ericbj

At risk of recapitulating points already made: Lack of adequate air circulation in modern buildings breeds mould. Compare the Thai traditional buildings, even those in Bangkok when I first visited in April '67 and it was fast ceasing to be The Venice of the East, with those of today. There is a huge variety of moulds, some of which may in instances be beneficial, as for example penicillium notatum, said to be present in blue cheeses. The spores of black mould are pathogenic. If in doubt, check it out. Mould likes warmth and dampness. Much of the Thai year favours its growth. It can also be encouraged under cooler conditions (my experience in the south of France) when temperatures drop below the dew-point in a temporarily uninhabited building. My solution for half-yearly absences was to place several kilos of calcium chloride in their supplied sachets (polythene wrappers removed) on galvanised chicken-wire mesh fixed over the top of a bucket. CaCl2 is deliquescent and dissolves slowly in the large amounts of water absorbed from the atmosphere. Have not seen the possibility of pursuing this avenue in Thailand, but perhaps some entrepreneurial spirit will take this up. Use HEPA filters against mould. And also in the vicinity of a laser printer. A revelation to see how much toner powder it collects. Borax, which can be purchased in bulk quite cheaply on the Internet here in Thailand, destroys mould, and, as if that is not enough, bacteria also. It has been used as a mouth-wash but is best not swallowed unless you wish to disrupt your gut microbiome. It is often recommended to be added to laundry detergent, but I tend to use it more with the final rinse-water. Stored clothes do not subsequently acquire a musty smell. Borax is also an insecticide. If the insects can be persuaded to consume it. A little in a strong sugar solution for ants. For termites an aqueous solution painted on bare timber before finishing (for protection) or scraps of cardboard soaked in it for bait - very dilute (1%) if you wish to wipe out the colony. For cockroaches, sprinkle the powder in doorways and along walls. It will stick to their legs which they will clean by licking them. Their corpses will be eaten by other cockroaches, with a knock-on effect. Search the Web for more detailed info. Borax dissolves best in hot water. And is non-toxic for mammals.