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During a typical mold investigation, one of our first steps is an interview the client to determine specific details in regards to any known mold problems, any health complaints, or any known changes or defects at the subject property that may have resulted in mold or moisture problems.

Next, a comprehensive visual inspection is conducted of accessible areas of the Florida property, concentrating in areas of known mold problems, in areas where plumbing fixtures and AC units exist and where condensation problems and moisture damage may exist.

Usually inspections and testing takes us about 2 to 3 hours and around 5 to 10 air samples are taken on residential mold investigations, sometimes more and sometimes less. Most testing firms use Air-O Cells or Micro 5 spore traps, however, CyClex, Andersen and other impactor plates are also used. With these airborne spore testing devices at least one outdoor sample is taken as a control for comparison. Samples are used for measurement of spores per cubic meter of air and for identification of mold genus. Some mold testing firms take air samples from inside suspect walls.

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I once received a call from a potential mold inspection client who feared that she may have hidden mold in her walls. She was concerned about possible hidden mold because a mold inspector told her that the ants observed in her property were a very likely sign of hidden \”house mold\” because ants eat mold.

Forget about house ants

Before we discuss a few basic tips on how to look for mold and moisture problems around the house lets talk about how not to find mold. Do not depend on ants to let you know if you have mold. In my home state of Florida as well as in the rest of North America ants are not a sign of mold infestation in your house. They are a sign that you have scraps of food or droplets of water in the house that the ants have discovered.

What about leaf cutter ants

Some ants eat mold, but these ants are not found in our homes. They do not even live in the United States. These specialized ants (called leaf cutter ants) live in large, underground colonies in the jungles of Central and South America. Furthermore, these ants do not enter people’s houses looking for mold not To Read More Click Here

Mold is and always has been a major contributor in building related illness. I have seen many clients who were ill as the result of living with mold. However, one must not overlook the possibility of other contributing factors such as cigarette smoke, non mold related bio-allergens such as cat and dog dander, rat and mice allergens, and chemical contaminates such as pesticides or volatile organic compounds. Sometimes the culprit is stress or psychosomatic illness, when the latter is expected the investigator must find some tactful way to encourage the client to see a doctor who can help determine if that client is under to much stress.

In many cases homes have no unusual mold conditions but have roof rat infestation (Ratus Ratus) in the attic. This is more common in the South especially in Florida. Rat infested attics often goes unnoticed for years while the occupant suffers. Poorly maintained AC units with damaged AC ducts or loose fitting panels causes rodent odors and allergens in the attic to be sucked into the building where the client may or may not notice a mild dusty or woody or attic odor. This is not uncommon and it is To Read More Click Here