How difficult it is to remove mold? It begs to question, does mold die when it’s dry? Contrary to the common belief, when mold dries, it is not dead. Mold is a fungus, a living organism that grows, breeds, and requires nourishment to survive. Mold thrives and multiplies when the environment supplies moisture, nourishment, and warmth. This environment is commonly found in homes here in Fort Myers. When the moisture is removed, the mold can temporarily become dry and stop growing. Yet, once moisture returns, the mold can reactivate again.
What Causes Mold to Grow?
Mold will grow where the conditions are favorable-warm, moist, and nutrient-filled locations. Fort Myers homes often provide the perfect environment for mold to thrive. High humidity and warmth give plenty of moisture to fuel the mold. Materials such as wood, paper, drywall, and other organic materials can be food for mold. Basements are a hot spot for mold growth in northern states. Yet the most common places to find mold in Fort Myers are bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. It’s also common to find mold on poolside patios.
Mold Spores Lacking Moisture: Will They Die Or Sleep?
As mentioned before, when mold lacks moisture, the fungi will hibernate, it will not die and dry out. Once moisture is available, spores become reactivated, as if they hit a restart button. The growth begins again as if it never stopped. Depending on the species, mold can stay dormant for years in the right circumstances. Certain species of mold can remain dormant for hundreds of years. This is due to being present in the perfect environment.
Keeping your humidity level between 30%-60% helps manage the prevention of mold growth. However active mold requires remediation to end the problem and ensure it will not begin to grow again. Mold can develop on wet or moist organic materials in your home within 24 to 48 hours of the moisture exposure. To eliminate mold, and ensure it will not reactivate again, you must eradicate the mold. Remove all contaminated materials as well. You must also solve the moisture problem. iMold technicians can solve both of these problems for you.
Dry Mold: Will It Still Cause Problem?
When mold dries out, the spores become temporarily inactive. However, dry mold spores are still able to cause undesirable health conditions. When mold is present, even dry and inactive, allergic reactions can occur. Reactions such as itchy red eyes, runny nose, coughing, and skin rashes can occur. Depending on the species of mold and the individual’s immune response, the reactions to mold may vary. The reactions can be from mild to severe.
Dry mold spores become light without moisture weighing them down. This weightlessness allows them to become airborne. Airborne spores are one of the easiest ways for mold to spread. They contaminate people, pets, and surfaces in your home or office. If your home has dry mold, not allowing a professional to remove mold from your home can cause the spores to spread. It can reactivate in new areas throughout your home when the conditions are preferable. In our humid climate, conditions are right for mold reactivation at any given time.
What Humidity Level Will Allow Mold To Die?
Mold will not completely die, but it will dry out. Humidity levels between 30%-60% are preferable in the prevention of mold growth. Warm air absorbs more moisture than cold air. So, allowing your windows to stay open for an extended length of time may invite humidity. It will also invite mold to grow as well.
You need moisture for mold to grow. The oxygen and warmth provided in warm, humid climates are perfect for mold. Some mold needs different levels of moisture. It can survive with little water present. Certain species of molds are also known to survive in deserts. The best way to fight and prevent mold from affecting your home is through complete removal. Our iMold professional mold remediation team is here to help. Once we have taken care of the issue you must continue to control the humidity level in your home.
iMold is here for you! We provide water damage restoration, mold removal, and remediation. We also provide this service to commercial businesses! If you suspect mold in your Fort Myers home or your SWFL commercial building, contact iMold today! We will respond quickly with a free inspection.
Connect with us on social media! Stay up to date on all that iMold is doing in Southwest Florida!Check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
