Uncovering the possibility of mold in your home is overwhelming. Your emotions run rampant, including everything on the emotional spectrum from anger to disgust. Your first instinct is to pack up and move. Avoid the need to panic for the moment. Stand back and assess the situation and educate yourself on mold so you know how to solve the problem.

Warning Signs

While it may seem that mold took possession of your home overnight, it has been a gradual process. There are a few indicators that you have a new, unwelcome guest in your home.

  • Strange Odor

Mold makes a smelly arrival into your home. It is sneaky in that its physical appearance often comes after the fact. Take a minute to analyze the area of your home where you suspect mold is present. Any unfamiliar or persistent odor that hasn’t been there until now may signal the presence of mold. You will smell it before seeing it because it starts forming inside the walls of your home first.

  • Appearance

Mold feeds off of moisture and dampness to live. Look around baseboards or other areas where water or moisture exists. In a bathroom pay close attention to the areas where the shower and wall meet. Also, look at where the shower or tub enclosure meets the flooring. Check around your toilet, sink and any windows present in the bathroom.

You also want to check the interior walls of your home that share space with exterior walls. Mold growing in these areas will appear as black or green patches of coloring on the walls. Exact locations can be difficult to pinpoint. Look in the corner of a room, along the baseboards and anywhere else you feel the presence of moisture.

  • Personal Health

One of the greatest indications that your home contains mold is your personal health. You may begin to have chest congestion, watery eyes or trouble breathing. Pay attention to these symptoms and see if your condition improves whenever you leave your home. If something as simple as stepping out into the fresh air just outside your front door alleviates your symptoms, it is highly likely there is mold present in your home.

What to Do Next

Now that you’ve seen indications of mold in your home, it’s time to be proactive. Research mold inspection companies in your local Sonoma County area. Obtain recommendations from family and friends. When you find a service that you like, schedule a consultation appointment. Find comfort in knowing you have gotten the ball rolling on evicting mold from your home.