You want to keep your home in the best possible condition, and many companies now offer a number of services designed to help you deal with a variety of problems. One of those services is mold removal, which many homeowners will need at one point or another, whether as a result of sudden water damage or as part of a more subtle moisture problem. In any case, here are three signs that you need professional mold removal:

1. Musty Smell – Often, the first sign of a mold problem is a stale or musty odor in the affected area. Mold naturally emits a distinctive odor, which is often noticeable long before the mold becomes visible to the eye. If you notice a change in the way your home smells, especially in areas that typically have a lot of moisture, such as the bathroom, call your local mold or water damage expert to get it checked out.

2. Discoloration – Another clear sign that you need mold remediation is visible discoloration or spores. Not all mold is black–many species come in shades of brown, white, gray, red, and sometimes even pastel shades. Mold can also mimic the look of dust, fuzz, or even grains of sand, making it harder to recognize. If you notice any discoloration on your surfaces, you should call a professional team for a more detailed evaluation.

3. Allergy Symptoms – Lastly, if you or anyone else in your household is experiencing complaints such as coughing, sneezing, congestion, headaches, or skin irritation with no apparent cause, you may very well need mold removal. All of these symptoms can be triggered by mold spores in the air, and it’s best to get a professional assessment as soon as possible in order to protect your health.