08/25/2026
What does mold need to grow? Not much.
Heat above 40°F ✅ (very much yes in Thurston County in July)
Moisture above 60% relative humidity ✅ (especially in crawlspaces after a heat spell)
An organic surface to colonize ✅ (wood framing, insulation, subfloor plywood)
All three boxes are being checked this week. Last week's heat drove humidity deep into crawlspaces and attics across Lewis and Thurston counties. Rain hits Tuesday. Mold starts working within 24–48 hours of sustained moisture.
The thing homeowners don't realize: mold grows for weeks before you smell it. By the time you see it, you've already got a remediation job on your hands.
A moisture inspection now is a half-hour. Mold remediation later is days of work and thousands of dollars.
If you have an older home in Olympia, Lacey, Centralia, Shelton, or Chehalis — especially pre-1980s construction — this week is worth a look.
What's one question you have about mold in your home? Ask us below — we read every comment.