It seems like everyone looks forward to summer when there’s plenty of sunshine, time to stop to smell the roses, and best of all, a fresh, breezy home.

Although a wonderful time, those steamy days and sultry nights of summer present an even greater risk of mold entering your home.

Breathe easier this season with our hot summer mold prevention tips.

Sources of Summer Mold

Mold thrives in summer because of the heat, high humidity levels, and moisture due to summer rain. All of these outdoor elements make the perfect environment for mold spores to spread by the gentle summer breeze, settle, and in no time, active mold growth begins.

Mold also loves to grow in shady, dark spaces under large trees and bushes. Mold takes root in areas filled with yard waste such as compost bins, branch piles, and dirty gutters.

Because mold spores are microscopic, it’s easy for them to land on lawn furniture and grass allowing you to carry unseen spores into your home without even trying.

Eliminating Sources of Summer Mold

A rule of thumb is that It’s better to tackle the source of mold before it gets a chance to settle in and spread.

Here are some places to start eliminating sources of mold:

Clean the Yard

• Make sure water is draining away from the foundation of your home, not pooling nearby.
• Keep gutters clean and free of debris.
• Remove yard waste such as branches, dead leaves, and piles of moist grass clippings.
• Avoid the temptation of throwing spoiled fruit or vegetables in the compost bin. Keep the compost bin dry and as far away from your home as possible.

Dry Up Sources of Water

• Install a protective moisture barrier in crawl spaces which tend to be dark, humid, and wet.
• Inspect your home for sources of standing water from pipe leaks, cracks, or drain pipes.
• Run bath fans until all surfaces are completely dry.
• Dry condensation on windows and windowsills.
• Dry floors from water tracked in from swimming or running through the sprinkler.
• Completely dry pool toys and surrounding areas of a deck or other areas of water after pool time.
• Never leave wet towels or swimming suits lying on a deck, chair, or on the bathroom floor. Hang these items out to dry. Wash pool and shower towels frequently.
• Don’t overwater gardens or potted plants as too much moisture increases the potential for fungus and mold.

Minimizing Mold Exposure

There’s no chance of getting away from mold completely because indoors or outside, it’s literally everywhere.

Avoid too much outdoor air from coming in through open doors and windows which make humidity levels rise, increasing your risk for the onset of active mold.

Keep humidity levels inside your home under control by using both the air conditioner and a dehumidifier.

Dispose of freshly cut flowers when they begin wilting and, in the meantime, change the water often. In a short period of time, dying flowers can produce bacteria, fungus, and the possibility of mold. Mold thrives on decaying vegetation, wet leaves, and unclean water.

Conclusion

While fighting off summertime mold may seem like an uphill battle, it really helps to keep things clean, dry, and a watchful eye on high-risk areas for mold growth.

For more ways to eliminate the threat of mold exposure or clean up after mold has taken over, call the mold remediation specialists at RCS in Santa Rosa.