What are the Causes of Hoarding? No one knows the exact reasons for someone becoming a hoarder, but the condition creates several health risks. Many people require extensive therapy and assistance from professionals to overcome their hoarding tendencies. In many geographic areas, government officials will force an individual to clean out clutter due to its danger.

Home Fires

One of the most common risks of hoarding is having a dangerous and fast-moving fire in a building. Individuals who hoard often have piles of combustible material on a stove or near a space heater. Once a spark begins burning combustible objects, the flames quickly spread throughout a hoarder’s home. Unfortunately, many homes filled with clutter do not have working smoke detectors.

Falling Injuries

Having stacks of boxes, bins and junk sitting on floors or stairways can lead to injuries from falls. Many hoarders create layers of clutter that slip and slide while they walk across a room. If an individual in a home falls, it is possible that the pile of items can fall on top of them leading to additional injuries.

Vermin Infestation

A major risk from hoarding is experiencing an infestation of vermin including rodents and insects. The most recommended pest control in Santa Rosa involves having multiple treatments for different types of vermin. When an exterminator inspects a home, they will look for signs of particular species of insects and rodents that invade a messy building.

Respiratory Distress

A cluttered home is difficult for homeowners to clean with a vacuum cleaner and dusting wand. As the dust collects on the piles of junk, the air quality in a home declines drastically. Occupants of a messy home might develop allergic reactions such as coughing, sneezing and breathing difficulties. A hoarder may even develop asthma due to long-term lung damage.

Mental Depression

Due to their home’s messy condition, many hoarders isolate themselves from friends and family. Loneliness and isolation can lead to serious cases of mental depression for an individual. In addition, the embarrassment and shame of the hoarding condition causes people to feel intense anxiety outside the home.

How to Get Help for Hoarding Tendencies

Anyone experiencing hoarding tendencies should seek professional assistance from a therapist or psychologist trained in the condition. At the same time, hiring a team of professional organizers can help an individual clear away clutter from a home.