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The storm of 2010 is causing lots of MOLD

Mold is a more serious problem than most folks realize. Rodents and Insects are attracted to mold, where there is mold there’s water so depending on the extent of the problem, home Mold Removal and Pest Management can be easy or it could be a major overhaul.

A Little Mold On The Tiles

We all get some mold in trouble areas like kitchens and bathrooms. It seems harmless enough, but it’s got to be cleaned up right away. This orange or green mold that grows on surfaces is the easiest to clean up. Try using soap or a simple mold cleaner from the store. This kind of mold is not nearly as harmful as its black cousins, but you should still take care of it as soon as it appears.

Time For Some Deep Cleaning

For the black mold type, you have to do a more serious cleaning. Black mold is highly toxic, so you should always wear a face mask and gloves, and seal off the area where the mold is growing.
Try scrubbing with soap and water first. Keep the mold from drying out so that the spores don’t become airborne. If it won’t come off with soap and water, try something heavier. For some surfaces, bleach is good, but be careful around carpets and other fabrics. Bleach is toxic to inhale, so you can try vinegar or hydrogen peroxide if you want something gentler.
The best places to buy mold removal products are janitorial supply stores. They will have heavy duty stuff that is tough but also safe to use.

Mold Has Colonized The House

When there is a serious mold infestation in your walls, floors or ceilings, major work will have to be done. All moldy materials will have to be removed and wrapped in double trash bags. The whole area will have to be disinfected. For this type of mold removal, you might want to call the experts.
Home mold removal sometimes needs to be done, but you can prevent further problems by keeping your home well ventilated and free of moisture.
Some types of mold are relatively harmless, while others can cause serious health problems for you and your family. Mold identification is the first step in deciding whether you’ve got a serious mold problem or not.

Common Household Mold

The most common household mold is aspergillus. It can come in about any color of the rainbow, and can grow nearly anywhere. For people with weak immune systems, this mold can be dangerous. For most people, it causes minor irritation like coughing, sneezing or other cold-like symptoms.

Black Mold

This is the mold you really want to be careful with. Black mold, or stachybotrys mold, is highly toxic. This is the stuff that causes cold-like symptoms, allergic reactions, fatigue and headaches. If small kids are exposed to it over time, it can cause lifelong asthma problems. For older people and others with weak immune systems it can be deadly.
Because black mold is dangerous, it should be cleaned and removed immediately. You can do it yourself but it’s a big job and most people prefer to call a professional.

Cladosporium

This mold comes in lots of different colors, but is usually grey, brown, blue or black. It can grow just about anywhere. It isn’t as dangerous as aspergillus. Indoor cladosporium causes allergic reactions like sneezing, runny nose and coughing. It rarely causes anything worse than that partly because it is usually found in low concentrations.

Food Molds

Penicillium is the mold you most often find on food. It’s the blue or green mold on bread, cheese, and other stuff that’s been in the back of the fridge for centuries. All moldy food should be thrown away immediately, and you should check other food around it for penicillium as well.
Some foods, especially cheeses, are prone to developing mycotoxic molds. These molds are very dangerous and should not be eaten. It takes a laboratory to identify this type of mold, so it is best to simply dispose of all moldy foods.
Whether toxic or not, all mold should be cleaned up and removed quickly. Mold identification is just the first step.
The good news is that most mold infestations in your home or office can be prevented with routine maintenance and moisture control. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Make sure that your Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) system's filter stays clean and use a filter with a MERV 6 rating or greater. This helps to cut down on the particulates flowing through your HVAC system; thereby reducing the likelihood that this system will be a source of poor indoor air quality.

2. Check to make sure there are no leaks in the ductwork a part of your HVAC system. Leaks can reduce air flow and pressure, having an effect on the ventilation of your home or office. Ventilation is a key way to control humidity and air pollution such as Carbon Dioxide.
3. Check frequently for leaks in plumbing (under sinks, around the toilet, around the bathtub and showers, and look for staining in ceiling or wall areas, attics and crawl spaces).

4. Make sure that gutters stay clean and are routed away from the structure so that there is no pooling of water around the foundation. The grading of the ground around your home or office should be frequently checked to eliminate pooling around the foundation as well.

5. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. This will allow you to clean without the exhaust of the vacuum cleaner aerosolizing particles such as mold, bacteria, and some other allergens into the air.

6. If you have the unfortunate experience of having water damage in your home or office, make sure to process the damage quickly and completely. Water damaged environments can be impacted by mold and other microbes (like bacteria), in some cases, as quickly as 24 - 72 hours. That doesn't necessarily mean you will see mold growth that soon, but the indoor air quality could be compromised by mold or bacterial activity. 

About the author of today's blog.

 Walters Exterminating has been in business for over 30 years.  Nolan Walters has been involved in the business since he was in high school.  This is a family business which has grown and thrived.  Walters Exterminating can be reached at 215-947-8818 or via the web site www.bugwalters.com