Did you recently purchase a new property or have noticed signs of mold in your home? Mold is a common concern for many homeowners and for good reason, it can affect not only your property but also your health.
In this blog we’ll take you through a full detailed guide of mold spores as well as whether they are visible to the naked eye and how to spot them before the problem gets worse.
What Are Mold Spores?
Mold spores are little particles that are produced by mold fungus as a component of their reproductive cycle. These spores possess an exceptionally low weight and have the ability to effortlessly disperse in the air, travelling through your residence and depositing on different objects. Once they discover a suitable habitat, such as a moist or humid region, they have the ability to develop into fresh mold colonies. Mold spores are inherently present in both indoor and outdoor air. However, when they encounter favorable circumstances within your house, they may proliferate fast.
Are Mold Spores Visible?
Individual mold spores are not visible to the human eye, since they are so small. They have a size range of 2 to 100 microns, rendering them undetectable without the use of a microscope. For those at the higher end of the size spectrum, you can possibly see them under certain conditions, but would still be uncertain whether they are mold spores, or dust, pet dander, or something else.
Nevertheless, as mold spores establish and proliferate (multiple), they become visible as mold patches or discolorations on various surfaces.
The mold colonies can manifest in several hues, such as black, green, white, and yellow, depending on the mold species and the surface it grows on.
Signs of Mold in Your Home
Mold can grow in your house for a number of reasons, even if you are unable to see mold spores. Some of the signs include:
- Musty Odor: Even if you can’t see the development, a lingering, musty smell is usually a sign of mold.
- Visible Mold Growth: Mold often appears as black, green, or white patches on walls, ceilings, or other surfaces.
- Water Damage: Leaky windows, pipes, roofs, and other areas with an abundance of moisture are ideal places for mold to thrive.
- Allergic Reactions: If you have symptoms, especially at home, such as sneezing, coughing, or itching eyes, you may have been exposed to mold.
Ways to Prevent Mold
Maintaining proper moisture levels in your home is essential to preventing mold. Other ways to prevent it also include:
- Fixing Leaks: In order to avoid moisture buildup, fix any leaks in the plumbing, windows, or roof as soon as possible.
- Enhancing Ventilation: Ensure that kitchens, bathrooms, and other places that are susceptible to moisture have enough ventilation.
- Employing Dehumidifiers: To prevent the formation of mold, keep indoor humidity levels below 60%.
- Cleaning Regularly: Keep damp spaces, such bathrooms and basements, clean and dry on a frequent basis.
Deal With Mold Head-On at Mold Solutions in Tampa
If you think you have mold in your house, you need to get rid of it right away to avoid more damage and health risks.
Our mold removal and remediation experts in Tampa Bay can help you find mold issues and fix them in a way that keeps your home safe and healthy. Get in touch with us today to set up an inspection and start the process of getting rid of mold in your home.