Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey!
I've got the top section of a large cage that's been sitting covered up outdoors for a few months now. It's got mold on the plywood that forms the very top (ceiling). The inside of the cage is lined with the 1/8-inch thick white panelboard that comes in 4 x 8 sheets and there's no mold on it's surface.

I'm concerned about the mold on the other side of the plywood that the panelboard is glued to, whether or not it's gonna have any effect on the savannah monitors that will be in the cage.

What can I do to completely kill the mold? I know I could use Kilz but I'm concerned that the mold could still remain active within the sheet of plywood, between the Kilz and the panelboard. What say you?

I've got a lot of time invested in the cage top but not so much that I'm willing to risk my animals' health.

Thanks!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

www.natures-signature.com

First off how bad is the mold?

I would think Kilz and some good time drying out would do a pretty good job on a small amout. I'm sure you have a couple good flood/spot lights around lol. I personaly would be worried about the Kilz residue, thats some pretty gnarly stuff.

If you havn't sealed up the top yet why wouldn't some bleach, a good scrub and some time under the lights work?

I don't know just throwing stuff out there.

Nate

Use a spray bottle and spray direct, obviously you will need to move the item to a location for protection so the mold doesn't grow back.

Bleach will kill the mold and kilz will cover up and contain the spores. Depending on the type of mold it may be better to discard the panel.

I'm sure as our resident flooring expert you have come across Black mold before....
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Jeremy Payne
JB Reptile
Specializing in Boa Morph's

1.0 Snow "Kahl"
0.2 Triple Het Moonglow "Kahl"
0.1 Orange Tail Hypo Het Leopard
1.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow
1.0 Ghost
0.1 Possible Super Hypo
0.1 DH Ghost
1.1 "Kahl" Albino
1.0 Hypomelenistic
1.3 Pastel Hypo
0.1 Suriname/Columbian cross
0.1 Anerthrystic

Ya know, this could be another "You're thinkin' too dang much!" moment for me.

First, let me try to clarify something I mucked up in my orignal post - "I'm concerned that the mold could still remain active within the sheet of plywood, between the Kilz and the panelboard."

To be more specific, or clearer: I'm concerned about any mold being between the panelboard & the plywood it's glued to. Areas that I can only get to by saturating with a bleach solution. I've thought about doing just that but not being able to actually see any results, the question & slim chance, of mold surviving will stick in my mind.

The more I think about it the more I think removing the mold from the areas that I can get to, use Kilz on the inside, and then silicone the joints like I planned on doing anyway. If there's any mold left it shouldn't be able to leak into the cage since it'll be sealed internally. Besides, it'll die out since it won't be getting wet/damp again.

Nate,
The mold's not too bad, its within about a 1sq ft area out of 24sq ft. It won't be a problem to get rid of what I can see, it's the "what I can't see" (between panelboard & plywood its glued to) that has/had me concerned.

I've got a propane jet heater that'll have that sucker dried in no time flat.

Jeremy,
It's just the typical green mold, surface mold, and it's really not that bad. I know I'm being a bit overly cautious and that's causing some "stinkin' thinkin'." Or, lack of thinkin', period.

"I'm sure as our resident flooring expert you have come across Black mold before.."

Allow me to use my favorite quote of Shakespeare's "Hamlet":
Madness in great ones must not unwatched go. (King Claudius said that about Hamlet when they were discussing sending him off. But I personally feel like it was the jist of the whole play, as Claudius' madness did not go unwatched. That was Hamlet's motive.) Yeah, a hillbilly quotin' Shakespeare. What's this world a comin' to? Hahaha!!!

Ha! Ha! I'm not an expert at anything but being a kuntry bumpkin.

I'll let ya'll know what I decide, but right now, after thinking about overnight and reading ya'll's repsonses, I'm leaning towards a salvage effort.

Many thanks for the thoughts!

Take care!
Mike
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

www.natures-signature.com

this one is easy to fix.
Mold needs moisture to live. thats how wood breaks down in the woods,trees fall and decompose .So take away the moisture and you kill the mold.Put in in the sun for a few days and allow the dry air to circulate on all surfaces.Then keep it dry.
Remember that mold can degrade thestructural integrity of wood if allowed to progress .This can mean that glue nails or screws no longer will work. Try sun light then bleach
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Doug L

Well, I was able to salvage it. I have to admit to a knee-jerk reaction. A lot of it was that sickening feeling you get when you put so many hard hours and a lot of care into what you built but its suddenly damaged. Kinda like having a fender bender pulling out of the car dealership.

It didn't take long to get it dried out and it doesn't look anywhere near as bad. I'm satisfied everything will be fine without having to coat it or anything.

Thanks for your help, tips, care & concern!

Ya'll take care!
Mike
-----
Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

www.natures-signature.com