More rain, more mold.
From Missouri Digital News: https://mdn.org
MDN Menu

MDN Home

Journalist's Creed

Print

MDN Help

 MDN.ORG: Missouri Digital News
MDN Menu

MDN Home

Journalist's Creed

Print

MDN Help

 MDN.ORG Mo. Digital News Missouri Digital News MDN.ORG: Mo. Digital News MDN.ORG: Missouri Digital News
Help  

More rain, more mold.

Date: September 8, 2008
By: Christine Slusser
State Capitol Bureau

Intro: The increase in rainfall, some experts say, has led to an increase in mold in and around buildings.

Christine Slusser has more from Jefferson City.

RunTime:0:41
OutCue: SOC

You may have noticed extra wet spots on your carpet at home this season.

Certified Industrial Hygienist Dennis Elmore says the leaky spots in houses may not have been as noticeable in previous years because there was less rainfall.  Elmore also said the amount of mold went up when more rain came down. 

 

Actuality:  ELM1.WAV
Run Time: 00:14
Description: extra rainfall affecting buildings


Elmore also says that if you notice a wet spot, eliminate it immediately within 24-48 hours.

From the capitol, I'm Christine Slusser.

Intro: The extra rain in Missouri is being blamed for an increase in bugs.

Christine Slusser has more from Jefferson City. 

RunTime:0:38
OutCue: SOC

The rain Missouri has been receiving has caused more moisture than usual to be locked in the ground.   

Rob Lawrence is a forest entomologist at the University of Missouri.  That's an expert on bugs. He says insects thrive in damp conditions.

Actuality:  LAWR1.WAV
Run Time: 00:11
Description: various flies breed in damp matter.

But not all bugs are winners from the rain.  Lawrence also mentioned the increased rainfall may have led to a decrease in insects that enjoy dry leaves.

Reporting from the state capitol, I'm Christine Slusser.

Intro: The heavy rainfall in Missouri is being blamed for an increase in termites.

Christine Slusser has more from the capitol.

RunTime:0:38
OutCue: SOC

If you have noticed extra holes in your wood siding this year, termites may be to blame.

According to Rob Lawrence, a forest entomologist or bug expert, certain insects thrive under moist conditions. Termites are one of them.

    

Actuality:  LAWR3.WAV
Run Time: 00:04
Description: Termites do better with dampness.

Lawrence says the reason for this is because of the extra rainfall and temperature fluctuations Missouri has experienced.

Actuality:  LAWR4.WAV
Run Time: 00:06
Description: With consistent mild or cold insects could survive better.

Lawrence also says Missouri bug totals may be on the rise. 

From the capitol, I'm Christine Slusser.