaning service.

Two rats in a very dirty kitchen. There is a large amount of clutter in the kitchen, it looks like a hoarders home.

Structural Damage in a Hoarders Home

Beyond health risks, rodents can also cause structural damage to a hoarders home. Gnawing on electrical wires, insulation and wooden structures will compromise the integrity of the building. This can then lead on to electrical fires and other safety hazards. Hoarders cleaning and hoarders waste removal becomes a must at this point, not just to create a safer home, but to identify the structural damage caused by rodent infestations.

A rodent poking it's head out of some broken brickwork.

After Rodent Cleaning

Addressing the risk of rodents in a hoarders home needs a thorough approach. Our professional hoarders cleaning service can also tackle after rodent cleans, meaning this assessment is even more streamlined. We will take crucial steps to prevent recurrence of an infestation and restore the property to a safe condition. Here are our steps:

  1. Decontamination and Sanitisation:

    Once the property is cleared of clutter and cleaned, we will address the affected areas with rodent waste. We will remove rodent droppings and any contaminated items/materials, and sanitise any areas affected by urine. We have the necessary protective gear and cleaning agents to ensure a safe and thorough decontamination.

  2. Odour Removal:

    We will then conduct a process called ULV fogging, this is to ensure all hard to reach areas are sanitised and to help with the odour in the property as well after rodents have set up shop. After this service you can rest assured in knowing that the rooms are fully sanitised and 99% of bacteria is removed.

  3. Preventive Measures:

    To prevent future infestations, we recommend that hoarders and their support networks set up preventive measures. Maintaining cleanliness and healthy habits are a must, addressing the source of the hoarding with a mental health professional is a must as well. We will always block any entrance points we find as well, to further aid in stopping rodents from reentering the property.


The risks associated with rodents in a hoarder's property are large, be it from the general hoarding itself or the pests that can come with it. This can encompass health hazards, structural damage and overall safety concerns. After the property is fully decluttered, cleaned and sanitised, it is a must to maintain a healthy living space. Our hoarders cleaning service are equipped to handle any job big or small and we understand that it isn't you or your family members fault. Our main aim is to get the property to a liveable standard and ensure no pest waste is still in the property causing a myriad of issues. If you are in need of hoarding services, or just after rodent cleaning services, please click the directed button below.

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