Mold inspections are an important part of maintaining not only your house, but also your health. A mold infestation can cause a variety of health related issues and can be detrimental to your day-to-day life. Here are 5 signs that your house has been attacked by mold.
1. Allergic Reactions
If you are suffering from bad allergies while you are indoors but feel better when you go outside, there may be a good chance that you have mold growing in your home or business. Allergic reactions caused by mold include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Nasal Congestion
- Itchy or sore throat
- Skin rashes
To help determine if the source of your allergies is mold, inspect your house for mold and check any food or products you may have started using to see if they are the cause of the allergic reaction.
2. Neurological Symptoms
Allergies aren’t the only problems mold can cause with your body; there are also neurological symptoms that you may deal with if your house has a mold infestation. Common symptoms you should keep mindful of include:
- Headaches
- Trouble concentrating
- Dizziness
- Memory loss
- Shortened attention span
- Lethargy
Although these symptoms are not life-threatening, they could still seriously impact your life. If you are suffering from one or all of these symptoms in your home, a mold inspection should be made as soon as possible.
3. Musky Smell
If you notice a musky, mildew-like smell in your home, that could be a sign of mold growth. You can pinpoint the area the mold is growing in by how strong the smell is. Locating the source of the mold will make life a lot easier when removing the mold growth from your home. Be sure to check all areas of your house for any moldy smells, especially the dark and damp areas, such as a basement or under sinks.
4. Black Growths
The most obvious way to tell if your home is under attack from a mold infestation is by actually seeing the mold growth. Mold can be easily overlooked if it is growing in a dark area or its small size. The mold growth can look like a black stain on your wall, white threads and can come in a variety of different colors.
No matter how small it is, the mold should be removed immediately. This is because mold can grow at a quick rate and even the smallest growth could mean that there is a larger mold colony somewhere in your home. To do a thorough mold inspection, check all drywall, carpets, under sinks and basements for any signs of growth.
5. Previous Water Leaks or Flooding
If your house has suffered from any water leaks or flooding, you should inspect your home for mold immediately. Mold thrives in damp environments and any area that suffered from water damage is in danger of hosting a mold infection. Be sure to do a thorough mold inspection in all areas that suffered from water damage.