After Superstorm Sandy drenched parts of the East Coast last fall, the risk for homegrown mold rose considerably. With summer now in full swing, these hot temperatures coupled with standing water collecting in unknown corners of your house create the perfect conditions for mold and mildew – which can be an unsightly blemish at best and a serious health risk at worst. To help prevent and work against this threat, FEMA has issued a list of methods to check for, and curtail the spread of, hidden mold that may be lying around the house. Some helpful tips to remember:

• Mold is typically found in hard-to-spot areas like ceilings, attics and crawl spaces. Stains and strong musty smells are dead giveaways for mold growth.
• Mold feeds on cellulose, which can weaken joists and studs on your property, causing significant structural damage to the house.
• Poor insulation or plumbing can also allow moisture to pool in your house, thereby causing mold. It doesn't take an event as serious as a storm to make it happen.
• When you find a mold-contaminated area, wear gloves, goggles and other protective clothing to clean or completely remove the afflicted spot.

These are just a few of the telltale signs of mold and some of the ways to fight it. One of the best things you can do for your house is to have a home mold inspection conducted at your property. There are qualified, professional contractors on hand to service the Maryland and Virginia area who will be able to discern whether or not you do have a mold problem, the severity of it and what can be done to eliminate it, as well as prevent more mold and mildew growth in the future.