How to Get Rid of Fungi: Guide for Homeowners
Fungi in Your Home
When you encounter stink bugs in Tennessee, elimination requires special care. Unlike other household pests, stink bugs release a foul, persistent odor when threatened, scared, or disturbed. This defensive mechanism makes conventional pest control methods problematic, as squishing them creates an unpleasant smell that can linger throughout your home for days.Fungi spread through microscopic spores that can settle and grow on various surfaces in your home. They particularly thrive in areas with poor ventilation, high humidity, and organic materials to feed on. In Tennessee’s climate, homes are especially vulnerable to fungi growth during humid seasons.
- Growth Conditions: Warm, humid environments
- Common Locations: Bathrooms, kitchens, basements, appliances
- Health Impact: Can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and infections
- Property Impact: Can damage surfaces and compromise indoor air quality
- Treatment Needs: Professional assessment for comprehensive removal
What Do Fungi Look Like?
Fungi typically appear as discolored patches on surfaces, ranging from fuzzy or slimy textures to powdery coatings. They often start as small spots that expand into larger colonies if left untreated. In Tennessee homes, fungi commonly develop in bathrooms, basements, and around windows where moisture accumulates.
Health & Property Risks
Health Concerns
Fungi in your Tennessee home can cause significant health problems, especially for those with respiratory conditions or compromised immune systems.
- Allergic Reactions: Sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rashes
- Respiratory Issues: Can trigger or worsen asthma attacks and cause breathing difficulties
- Infections: Some fungi can cause serious infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems
Property Damage
Beyond health concerns, fungi can cause extensive damage to your Tennessee home’s structure and belongings if left untreated.
- Structural Damage: Can deteriorate wood, drywall, and other building materials
- Surface Staining: Creates persistent stains on walls, ceilings, and fabrics
- Odor Problems: Produces persistent musty odors that permeate throughout the home
How to Get Rid of Fungi in Your Tennessee Home
Clean Your Home with Fungi-Killing Products
Keeping your home clean is critical to stopping or preventing fungal growth. While the following products will kill fungi, some of them may stain your belongings or cause chemical burns. Be sure to wear protective gear when using these products to get rid of fungi:
- Chlorine bleach: Easily destroys fungi and removes fungal stains on surfaces, but should be diluted before use due to its toxicity. Never combine chlorine bleach with ammonia.
- Hydrogen peroxide: In a 3-10% solution, will kill fungi and lighten fungal stains on surfaces. May stain clothes.
- Distilled white vinegar: Non-toxic solution that kills mold, but does not remove fungal stains well.
- Baking soda and borax: Mix with water to create a non-toxic solution that stops the growth and survival of fungi.
Deep Clean Your Appliances
Since fungi are drawn to warmth and moisture, be sure to frequently clean out the following appliances:
- Refrigerator
- Washing machine
- Coffee maker
You can easily clean your washing machine by running a cycle with hot water and chlorine bleach once a month. Be sure to run the washing machine without any clothes in it, as chlorine bleach will stain them. After the cycle is completed, inspect your washer’s door seal and other tight spots where fungi may hide.
It’s best to avoid using bleach on food-related appliances, as it is an extremely toxic chemical. Instead, wipe down your fridge and coffee maker with distilled white vinegar to stop fungi from growing.
Scrub Your Tiles and Grout
Bathrooms are common areas for fungi to grow due to their constant warmth and humidity. If you’ve noticed fungi forming on your bathroom’s tiles or in the grout, clean them with a mixture of one cup of bleach per gallon of water.
Apply your water-bleach mixture to the fungi-infected area. Once it’s been on the fungi for 15 minutes, scrub and rinse it off. If you have colored tiles, it’s best to just scrub the fungi directly — leaving the water-bleach solution on colored tiles may stain them.
Schedule a Free Inspection
Do-it-yourself solutions may help with your fungi infestation, but it takes professionals to completely protect your Tennessee home. U.S. Pest Protection experts will thoroughly inspect your property and develop an effective, customized solution to eliminate fungi and prevent future growth, ensuring your family’s health and safety.
