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Mold can be insidious. It takes hold in dark places, lurking out of sight until it spreads and seems to be present absolutely everywhere. Not only can mold damage your house, it can make you and your family sick. Mold is a fungus that thrives in humid environments, so the recent weather pummeling a large swath of the country with storms and flooding creates a fertile breeding ground. Once molds infests your house, it can be extremely difficult—and expensive—to get rid of. Unfortunately, few home insurance policies cover mold damage, so if a small mold problem becomes a big one, the owner will be responsible for the full cost of the eradication. The best cure is most certainly prevention.

If you have mold growing in your home you need to address the problem immediately, as it will continue to grow and get worse.

First, limit damage by water in your home. Regularly check your plumbing, especially under sinks, for any leaks or signs of moisture. Other trouble areas can include basements (especially if carpeted), beneath plant potters, areas near refrigerator ice maker water lines, or windows that might sustain water damage during inclement weather. All leaks, regardless of how small, should be repaired immediately. Not all pipes are readily visible, so look for signs of water damage on ceilings, walls, and baseboards. After a heavy rain, some areas of your house that don’t get direct sun may stay damp so make sure to dry out those areas as soon as possible. Also, use your nose; if you smell a musty odor, it could be a sign that mold is gaining root. If you have experienced flood damage, it is critical to remove all wet carpeting and any affected furniture from your house immediately so they can be thoroughly cleaned and dried.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency suggests keeping humidity below 60 percent inside your house. You can buy an inexpensive humidity meter at a hardware store and can help keep moisture counts in the air low by using dehumidifiers.

When found early, mold can usually be eliminated by cleaning the area with a mixture of water and bleach. Make sure the surrounding area is also cleaned and thoroughly dried. If the area has suffered significant water damage, replace it or else there is a good chance the mold will return. When you are finished cleaning, place any tools that have come in contact with the mold into a water-bleach solution and carefully bag any rags and other disposables, tie it up and toss it in the garbage.

Generally speaking, the majority of molds are not harmful to people. However, some species can cause cold-like or allergy-like symptoms. If your family develops these kinds of symptoms, see a doctor and call a home inspector that specializes in mold to examine your house.

This article was presented to you by LGI Homes, a leading Texas home builder with new homes in San Antonio, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston, and Phoenix-Metro.