Rafiki Pest Control LTD
Unfortunately, mold does not only damage the aesthetics of your wooden structures but also leads to its rooting! You don't want this fungal species anywhere near your house, as they have also been found to cause numerous health risks! Besides being unsightly, mold can cause a stuffy nose, throat irritation, coughs, skin & eye irritation, and even wheezing!
Unfortunately, mold problems are not a new thing to most homeowners. That's because these nagging organisms frequent homes, regardless of how immaculate the house is.
Most people don't know that mold is a living organism. Mold has been around the earth for millions of years! And its spores are almost always everywhere, waiting for an opportunity to infest.
You can attempt to remove mold on your own, but if the problem becomes challenging or resistant, the most effective thing to do is seek help from a licensed pest control company near me.
How Did Mold Get Into My Home?
These opportunistic organisms quietly sneak into your property through open windows, doors, vents, and the HVAC system. You can also introduce mold into your home when it attaches to shoes, pets, vehicles, or even your clothes.
And if there's humidity or moisture, such as faulty faucets, leaking roofs, pipes, etc., it'll combine with it to create a problem that demands immediate attention. Mold especially prefers to grow in the dark, damp corners. With time, this fungus produces allergens, irritants, and sometimes, mycotoxins.
As noted earlier, inhaling high concentrations of mold spores can cause diseases. That's why mold removal is a vital and urgent service.
Mold Growth In Your Home
Most mold types are unmistakable. However, sometimes an infected surface may appear 'dirty.'
Generally, mold appears as spots of fuzzy white fiber, resembling a cotton ball. But this is not always true as black mold typically occurs as a small or large unsightly black stain, often covering highly moist areas like bathrooms.
Mold can also appear in other colors, like gray or green, and you can easily detect its musty smell. Note that mold prefers to grow in dark and damp corners. However, it is not exclusive to this area alone; it will also thrive in poorly ventilated areas with wet conditions and relatively high temperatures, like laundry rooms and kitchens.
While mold is a less problematic problem for the exterior aesthetics of your home, it is indeed problematic inside your home. Mostly, the conditions within our houses are ideal for rampant mold growth! In optimal conditions like excessive moisture, mold will grow and start reproducing within 48 hours!
In your home, mold can grow everywhere, like floors, cabinets, carpets, ceilings, basements, wardrobes, unused clothes, and more.
How To Prevent Mold Growth In Your Home
The best way to prevent mold growth in your home is by eliminating all conditions necessary. Consider the following:
- Ensure the humidity levels in your home are kept as low as possible at all times. It should be at most 50%. You can achieve this by using an air conditioner or dehumidifier.
- The air in your home should flow freely at all times. Ensure proper ventilation and consider using fans outside the house in your kitchen, bathroom, and clothes dryer.
- Thoroughly inspect your home and fix any faulty leaks on the house's roof, walls, flooring, plumbing, etc., to prevent moisture so mold does not grow.
- In the event of a flood, ensure your home is cleaned immediately and dried out thoroughly and fast.
- Buy antimold products to clean up bathrooms.
- Consider using anti-mold paints when painting your home. These types of paint are designed to resist moisture and steam, thereby preventing mold growth on walls, ceilings, and other areas.
DIY Mold Removal
Mold is not a simple, straightforward problem, as many would like to think. Be warned that the mycotoxin substances released by mold can cause severe harm. Direct exposure to these substances has been reported to cause deadly diseases like liver damage, nervous system disorders, and even cancer!
Therefore, getting rid of mold at home is a matter of urgency. It is best left to the experts as they are equipped with the right tools and PPE. But if you are still determined to remove the mold on your own, we have provided the safest step-by-step DIY mold removal guide below:
- Inspect your home to locate all the nooks and crannies infested by mold. If your home has a musty smell, follow it closely and use a flashlight, as it will most likely lead you to a dark and damp mold source.
- Prepare an effective mold-fighting solution. Consider using non-toxic products like essential oils, i.e., Tea Tree Oil. Prepare a disinfecting solution by mixing one cup of water with a teaspoon of the essential oil.
- Wear hand gloves, disposable coveralls, a face mask, and airtight safety goggles to reduce the risk of exposure to mold and associated health risks.
- Shake your ready solution well, spray the disinfectant liberally on all mold-infested areas, and let the sprayed liquid sit for 5-10 minutes. Avoid scraping the mold as it spreads the harmful spores into the air.
- Once the 10 minutes are over, scrub the treated area with a bristle brush to lift the dampened mold. Use a paper towel or rag to clean the area. Repeat as needed to eliminate all unsettled mold and dispose of the cleaning materials in a sealable, airtight plastic bag.
- Inspect the area often, and if the mold returns, consider calling the pros to remove the problem permanently!
Professional Mold Removal
Mold can be persistent and tedious to get rid of on your own. Once you notice or suspect mold in your house, the most effective thing to do is call a professional immediately to inspect your entire home.
The experts will eliminate mold colonies in every nook, cranny, and dark corners to ensure your home is safe for you, your loved ones, and your pets. Call our mold removal professionals today to effectively, safely, and efficiently handle your mold problem.
