The Ways in Which to Control Bacteria in Your Home

 

LA MoldWhen Might You Need Bacteria Testing in Your Home?

You might need to have your home tested for bacteria if any of the following apply:

  • You notice an unusual, musty odor
  • Anyone in the home is experiencing illness, especially respiratory problems like allergies and asthma or if your doctor suspects a bacterial source in the home
  • You've had a recent sewage problem, like a backed up toilet or a black or grey water flood situation
  • Any standing water problems
  • Flooding, or any evidence of a major water problem in the past
  • If major appliances like air conditioning units, humidifiers, and furnaces haven't been inspected and serviced regularly

What Causes the Accumulation of Harmful Bacteria?

Harmful bacteria doesn't take much to thrive and it tends to multiply very quickly. All bacteria requires moisture in order to accumulate and spread. Kitchens and bathrooms are both common breeding grounds for bacteria, from food particles in the sink and spray from the toilet. The bacteria in these areas, however, are usually easy enough to control with regular intensive cleaning.

Other areas in the home that serve as hosts to bacteria aren't as easy to deal with. Bacteria can thrive in your water supply. It can be in your pipes, and it is definitely in your sewage system. Any leaks or moisture issues can lead to the spread of the bacteria. A sewage backup can cause quick bacterial contamination throughout your home.

Bacteria is more likely to thrive wherever there is standing water and poor ventilation. Finally, bacteria will obviously accumulate and spread in areas that are not regularly cleaned and maintained.

What Are Some Common Types of Problem Bacteria?

LA Bacteria TestingHere are some of the most common types of harmful bacteria a mold and bacteria inspection professional can test for:

  • Coliforms
  • E. Coli
  • C. Diff
  • Legionella
  • Iron bacterias
  • Sulfur bacterias
  • Staph
  • Pseudomonas
  • Salmonella
  • Mycobacterium

Looking to test your LA home for bacteria? This could be a bigger issue than expected, so Call Common Sense Inspections today at (323) 372-2666, and get the bacteria out of your home.