California Residents Advised to Repair Even Small Water Leaks to Prevent Costly Termite Infestations and Mold Contamination

By some estimates, residents of California spend around $1 billion a year addressing termite infestations and damage. One way to help protect homes and other buildings from these insects is to make sure there are no water leaks, including hidden ones, that could create a moist environment which can attract some species of termites.

Even a tiny pinhole leak in a water supply or drain line can help create wet conditions that are conducive for not only termites, but also mold growth. A damp environment is ideal for certain types of termites that are attracted to wet wood. Once a termite colony is established, the termites can quickly begin to consume parts of the building.

Mold is the other all too common problem associated with water leaks. Most building materials, furnishings and personal belongings will quickly support the growth of mold if they remain wet or are in an environment with high humidity levels. The presence of elevated levels of mold can also cause indoor air quality (IAQ) concerns for any building occupants. Inhalation exposure to elevated levels of mold can act as a respiratory irritant, allergen and trigger an asthma attack in some people with the condition. Many types of mold also produce mycotoxins, while some types of mold associated with water damage can result in opportunistic fungal infections in people with a weakened or suppressed immune system.

“A small plumbing leak under a house or in a wall cavity that goes unnoticed or ignored will cause problems over time,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “If termites have found it, qualified pest control professionals can address the infestation and wood damage. If mold is suspected, the laboratories at LA Testing offer sampling supplies, testing services and easy to use test kits to identify mold. If test results come back positive, further testing after any mold remediation efforts have been concluded will help to ensure the problem was properly and comprehensively addressed and is no longer an exposure issue for families or building occupants.”

LA Testing has sponsored an educational video about water leaks, termites and mold that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/gnksCDgDWGY.

To learn more about this or other indoor environmental quality (IEQ), health and safety testing services or building inspection tools, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. For access to IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.

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