Kids are out of school and their time is filled with more fun than homework -- no wonder they look forward to summer! But it’s not only kids that love summertime; MOLD loves summer too. Whether it’s a dank, dark basement or a slow leak in the roof, warm weather provides the perfect growing conditions for mold and fungi. Combine moisture, heat, oxygen and an organic medium and you have the perfect recipe for mold spores to flourish.

Late summer is notorious for high humidity which combined with heat growth accelerates the growth of this nasty substance. Water damage, leaking pipes or roof and dirty HVAC system can all contribute to airborne mold spores that can infect other areas of your home, especially during vacation when air conditioning is not running or left at a higher temperature to save money. It’s time to combat this creepy intruder and the following tips can make a big difference.

The good news is that by the time the kids are settled back in school in late September, the high humidity and heat will begin to subside as well. In the meantime, be diligent to minimize the culprits that can affect your family’s health and reduce the value of your home. And if you do, you’ll enjoy that summer vacation even more!