MOULD exposure remains an overlooked health concern in many Jamaican homes and workplaces, a gap Servpro Remediation Jamaica is hoping to address through specialised remediation services and public education. Its Managing Director Sherika Davis-Langley, who is also proudly known as the mould lady, branched into this specialised field after working in the construction industry for over 15 years and noticing a need for more focus on mould prevention and treatment to maintain the beauty constructed in the first place.

“I saw a real need for professional cleaning, restoration, and remediation services in Jamaica. I mean, this kind of service deals with care, quality and integrity because a lot of people just do cleaning at the surface level,” Davis-Langley told the Jamaica Observer.

Although only launched in November 2025, the business started on strong footing by leveraging Davis-Langley’s long-standing professional relationships within the industry and building out a full team inclusive of operations, sales and service personnel. Demand was particularly strong during the first few months of operations, with requests peaking in November and December before slowing slightly in January and February, then increasing again between March and May.

“I’ve been in this space for a while so lots of persons know me as well, so I piggyback off referrals as well as the promotions that we do using the social media platform.” she shared.

But managing a start-up is never an easy task, and one of the biggest challenges has been educating Jamaicans that remediation services go beyond regular cleaning. A part of the foundation of the business includes raising awareness about the dangers of mould exposure, and long-term solutions for maintaining healthier homes and offices. As such, mould inspection and remediation remain the company’s core services, focusing on identifying mould contamination and eliminating mould spores from homes and commercial spaces. However, many Jamaicans, particularly from older generations, continue to underestimate the dangers of mould exposure and wrongly believe bleach alone is an effective long-term solution for removing it.

“They [older Jamaicans] just think mould is a little ‘jungo’ that they can just wipe off with bleach and that’s it,” she said. “But most of them will find that it’s a recurring problem — even after they’ve used bleach.”

Bleach mainly consists of water, and that is what mould feeds on. According to Davis-Langley, prolonged mould exposure can significantly impact health, triggering allergic reactions, asthma flare-ups, and upper respiratory complications. In more severe cases, exposure to mycotoxins produced by mould can enter the body through the nose, mouth or skin and potentially lead to serious illness. According to Davis-Langley, many people remain unaware that recurring health issues may be linked to mould within their homes or workplaces, leading some individuals to repeatedly seek treatment for allergies without addressing the underlying environmental cause. Davis-Langley briefly explained that part of the company’s educational push also involves helping Jamaicans understand that mould exists in several forms and colours — including green, white and black mould — and that not all exposure produces the same health reactions. While black mould, scientifically known as Stachybotrys, is often viewed as the most dangerous, Aspergillus niger was highlighted as particularly harmful because of its links to allergic reactions, upper respiratory complications, and more severe health risks.

“From my experience, Aspergillus niger is the most dangerous because it falls in all three categories where it’s allogenic, where it can kill you,” Davis-Langley warned.

Because of the Caribbean’s humidity and temperatures, mould remains highly prevalent across Jamaica, particularly in cooler areas such as St Andrew, Manchester and Montego Bay, which continue to account for a significant number of the company’s service requests. Beyond mould remediation, the business also offers biohazard sanitisation services for biological contaminants including COVID-19; hand, foot and mouth disease, alongside bathtub restoration and waterproofing services. Following the recent hurricane and projections for additional storm activity, Servpro Remediation Jamaica has also seen an increase in requests for roof inspections as homeowners and businesses move to prepare properties ahead of the rainy season.

“I go on at least three roof inspections on a weekly basis because everybody is trying to put their house in a state of readiness, and the commercial spaces as well, before the rainy season begins,” she told the Sunday Finance.

The business primarily operates remotely, with most client requests coming through social media, the company’s website, and referrals. Looking ahead, the company is hoping to expand operations beyond Kingston into western Jamaica as growing demand from areas such as Montego Bay and Westmoreland continues to increase travel-related operating costs.

“We’re also looking to go Caribbean-wide, but I want to dominate in Jamaica first before I even think to venture into another country,” she said.

Plans are also underway to invest in more advanced remediation technology, including moisture-detection equipment capable of identifying hidden water damage behind walls, as the company seeks to remain at the forefront of specialised remediation services locally.

Kerice Wynter, service engineer at Servpro Remediation Jamaica, carries out mould remediation services at a client location.

Shanniel Buchanan carries out waterproofing treatment on wooden surfaces for Servpro Remediation Jamaica.

A Servpro Remediation Jamaica team member carries out mould remediation treatment at a commercial property.

DAVIS-LANGLEY…they [older Jamaicans] just think mould is a little ‘jungo’ that they can just wipe off with bleach and that’s it…But most of them will find that it’s a recurring problem — even after they’ve used bleach 

Visible mould growth spreads across wooden cabinetry damaged by prolonged moisture exposure.

A rooftop undergoing waterproofing treatment as part of preventative maintenance against moisture and mould damage.

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