You’ve probably seen the headlines: “Mould Can Cause Asthma and Other Serious Health Risks.” “Mould Can Lead to Serious Health Problems for Children.” It’s enough to make you want to tear down your walls and start over again!
One more unspoken downside of mould growth is how attractive it is to pests. Many homeowners find that a mould infestation quickly turns into an infestation of another kind. Yuck!
Although it’s true that mould can cause some pretty serious health problems, don’t panic just yet. There are plenty of ways to get rid of mould and keep it from returning. In this tutorial, we’ll break down the best methods for removing mould from your home, ensuring pests don’t come searching for a mouldy den.
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What Is Mould and How Does It Spread?
Mould is a type of fungus that can grow both indoors and outdoors. It thrives in moist environments, so homes with leaky roofs or plumbing or areas that experience high levels of humidity are more prone to mould damage. High humidity, huh? Sounds like Queensland.
Mould spores are released into the air and can spread quickly, landing on other surfaces and growing into new colonies. That’s why it’s essential to address any signs of mould as soon as you spot them.
How Does Mould Attract Pests?
Mould is especially attractive to pests because it provides a moist and warm environment. Not only do they feed on the mould itself, but they also use the dampness as an ideal place to breed and lay eggs. Rodents, flies, moths and even cockroaches are all attracted to moist environments, so it’s important that you take steps to remove any mould before it gets out of control.
When you see signs of mould in your home – such as discolouration or a musty odour – it’s important to act quickly. The longer the mould stays in your home, the more likely it is to attract pests. For this reason, it’s essential that you know the best methods for removing mould from your home and preventing pest infestations.
Cockroaches and Bugs Love Mould
A lot of homeowners don’t realise that mould is the perfect environment for bugs and cockroaches. These critters can move in and lay eggs, leading to an infestation that’s hard to get rid of. So if you’re noticing more bugs or cockroaches than usual, it could signify mould growth in your home.
The good news is that getting rid of the mould can also help with eliminating these pests from your house. Start by cleaning any affected areas with an antifungal cleaner and then vacuum up any remaining dust or spores. Make sure to get into those hard-to-reach places like crevices, cracks and air conditioning filters, as this is where they can hide and reproduce. Finally, seal up any entry points around your home to prevent new pests from coming inside. To guarantee the job is done correctly, hire a pest specialist to ensure these pests don’t still have nests laying around.
What Are the Health Risks Associated With Mould?
Some of the health risks associated with mould include:
- Respiratory problems, such as wheezing, coughing and asthma attacks
- Allergic reactions, such as skin rashes, eye irritation and sneezing
- Damage to the immune system
- Nasal and sinus congestion
- Headaches
- Pest attraction
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and think they may be related to mould, it is crucial to see a doctor.
How to Identify Common Types of Mould in the Home
Mould can be tricky to get rid of because there are so many different types of it. But before you can get rid of it, you need to be able to identify it.
There are a few telltale signs that you have mould in your home. One is the presence of a strong, musty odour. If you can see or feel any patches of slimy, fuzzy growth, that’s another sign. And finally, if you notice any changes in the colour or texture of your walls or ceiling, that could be a sign of mould as well.
If you suspect that you have mould in your home, don’t wait—call a professional immediately. They will be able to identify the type of mould and recommend the best course of action for getting rid of it.
Tips for Preventing and Reducing Mould in the Home
Now that you know how to spot and remove mould, here are some tips for preventing and reducing the risk of mould in the home.
- Make sure to regularly check and maintain areas of your home that are prone to mould, such as your bathrooms, kitchens, laundry areas and basements.
- Inspect regularly for water damage or signs of leaks, as these can quickly become breeding grounds for mould.
- Seal any cracks or crevices where moisture can seep in.
- Use dehumidifiers to reduce humidity levels and keep your home dry.
- Properly insulate any cold or hot parts of your home to prevent condensation from forming.
- Ensure adequate ventilation in moist areas in the home, like your bathroom or kitchen.
- Use natural products to clean surfaces; avoid harsh chemical cleaners, which often contain a lot of moisture that can create a conducive environment for mould growth.
Methods for Effectively Removing Mould From Your Home
When it comes to eliminating mould, the best methods are those that not only remove the mould but also prevent any new spores from taking hold. This can be accomplished through a few different techniques, such as thorough cleaning and restoration, chemical fogging, or removing damp materials.
For general cleaning and maintenance, look for mould growth and use cleaning vinegar or mould-formulated cleaning solutions and spray it onto the affected surface. You may also want to consider replacing any damaged materials that have been affected by mould.
Another effective method is chemical fogging, which will help kill off any remaining spores in the air. Chemical fogging is a professional technique that involves releasing an aerosol mist of fungicides into your home. This helps to clear out all hidden pockets of mould spores in hard-to-reach areas like your walls or ceiling cavities.
Finally, if necessary, you may need to remove wet materials, such as carpets or floorboards, that have been affected by moisture damage often associated with mould growth. Doing so may reduce the risk of spreading mould to other parts of your home.
Get Professional Pest Treatment
You may think your problems are behind you once you remove mould from your home, but bigger issues may be lurking behind your walls. More spores and pest colonies may be festering out of sight. That’s why it’s so important to get a professional pest inspection at least every year! If you can’t remember your last pest inspection, we highly recommend you pick up the phone and call Cure-All Pest Control now.
