Ash and Infestation: Wildfire Restoration Leaves Pasadena and Altadena Homeowners at Risk
Date: January 5, 2026
The Eaton Canyon Wildfires, which erupted on January 7, 2025, scorched over 14,000 acres and destroyed more than 9,000 structures, leaving Pasadena and Altadena in crisis. While the fires may be extinguished, a second threat is now emerging: rodent infestations inside newly “restored” homes.
The Hidden Risk Beneath the Ash
As restoration companies race to rebuild homes, All Track Exterminators in Pasadena reports a disturbing trend—unfinished or inadequate attic cleanups that leave behind hazardous rodent waste, urine, and pheromones.
From Fire to Feces: How the Infestation Spread
Wildfires disrupted the habitats of rats and mice in the San Gabriel Mountains. Now, these pests have relocated into Pasadena-area homes. Even houses with professional cleanups are seeing a resurgence of rodents.
What’s Really Happening in Attics?
According to All Track Exterminators, many companies:
- Skip full insulation removal
- Ignore signs of contamination
- Bypass Pasadena permit protocols
- Neglect rodent exclusion before re-insulation
Proper Protocol vs. Alleged Practices
| Step | Alleged Shortcut | Recommended Protocol |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection | Superficial | Detailed assessment for rodent activity |
| Insulation Removal | Partial or skipped | Full removal of contaminated insulation |
| Sanitization | Inadequate or skipped | Thorough EPA-approved sanitation |
| Rodent Exclusion | Not performed | Seal all entry points before re-insulation |
| New Insulation | Installed over contamination | Installed after full remediation & permits |
The Health Hazards Are Real
Rodents can spread Hantavirus, Leptospirosis, and Salmonella. Inhaling dried droppings or urine can cause severe illness. Homes already exposed to smoke and ash are now facing compounded health threats from vermin left untreated.
Who’s Responsible?
Both insurance providers and local authorities bear responsibility. Yet gaps remain in ensuring that restoration meets the safety standards required by Pasadena’s building codes and public health recommendations.
What Homeowners Should Do
- Request a full post-cleanup inspection
- Demand proof of permit compliance
- Contact All Track Exterminators for an independent rodent contamination audit
- Report violations to Pasadena Planning & Permits
- Seek legal advice if damage resulted from negligence
Contact the Experts
All Track Exterminators is located at:
1055 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106
Phone: 626-344-2464
Website: www.alltrackexterminators.com
