What’s That Smell? Mold!

Sometimes you don’t even have to see mold to know that it’s there. You’ve probably noticed that distinctively musty smell before, perhaps in a damp basement or bathroom. That tell-tale odor can alert you to the presence of mold even if it’s hidden away.

The smell comes from gases produced by mold. Microbial volatile organic compounds, or MVOC, are mostly odorless but some forms create that musty smell. When the smell is present, you are probably inhaling spores along with various compounds manufactured by mold.

Those spores and compounds can raise the likelihood of health difficulties. The most common are upper respiratory ailments such as sinus infections, sneezing and coughing. You may also suffer from red, itchy eyes and a scratchy throat. A mold problem should be addressed regardless of whether or not you experience any physical symptoms.

Mold treatment is the only way to completely remove the smell. While scented candles, potpourri and other air fresheners may help to disguise it, the effect is only temporary. The odor is certainly unpleasant from a cosmetic standpoint, but your health is the main concern.

Not all mold produces an odor, so smell is not the only evidence you should be concerned with. Make it a regular practice to check all the areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and basements where moisture can accumulate.

Our comprehensive MoldExterm system provides safe and effective mold treatment that’s less expensive and intrusive than traditional remediation methods. In most cases our trained technicians can be in and out of your home or office in one day. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection.

Moisture = Mold – Three Prevention Tips

Water is an essential element for all living matter. Unfortunately, that’s particularly true for mold, which can’t exist without it. Reducing moisture in your home or office is the key to mold prevention.

Microscopic mold spores travel unseen throughout the atmosphere. You come into contact with them almost daily, usually without any consequence. The trouble starts once one of them finds a home on a damp surface. This provides the material for them to begin propagating to the point where they do become a problem.

Bathrooms, basement pipes and other areas where moisture accumulates are prime candidates for mold growth. Controlling the dampness will help to prevent mold from taking hold on these surfaces. Use these tips to reduce the chance of a mold infestation.

  • Regularly inspect your home or office for leaks. Check all faucets, pipes and the roof. If you find a leak, repair it promptly and dry the area thoroughly.
  • Cut down on humidity by running an air conditioner or dehumidifier. This removes moisture from the air, keeping condensation from creating excessively damp surfaces.
  • Make sure your home or office is well-ventilated. Use fans in bathrooms and kitchens and open windows whenever possible to keep fresh air circulating.

If you do find mold in your home or office, you’re not limited to a costly, disruptive remediation process. Our MoldExterm system eliminates the infestation safely and efficiently, usually within one day. Treatment includes mold prevention steps to keep the problem from reoccurring. Contact us today to schedule your free mold inspection.

Is It Mold or Mildew? Is There a Difference?

Mildew Or Mold?

Mildew Or Mold?

Many people think of mold and mildew as being the same type of fungi. However, they are different, and they must be treated differently. Perhaps you have a mold or a mildew problem, but you’re not sure what you’re dealing with, or what to do about it. Read on to find out more about these common household problems and to learn valuable mildew and mold prevention tips.

Mildew

Around your home or office, mildew is most commonly found in the bathroom or in the kitchen. That’s because the moisture in these spaces offers mildew the perfect growth environment. If you leave wet cloths lying around, mildew is likely to grow on them too. The best way to prevent mildew is to make sure to launder everything properly, and if you leave wet cloths in the bathroom or kitchen, spread them out so they have an opportunity to dry.

If mildew isn’t taken care of, it can become mold.

Mold

Mold has a fuzzy or slimy appearance, and can grow on different surfaces. It can begin to look like a plant growing as it spreads, and it spreads quickly. Mold can appear in different colors, including white, green, black or gray. If it’s not taken care of quickly, it can lead to rotting of the surface it’s growing on, as well as many health problems, such as asthma or allergic reactions.

Mold prevention is important, and regular cleaning of household surfaces is recommended to keep areas mold-free. However, no method is bullet-proof, and sometimes mold growth can happen without your knowledge.

If you have a mold problem, it’s important to act quickly. Please contact us today.

What Types of Molds are Seen Before Mold Treatment

Like most living organisms, mold and fungus come in a variety of different types. While they all have basic similarities, each has certain characteristics that set it apart from the others.

Here’s a look at some of the more common types of mold. Any fungus found indoors is likely to come from this group.

  • Aspergillus spores are generally present in the atmosphere. While they don’t normally cause illness, exposure can result in upper respiratory infections with symptoms such as fever, cough and breathlessness. People with existing respiratory conditions or weakened immune systems are the most susceptible.
  • Altenaria is also readily airborne with a greater presence during summer and early fall. A known allergen, altenaria is a primary source of hay fever and similar reactions. Studies have also shown a link between alternia exposure and asthma.
  • Aureobasidium is a yeast-like mildew that may be pink or black in appearance. Unlike aspergillus and alternia, these spores become airborne only through manual disruption of contaminated materials. It can often be found on damp surfaces such as shower curtains and tile grout or outdoors on siding.
  • Stachybotrys chartarum is a greenish-black mold that needs a regular source of moisture such as high humidity or water leaks to grow. It feeds on paper, fiberboard and other materials rich in cellulose.

If you find mold and fungus in your home or office, it should be removed regardless of the type. Our MoldExterm system can successfully treat any type of mold safely and effectively with minimal disruption to your activities. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection by one of our trained technicians.

Is Mold in My Home or Office Really a Fungus?

Not The Fungus You Want

Not The Fungus You Want

So you’ve discovered a patch of something that looks suspiciously like mold in your home or office. You might think it seems to have more in common with dirt or a stain than a fungus. A look at the nature of mold and fungus should dispel any doubts.

Most people’s definition of fungus doesn’t extend beyond “something yucky”. Science defines fungus as an organism similar to a plant with the crucial difference that it lacks chlorophyll. As a result, fungi must seek food from other sources. Since it doesn’t need sunshine to synthesize chlorophyll, mold can flourish in dark areas like basements.

Mold and fungus also lack cellulose, so they need to ingest it in other ways. Materials like carpeting, paper, wood and drywall contain significant amounts of cellulose. These are common items that mold will attach to when growing inside a building.

Another significant difference between plants and fungi is the manner of reproduction. While most plants multiply through the traditional process of fertilization, fungi use an asexual method that centers around the dispersal of spores. These microscopic organisms are carried through the air until they land on a spot where they can begin to reproduce. Water is the crucial element they require, making damp spaces like bathrooms a favored spot.

If you find mold in your home or office, you don’t have to resort to ripping out any fungus-affected surfaces. Our trained technicians use our unique MoldExerm system to remove any trace of mold and treat the surfaces to prevent future occurrences. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection.

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