Mold is a vital part of natural decomposition. It breaks down dead plants and animals to make room for new life. This is perfectly acceptable outdoors, but you never want mold to grow inside your home. If left untreated, indoor mold can cause unpleasant odors, health issues and property damage. Learn more about different types of mold and where to find them.

Most Common Types of Household Mold

  • Penicillium is frequently found growing in homes. It appears blue or green in color and has a fuzzy texture. As you might have guessed by the name, Penicillium is used to make penicillin. While it’s incredibly useful as a lab-made antibiotic, it can cause sinus infections, lung complications and other allergic reactions if permitted to grow in your home.
  • Alternaria is primarily found in soil and on leaves, but it can enter your home through open windows and doors. This mold grows in black spots and often manifests on houseplants and vegetables. Some people experience asthma attacks and allergies when exposed to Alternaria.
  • Aspergillus often grows in heating and air conditioning systems. Exposure to the spores blowing through the air may cause respiratory problems that could lead to aspergillosis, a lung infection.
  • Cladosporium is a leaf mold. It sometimes grows under sinks and on bathtub and shower walls. It’s olive green or black and can trigger a runny nose, itchy eyes and asthma attacks.
  • Stachybotrys is the dreaded toxic black mold that everyone fears. It’s greenish-black and has either a slimy or powdery texture. It prefers to grow on surfaces that are high in cellulose and low in nitrogen, such as drywall and paper. Exposure to Stachybotrys can cause breathing problems, lung hemorrhaging, nausea, fatigue, mental impairment and other serious symptoms.

Where Mold Grows & How to Find It

Mold isn’t always visible and obvious. Sometimes, it grows behind the walls, above ceiling tiles or under the floor. Signs of mold growth include:

  • Musty odors
  • Peeling, bubbling, or discolored drywall and wallpaper
  • Allergies in certain parts of the home, including sneezing, coughing, congestion or itchy eyes

Mold prefers to grow in dark, moist conditions. The surfaces most prone to mold growth include carpet, drywall, wood, insulation, paper, clothing and food. The following areas of your home are particularly susceptible to mold:

  • The damp, earthy crawl space or basement
  • The attic, where roof leaks can cause mold growth
  • Bathrooms, especially the tub and shower area
  • Heating and air conditioning equipment
  • Under sinks and other areas with standing water or leaks
  • Windowsills where condensation occurs
  • Rooms with a history of flooding

If any of these causes of home water damage have occurred on your property, please contact DKI Services at 877-533-0210 to request water damage cleanup before mold begins to form. We can also provide you with more tips to prevent property damage in the future.