So You Found Mold…Now What? | SERVPRO of Hattiesburg

2/21/2024 (Permalink)

Living with mold in your home is toxic and dangerous! Call SERVPRO of Hattiesburg today. We are Here to Help®.

We are all well-versed in the different threats that our homes face on a daily basis. Fire, floods and storms can take us by surprise at any time and leave serious damage in their wake. One threat that is not often talked about is mold, but it can also leave your home damaged, smelly and even hazardous. 

Knowing more about mold and how it spreads in your home can help you avoid a mold infestation in your house, and it can also help you jump into action faster if you do discover it unexpectedly. 

The 411 About Mold 

Did you know that mold is everywhere, both inside and outside your home? Microscopic mold spores float through the air and can easily get into your home through open windows or doors and even through your HVAC system. 

But mold spores don’t always turn into a mold infestation. Mold grows best in environments that are dark and damp, so places like your attic, basement and crawl space are all good candidates for an infestation.

If a few mold spores settle into one of these areas, they can grow into an entire colony 24 to 48 hours. Mold can also be really colorful. It can be any color of the rainbow and it can also have many different textures from slimy to chalky. Even though it can look and feel different, all mold tends to smell earthy or musty. If you notice this smell inside your home, it’s time to track down the source. 

How to Reduce Your Risk of an Infestation  

Controlling moisture levels in your home is the key to controlling mold infestations. Circulate the air often by running a fan or keeping your windows open in high traffic areas like bathrooms or your kitchen.

You should also be sure you are keeping your home’s humidity levels in an appropriate range. Between 30 and 50% humidity is often the recommendation for most homes. 

Another important way to reduce your risk of mold growth is to address any water leaks or water spots quickly. A single drip from a dishwasher may not seem like an emergency, but that drip can continue for a long time and can get under your floors or behind your walls. If that moisture isn’t cleaned up promptly, mold can start to grow within a day. 

Mold Mitigation Strategies 

If you do uncover a mold infestation in your home, avoid touching it and get us on the phone right away. Certain types of mold spores can be dangerous to inhale, so leave the investigation and the cleanup to the professionals. We will quickly contain the area and filter the air while we work on cleaning and sanitizing the area.

Mold can also cause structural damage to your home, especially if the infestation was left to grow for some time. We can replace structural beams and joists and handle any restoration needs that your space requires. 

Mold can grow quickly and quietly. Contact SERVPRO of Hattiesburg right away for a fast restoration.