The merula fungus, wood-destroying fungi: causes and solutions

The merula, or serpula lacrymans, is a wood-rotting fungus, which means that it degrades and attacks the cells of wood.

The merula evolves mainly inside the wood, which is why it is difficult to detect. It also spreads through the masonry and other materials.

The fungus appears when there is a humidity level of at least 22% and proliferates when the humidity level reaches 35%-40% and with a temperature between 18°C and 25°C.

This fungus also grows in darkness, in a confined atmosphere and in poorly ventilated areas.

• In the dark, the fungus looks like thick, white absorbent cotton or absorbent cotton: gray filaments develop and can reach several meters in length.
• In the light, the merula appears as a soft, orange/brown colored fungus.

The merula has a very strong odor that resembles that of an undergrowth or a forest in autumn.

If conditions are no longer suitable, the fungus does not die but enters a dormant period. As soon as the humidity and temperature conditions are favorable again, the fungus “awakes”.

The merula causes considerable damage, up to the collapse of all the contaminated pieces of wood (frame, floor, …)!