This summer, many areas of the Northeast experienced a large amount of rain. This dampness can contribute to heavy mold growth later in the year, which can end up effecting the health of homeowners.
Allergies symptoms are often worse in the late fall. The fallen leaves and subsequent rain creates conditions where rotting leaves fills the air with mold spores and mycotoxins.
Heavy rain often leads to increased basement dampness. This combination of factors leads to cool and damp conditions inside the home. These create the perfect environment for mold to gain a foothold.
During the fall season, windows are typically kept closed in the cooler weather. At the same time, it's not cold enough for the furnace to run very often. This leads to conditions optimal for indoor mold growth.
Here are a few tips to help fight mold during the fall season:
Manually turn on the furnace or heaters several times a day to help heat and dry out the inside air.
Keep your house aired out.
Run a dehumidifier in the basement, and set it below 50 percent humidity.
Repair any leaking roofs or basements.
Wipe down bathroom or basement walls with a chlorine-bleach solution (1 ounce bleach to 1 quart water) to reduce fungus and mildew.
Mold enters the home through wet leaves on shoes and damp firewood. Store firewood in a dry space, such as the garage.
Keep your yard picked up and leaf-free.
Symptoms of typical fall mold allergies are usually similar to seasonal allergies. Symptoms can include sneezing, a runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and even flu-like symptoms.
