The Fox Den: Home & Property Advice

We figured the rain had stayed outside where it belonged.

Sure, there’d been some pooling near the foundation on the east side of the house, but the floors inside were dry, nothing felt squishy, and life was busy—so we wiped the mud off our shoes and moved on.

A few weeks later, I was dusting in the guest room when I noticed it: a faint gray shadow along the baseboard. I bent down, thinking it was just grime.

Nope.

It was mold—growing quietly from the inside of the wall outward.

Somewhere behind that baseboard, water had snuck in during the storm, wicked up the trim, and settled in just long enough to start trouble. No musty smell, no dramatic signs. Just silent growth doing what it does best.

Humidity is the number one cause of mold and mildew in the Houston area.

Learn more in this video:

Teresa sits down with John from Houston Enviro Assessments to talk about the less obvious signs of mold — and what might be lurking behind your walls.

Watch the video to learn what to look for and when it’s time to bring in an expert.

High humidity can lead to poor air quality and discomfort in your home. Here’s how to combat it:

1️⃣ Keep your HVAC system well-maintained.

2️⃣ Use exhaust fans in high-moisture areas.

3️⃣ Consider indoor plants that help purify the air.

What’s your go-to method for managing humidity? Let’s discuss!

Curious about mold? Teresa sat down with Richard, our go-to expert on mold and air quality, to talk about what every Houston homeowner should know.

It’s a short, info-packed conversation that sheds light on where mold shows up, why it’s common here, and what you can do about it.

🟢 Watch below and let us know: Have you ever dealt with mold in your home?

Sometimes, strange smells or persistent allergy symptoms can be more than just a nuisance. They might indicate hidden issues like mold or poor air quality.

Here’s what to look for:

1️⃣ Musty odors that don’t go away.

2️⃣ Persistent allergies or sinus issues.

3️⃣ Condensation on windows or vents.

4️⃣ Spots on walls, ceilings, or around A/C returns.

With everything blooming outside, it’s the perfect time to freshen up your home inside, too. But beyond the usual cleaning and yardwork, spring is also a critical time to check for hidden moisture and air quality issues that may have built up over the winter.

🛠️ Here are two quick tips to protect your home and your health this season:

1️⃣ Check for hidden moisture:Look around windows, under sinks, and in corners of your attic or crawl space for signs of dampness, discoloration, or musty smells. Hidden moisture can lead to mold growth—and fast.

2️⃣ Improve indoor air quality:Swap out air filters, dust vents, and consider getting a professional air quality assessment. Seasonal allergens and indoor pollutants love to linger, especially as we close up our homes against Houston’s unpredictable spring weather.

🧼 A little prevention now can save you from bigger issues (and bills) later.

Spring is a great time to improve your indoor air quality and prevent mold growth.

Here are some tips:

1. Use a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels below 60%.

2. Fix any leaks or water damage promptly.

3. Clean and replace HVAC filters regularly.

4. Ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens.

Ever walked into a room and thought, “What’s that smell?” 😬Sometimes it’s just leftovers… but sometimes it’s something more serious: mold or poor indoor air quality.

👃 Common signs to watch for:

• Musty smells that won’t go away

• Persistent allergies or sinus issues

• Condensation on windows or vents

• Spots on walls, ceilings, or around A/C returns