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Fungus

Pest control in Ibiza and Formentera: fungus.

Nova Control, company specialized in wood treatments in Ibiza and Formentera

Fungi: health risks and economic losses.

Fungus.

Fungi are a varied group of micro-organisms that affect wood, either by feeding on it aggressively (they are able to feed on all parts of the wood), passively (they feed on it slowly but gradually negatively affecting the characteristics of the wood) or directly they cannot feed on it, and only live on it, affecting its aesthetic characteristics.

This last quality, the spoiling of the wood, is common to all types of fungi. In the same way, it is also common to need a certain degree of constant humidity to allow the fungus to develop.

 

Fungi and economic losses.

Given that fungi affect wood to a greater or lesser extent (at best its appearance, at worst its physical integrity), it follows that wood restoration will entail costs, which will be higher the greater the extent of the problem.

In addition to this, the damage caused by rot fungi can lead to the collapse or breakage of wooden structures and furniture.

It is also necessary to take into account collateral damage such as the loss of image and reputation that can be suffered by an establishment whose furniture and other wooden elements have fungus on their surfaces.

Fungi and health risks.

As with other xylophagous organisms, fungi are not particularly important because of their direct impact on human health. However, a totally uncontrolled presence of moulds and other types of fungi can lead to an increase in humidity in our environment, which can be accompanied by allergies and other ailments.

In addition to this, they can affect the physical integrity of people, by causing a weakening of the structures in which they appear, with the consequent collapse of floors, beams, etc.

Our comfort and quality of life can also be affected when fungi deteriorate and degrade our environment.

Identification and control of fungi.

Identification of the pest:

-Stains on wood.

-High moisture content in the wood.

-Areas damaged by decay, such as surface cracks or "cascades" of filaments.

Fungus control by Integrated Pest Management (IPM):

-Preliminary inspection.

-Control of organisational measures.

-Control of structural measures.

-Modification of environmental conditions.

-Elimination of irrecoverable areas.

-Application of biocides.

For a more detailed description of our work methodology, please consult the description of our Integrated Pest Control (IPC).

 

Fungi, main species.

Rotting fungi.

It is the most damaging kind of fungus for wood. The fungus is capable of feeding on wood, being as destructive to its physical and mechanical qualities as termites or woodworm.

They develop as a consequence of the presence of a high percentage of humidity in the wood, which is not properly treated to withstand this degree of humidity continuously.

Depending on the characteristics of the wood rotting process, 3 types of rotting can be distinguished:

-Soft rot: this is caused by ascomycete fungi, such as Chaetomium globosum. It is characterised by giving the wood a soft consistency. When the wood dries out, cracking of the affected areas occurs.

-White or fibrous rot: caused by basidiomycete fungi, Stereum hirsutum (fibrous rot), Schizophyllum commune (soft rot) or Polystictus versicolor (white-fibrous rot). It is characterised by the creation of protrusions, fringes or filamentous "cascades" in the affected areas, which are the result of their feeding, in which they make more use of the lignin in the wood than the cellulose; this is what forms the external structures.

-Brown or cube rot: caused by basidiomycete fungi, such as Serpula lacrymans (dry brown rot), Coniophora puteana or Poria vaillantii (wet brown rot). These fungi feed mainly on cellulose, leaving a lignin residue, which, under variations in the volume of the material, breaks up into small cubes, which crumble into dust when pressed.

The degree of humidity necessary for the development of the fungus, and the preference for the type of wood, will vary according to the species of fungus in question.

 

serpula lacrymans hongo pudricion

 

Chromogenic fungi.

Also called blue wood fungi, because of the bluish-grey tone with which they spoil the colour of the wood. They feed on the wood, but only on the sapwood (the soft part of the wood) without being able to penetrate the heartwood (the inner, harder part of the wood). As a result, they dull and weaken it, but only very gradually, as the mycelium manages to penetrate the sapwood.

The slow but constant penetration of this type of fungus into the wood affects the wood's moisture retention, facilitating the conditions for the appearance of rot fungi.

 

hongo cromogeno madera azul

 

Moulds.

This type of fungi is not considered as a xylophagous organism, as they do not feed on wood, nor do they affect it structurally. But they do affect it aesthetically.

They develop on its surface, giving it a dark colouring and, generally, a velvety feel. These stains are due to the development of the fungal mycelium.

The mould develops using the ambient humidity and the microscopic organic matter found on the surface of the wood.

 

moho

 

Nova Control has the professionals, resources and experience necessary to guarantee the correct control of pests and microorganisms both in Ibiza and Formentera, always seeking to cover the service in a discreet and professional manner.

At Nova Control, we always try to adapt to the needs and requirements of our clients, whether they are public, private or private entities.

 

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact us:

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If you have any questions or doubts, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Contact

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+34 604 04 82 98

Where are we

Calle Galicia nº36 bajo
07800 Ibiza (Islas Baleares)

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