Every property can be subjected to an invasion by mold, regardless of where it is located or how clean it is kept. Spores are often introduced through heating and cooling systems, and they tend to flourish in areas that are warm, damp, and dark such as around water pipes. This means that most homeowners don't even know about their mold problem until they start to see signs of the structural damage it can cause. Mold eats through drywall and wood, and can live in walls, ceilings, and floors for years, often causing owners a variety of health problems that they cannot explain. Fortunately, there are ways to test for mold. While most people cannot see, taste, or smell the mold that is living in their house, there are safe and eco-friendly ways to detect it. In these tests, a professional comes to the home and uses chemical tests in areas that are hard to access. The chemicals used are as safe as litmus paper or baking soda, and pose no harm to children or pets. Furthermore, testing in and of itself is not able to stir up the spores or make the problem worse. Once you know whether you have a mold problem you can take steps towards removing it and preventing its return.