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Common Types of Indoor and Outdoor Mold

Finding mold in moist areas of your home can be an unsettling experience. The presence of mold essentially means that water accumulated behind a wall or on a surface and was never dried out properly. This is why it’s important to have proper air circulation channels in rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundry areas, where lots of water is being used every day.

Not all mold is toxic to humans, however, and some of it can be eliminated yourself. Other types require the services of a professional, especially if the mold has spread. What follows is a summary of the different types of mold and places where it tends to build up.

Molds Frequently Found Growing Indoors

Aspergillus: Commonly found growing on food and inside air conditioning systems, Aspergillus mold can give people allergic reactions, including itchy, watery eyes and respiratory infections.

Cladosporium: Appearing spotted and pepper-like, it grows on the backs of toilets, on painted surfaces and on carpets and insulation. While nontoxic to humans, it can cause mild allergic reactions such as itchy throats and eyes.

Botrytis: This type of mold grows in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms with inadequate ventilation. It can cause severe respiratory problems.

Fusarium: Found on water-damaged carpeting and other fabrics, it can often spread to nearby areas if not treated. It causes respiratory infections, allergic reactions, and asthma when people come in contact with it.

Stachybotrys Charta rum: This type of mold is commonly referred to as black mold due to its slimy black appearance. It usually grows in places that stay wet all the time, like air conditioning ducts, or anywhere else where there’s a lot of condensation. Trichoderma is closely related and grows on damp carpet and wallpaper. both of these molds cause similar health problems.

Penicillium: It’s found growing on materials damaged by water, such as carpeting, wallpaper, and mattresses. It can spread quickly and easily to other parts of your home, so be sure to call a professional to eradicate it quickly.

Ulocladium: Frequently grows in areas with extensive water damage, and is commonly found in homes that have been flooded, especially wet, damp drywall.

Molds Frequently Found Growing Outdoors

Many molds found growing outdoors can be pink, red or orange in color. It can appear slimy and often grows on decaying plants and wood. Very often, outdoor mold is not toxic to humans and should only be removed for aesthetic purposes. Common types include:

• Alternaria: primarily found on plants or in potting soil.
• Aureobasidium: Found on plants, wood or foundations.
• Serpula lacrymans: A yellow mold that commonly grows on wood and causes dry rot.

Humid weather is also a big culprit of outdoor mold, as it can cause high concentrations of mold spores in the air.

If you suspect your home has mold problems, give us a call at Drying Tech and we can remove it for you safely and efficiently.