Mold season is upon us. But, what does that mean? As common as mold is, not many people are familiar with Mold Season and the repercussions. Here is what it means and why you should care:

When Is Mold Season?

Mold season is from Spring to late Fall, and it peaks from July to late Summer. However, Winter will not save you from mold. Most molds become dormant, rather than dying during winters. So, when peak season is over, molds may still flourish until they are removed, and the location is bleached. Mold removal can take several days to become effective. In southern states, mold may flourish through the year, while in northern states it will hibernate in sub zero temperatures. So, while “Mold Season” is a phrase you’ll hear, it refers more to a peak season than an actual season where mold is a problem. Once mold becomes active again, it can find hosts in plants that did not survive the temperatures. This is why it is a good idea to clean yards, drains and pans after the winter. For more information about having mold removed, start here.

When Is Mold a problem?

Some molds can be toxic. Others can be very hard to remove. It can be hard to know when a mold is a threat, but it almost always will be at some point. Allergic Rhinitis can occur when the spores are inhaled, and they are unseen by the naked eye. Black Mold is also a danger to your health. It can be best to have a professional come in and take a look at the mold and even better to have them remove it. To learn more about Mold Allergies, try this page. Mold isn’t only a problem for people with allergies but can cause health problems in people without them. This means that even if it isn’t a problem for you, it can be for friends or family.

What To Do If You Find Mold

Now that you know you have a mold problem, you should find someone to remove it. But, what can you do in the interim? Sure, you’ve called them. But, what if they can’t be there immediately?

Follow These Steps

1. Avoid the area. If the mold is in an area that you can’t avoid, wear a face mask. It may feel silly or dramatic, but you don’t want to take the chance of inhaling spores. And it will only be until someone can remove the mold or give you the ok to go on without it.
2. Remove moisture. Anything you can do to remove the moisture in the area is going to help. Molds thrive in warm and damp areas. If you have a dehumidifier or can run the air conditioner, it will help. There are devices you can purchase to measure humidity levels, which you’ll want to keep under sixty percent (thirty to fifty percent is best).
3. Clean the area. You can use a solution of bleach, soap, and water; if you don’t want to purchase a commercial cleaning product. Some molds might still linger in the nooks and crannies, so you’ll still want professional advice. But, this may help contain the problem until a professional can take a look. It may not clean it out, but it won’t make it worse.
4. Check vents and pans. Some filters will keep spores out of your home, but you’ll want to clean the filters themselves. AC drip pans can also be a breeding ground for molds, so you’ll want to make sure they are cleaned. Keeping dirty filters could also recirculate items cleared from your home. This doesn’t only mean mold, but dust and dirt particles. And not only from the areas they were removed, but also spreading them to areas they hadn’t reached yet.
5. Take immediate action. You don’t want to take too long to clean up after spills or check your corners for mold. The earlier you catch mold, the sooner you can stop it dead in its tracks and the easier it will be. The longer you wait, the higher your risk is of health problems and mold that is harder to deal with.

We Can Help

Mold Season may sound like a daunting and scary time of year, but the important thing to remember is that it is only a peak time. As long as you keep humidity low and clean areas where mold can grow, there shouldn’t be any problems. If you notice mold developing, you want to talk to a professional. Just cleaning it may not remove all of the spores, allowing it to regrow. Make sure that you act as soon as you notice it, to prevent health problems as a result. Mold is a common and seemingly mild problem, but it can easily get out of hand and can be just as easy to get rid of!