| Recognition of the individual types of fungus and or mold/mildew is
the first step in the proper control. The identification must be done by
qualified moisture/fungus control specialist trained in this area. |
| Control measures differ for the control of different types of fungi.
As well as the type of structure and its location. |
| All wood-decay fungi require the proper mix of food (wood), moisture
(dampness) temperature (mild), and air/oxygen for growth. |
| Food - Cellulose and lignin of
plant cell walls. The "eating" of the wood is what produces the damage.
The surface molds/mildews (non-decay fungi) feed on the stored starches,
sugars, proteins, and/or fats as food. This may cause some discoloration
but little effect on the wood |
| Moisture - Wood needs to be near
fiber saturation point to sustain wood-decay fungi. For most U.S.
species this is 28-32%. Below the fiber saturation point, the fungus is
inactive, but not dead, and growth will resume when the required
conditions are again met |
| Temperature - Fungi are inactive
at cool temps. Most attain optimum growth rates between 70-85 degrees |
| Air - Decay requires as little
as 1/20 of the oxygen found in the air, so it is rarely a factor |
| Fungi can easily enter a structure as air borne spores, or from
ground contact. It may also come in from infested lumber. |
|
Non-Decay Fungi |
| As the name describes these fungi do not destroy wood, and are many
times referred to as molds and mildew. Many individuals are suseptable
to the spores produced from them. Symptoms have ranged from simple
irritation of the nose,( the sniffles) to very severe. Each person will
react differently to the different types and severity of the molds
present. |
| Individuals with breathing difficulties such as asthma may have more
problems with molds |
| A 1994 Harvard study of 10,000 homes found half had "conditions of
water damage and mold associated with 50-100% increase in respitory
problems" |
| Today's homes can be a breeding ground for mold and mildews |
| These fungi do not require the levels of moisture needed for the
wood destroying types. Most molds can live off the ambient moisture
found in most homes, particarly in the southern, warmer climates |
| Crawl spaces are the best breeding grounds for all these fungi's |
|
Actions That Can Reduce These
Fungi's |
| What can you do? |
| 1) Correct any leaks as soon as possible and take steps to prevent
serious water problems. Shut off washing machine hose valve when you
leave. Use high quality washing machine hoses like "flood-check".
Inspect your plumbing and repair as needed. Install pans under water
heaters and washing machines |
| 2) Look for any discoloration of walls and floors |
| 3) Check in enclosed areas ( closets, behind machines etc.) For
molds |
| 4) Have Air Conditioning system serviced regular and be sure
the drain line is open to the exterior and away from foundation |
| 5) The most important thing that can be done is to have the property
inspected to see if any visible signs of fungi are present and the
property evaluated for corrections if needed |
| |
| What Spring
Branch Exterminators Can Do For You? |
| 1) Inspect the property carefully and evaluate the condition of the
fungi problem |
| 2) Determine the source of the moisture/ water contributing to the
fungi problem. Ground water, plumbing, condensation, high ambient
moisture |
| 3) Determine the proper course of action. |
| 4) Review the finding with the homeowner |
| 5) Implement a program that best applies to the property and
occupants |
| |
| Options: |
| 1) If water is a factor it must be dealt with first:
Drains/Sumps, Sand, Grading, Repairs to Plumbing, Air Conditioning one
or several may apply |
| 2) Condensation is by far the biggest problem we encounter. When the
hot humid outside air reaches the cool environment of the crawl area the
water condenses. This forms droplets of water on the surfaces of the
wood, insulation, ducts, etc. |
| |
