PESKY PROBLEMS

Living on a tropical island is something most people dream of. If you are lucky enough to be living the dream, you may already be aware that paradise does have some issues. I thought I would share what I have found that works for addressing those annoying little issues so you can get back to loving your island life. For more on selecting the right materials and furnishings for your home to prevent these issues see my section on MATERIALS.

MOLD/MILDEW

What’s the difference between mold and mildew? Not much, they are both nasty types of fungus. They are driven by moisture, and eventually destroy anything they grow on. Mildew is always flat and typically grows on surfaces in places like your bathroom. Mold has more variety, often has a raised, sometimes fuzzy surface and is more dangerous both to your health and your home. If your home smells musty - you have mold or mildew and need to get to the root of it. Even if you can’t smell it, if you see it signs of it; it needs to be dealt with right way.

MOLD GROWS ON ANY ORGANIC MATTER

Mold grows everywhere in Hawaii. It can grow on any organic matter but will not grow if moisture is not present. It also tends to like undisturbed areas without sunlight or circulating air. Some favorite places - leather (watch those shoes!), pillows, beds, silk florals, rugs, furniture/cabinetry, upholstery, walls, ceilings, wood/bamboo floors, wallpaper, window coverings, backs of paintings, books…You get the idea - pretty much everything. If your pillow looks like this when you change the pillowcase - please toss and replace. It’s unhealthy!

GETTING RID OF MOLD

No one wants to throw away things that have mold on them; but sometimes that is the only recourse if the mold has gone untended for too long. It’s an expensive problem if it is left unchecked. Clorox, Dawn, rubbing alcohol, white vinegar and Borax are all good quick fixes. CAUTION: check the manufacturer’s instructions before you go at it. But if it’s serious, you need to get a professional involved. Look for surface restoration or mold remediation specialists. And here’s a link to a guide from the EPA. https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home#tab-8

PREVENTING MOLD

Here are few tips on how to prevent mold/mildew from becoming a problem in the first place.

1. Keep air flowing in your home and let the sunshine in – open the doors/windows, use your ceiling fans or keep that A/C going.

2. If you are off island, keep the A/C on.
Usually keeping things around 78-80 degrees works well. I know it seems wasteful but believe me it’s better than tossing things or pricey remediation.

3. Keep up with regular cleaning of surfaces – especially those that are often hidden from view – behind furniture pieces like dressers and headboards. If you own a vacation condo, have your cleaning service do this at least quarterly for you.

4. And most importantly, think carefully about the types of materials you choose when renovating or selecting new furnishings. There are so many solutions available that work well in humid climates.

BUGS!

So if you have lived in Hawaii for just a ‘lil bit, you know may know a few things about bugs. In my opinion, two of the worst bugs that create problems for Hawaii homes are termites and powderpost beetles. Termites can create structural damage to your home and destroy beams, wood flooring, cabinetry and furniture. Powderpost beetles often go unnoticed but can gradually destroy furniture and create risks for all your wood surfaces.

TERMITES, ugh…

Termites unfortunately are a common problem in the islands. They can only survive where there is moisture and avoid sunlight. So they stay hidden in dark, warm, moist areas doing their damage out of site. The good news is that if you keep a watchful eye and sign up for regular termite inspections you can get rid of them before the damage is overwhelming. Termite inspections are standard when purchasing a new home, but many homeowners forgo ongoing home inspections. I feel its money well spent.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Termites may be hard to detect because they hide in dark damp places. There are several types of termites in Hawaii. Sometimes, they are mistaken for flying ants. Termites shed their wings and do not have a pinched waist like ants do. So if you see wings in a corner of a cabinet, act quick! I always suggest putting the wing or dead bug in a plastic bag and taking it to a pest control company to identify what you are dealing with. And if you have a condo, advise your property manager. There are some that promote natural solutions like orange oil, salt or aloe vera. However, I think the risk of damage is so great that you want to have a professional deal with it. No one wants to end up with a fumigation tent around their home.

Seeing Sawdust?

You may have powderpost beetles if you see sawdust on your furniture or see it at your baseboards. These guys are tiny! They do their damage over a long period but can cause expensive problems in wood furniture, cabinetry, flooring or other wood surfaces. I have seen them even in wood picture frames. The tell tale signs are small holes (1/16-1/8”) and fine powder. Unfortunately, they love moist warm climates like Hawaii.

BEWARE Furniture

I have seen most powderpost beetles arrive in furniture. Sometimes these are expensive antiques, sometimes they are the popular distressed pieces from India or Indonesia. The reason for this is that often these furniture pieces are not made of kiln-dried lumber like most of the new furniture made in the United States. These bugs also seem to love rattan and especially baskets. So pay careful attention to any items that came with that condo you just purchased. And also be super careful when shopping at second hand stores.

SOME TIPS

1) When buying new furniture, consider getting kiln-dried furniture (remember those sofa frames!).

2) When purchasing antiques or unfinished wood pieces, ask the retailer if the pieces have been treated for pests. Inspect the pieces and see if there are any tiny holes. Sometimes that is deliberate (aged wood is very popular right now), but ask if the item has been treated or if it can be treated before you take it home.

3) Be very careful of furnishings that were with the home when you purchased it. Have a good look for telltale signs of powderpost beetles. If you love the piece, have it fumigated. If not, best to let it go.

I’m just an interior designer, here are some expert resources:
Michael F. Potter, Extension Entomologist University of Kentucky College of Agriculture
Bugguide.net
Michigan State University - Powderpost Beetles
What's That Bug?
Pest Control | Maui, HI | Mid-Pacific Pest Control, Inc. (mauipestcontrol.com)