Hoarding and Mold

An issue that may create a perfect scenario for mold activity to occur is hoarding. Unfortunately, there are scenarios where someone has grown so attached to their personal items that they find it difficult to part with. These items may include childhood memorabilia, a high school yearbook, and even toddler clothing from children that are now grown and no longer reside within the home. How about memories from a loved one that is no longer with us such as an award from an achievement? For a hoarder, regardless of what it is, eventually it becomes impossible to part with these items (that may provide memories).

Hoarding is ideal for Mold Growth

This scenario of storing items no longer needed eventually becomes a perfect scenario for abnormal mold activity to occur. These items may provide the ideal source for mold to thrive. Whether it is a flooding that causes these items to get submerged or being stored in an environment such as the attic or basement that is conducive to excess humidity and water intrusion. Items stored such as boxes, paper, and wood that become wet tend to pose a great facilitator to mold growth within a hoarder’s property. This is often seen when these items are removed from the floor and leave behind a black patch of mold activity. Surprisingly enough concrete floors and cinderblock walls are the least likely to get affected by abnormal mold activity but in most cases where it occurs this is the reason why.

A Hoarder’s lifestyle also is a huge factor that facilitates abnormal mold growth. Items tend to not be neatly placed within specific areas and overcrowding of personal items becomes the norm. This creates the lack of airflow within the property e.g. a dresser that is placed directly on the wall. Without airflow the air often becomes stagnant and eventually leads to abnormal mold activity occurring. Furthermore, this can become more complicated as it may not be easy to notice the beginning of abnormal mold activity occurring due to the area being inaccessible, left undisturbed, and unmonitored for an extended period of time.

Eradicator is aware that unfortunately there are scenarios where these instances may occur. We will assist by safely removing and discarding affected and unrestorable items from your environment. We will assist by ensuring that mold affected areas of concern now have a normal level of fungal activity. Whether this instance was due to a devastating loss that caused a void or a disabled individual that can no longer maintain the clutter (that has now developed within your living space) our certified mold inspection, mold testing, mold removal, and water damage restoration team is here to help. If you need assistance to return your living space back to normal feel free to contact us.