Water Damage - Cleanup and Mold Prevention

Water Damaged Material:


1. Books and Paper -

a. For non-valuable items, discard books and papers

b. Photocopy valuable/important items, discard originals

c. Freeze (in frost-free freezer or meat locker) or freeze-dry

Water Damaged Material:

2. Carpet and backing - dry within 24-48 hours - (the subfloor under the carpet must also be cleaned and dried.)

a. Remove water with water extraction vacuum

b. Reduce ambient humidity levels with a dehumidifier.

c. Accelerate drying process with fans.

Water Damaged Material:

3. Ceiling Tiles and Cellulose insulation -

a. DISCARD and replace

Water Damaged Material:

4. Concrete or cinder block surfaces

a. Remove water with water extraction vacuum

b. Accelerate drying process with dehumidifiers, fans, and/or heaters

Is Your House Making You Sick?

Molds, mildew and fungi are present everywhere...inside and outside. Furniture, carpet, books, even the air we breathe is full of spores. Humid, dark places with little air circulation promote the rapid growth of these fungi.
Mold Causes and SymptomsMolds typically grow in buildings affected by water damage and are a potential cause of many health problems including asthma, sinusitis, and infections. People sensitive to molds are particularly uncomfortable on cloudy, rainy, damp days.

Mold Prevention Tips
Important: Always follow instructions of commercial cleaning products and wear an approved mask if you are sensitive to chemicals.

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  Use a dehumidifier in damp areas (above 50% humidity) of your home. Change the water frequently in the dehumidifier and disinfect to prevent mold from forming.


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  Peform diligent housekeeping, clean with a solution of hot soapy water and 20 Mule Team Borax or bleach (if the item is colorfast). Use gloves and wear a mask to limit your exposure to chemicals.


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  Dry and/or replace water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
  Look for mold or mildew in attics, basements, closets, bathrooms, dirty clothes, hampers, garbage cans and children's soiled stuffed toys.


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  Check the insides of shoes for mold and scrub and dry thoroughly in the sun if possible.


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  Try to improve air circulation in the attic, basement, closets and bathroom.


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  Wipe down the refrigerator and freezer door seals. Clean the refigerator often throwing away left-overs and old produce.


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  Dry damp areas in the kitchen, laundry room, under the kitchen sink and under the lid of the washing machine.


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  Clean the lint filter after each load in the dryer.


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  Clean and/or replace air conditioner filters periodically.


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  Clean ceiling fans once per month.


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  If closets are damp, keep the light on to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.


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  Wash pillows and blankets often. Note: Feather pillows are not recommended for feather-allergic individuals! Hypo-allergenic pillows are available.


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  Outside, have fallen leaves, decaying plants and compost heaps removed.

Swat Pest Management - Pest of the Week

This week we will talk a little about the health risks that a cockroach infestation poses to your family.

Cockroaches in the home environment are a health hazard not only because of the risks posed by cockroach antigens to asthma sufferers, but also because they can carry disease-causing germs and because some of the methods traditionally used to eliminate them cause additional health hazards.
Any home can have cockroaches. However, there are steps you can take to prevent cockroaches from becoming a problem in your home; identify the extent of and solutions to any potential cockroach problem; and reduce or eliminate cockroach problems.

1.) Wipe off counters, tables, and stove tops after all meals, snacks, and food preparations.

2.) Keep food confined to specific areas of the house and clean any spills immediately.

3.) Keep all food and garbage in tightly sealed containers.

4.) Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink, on the counter, or in the dishwasher overnight.

5.) Remove all piles of boxes, cardboard, newspapers, etc. from both inside and around the home.

6.) Fix leaky pipes, faucets, toilets, and other plumbing problems.

7.) Use a bathroom fan that vents to the outside after all baths and showers to reduce humidity.

8.) Caulk all cracks and crevices throughout the home around systems such as plumbing, electrical, and gas lines, as well as in places like cupboards and walls.

If you have any questions or concern give Swat Pest a call TODAY!