Most Common Types of Mold & How To Identify Them

Mold is a common problem in homes and businesses in the Midwest, and it can be a serious health hazard if left untreated.  Not only does it have the potential to cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems, but it can also cause significant damage to your property.  That’s why it’s important to take mold mitigation seriously and work with a team of professionals like the crews at Mustang Disaster CleanUp in Iowa and South Dakota.  We can help you effectively identify and remediate the issue.  At Mustang Disaster CleanUp, we are committed to helping you keep your property safe and healthy.

In this blog, we’ll explore the dangers of mold, offer information on common types of mold, and provide you with tips and strategies for mitigating and preventing mold growth.  We’ll also discuss the latest technologies and techniques we use to ensure that your property is free of mold.  Whether you’re dealing with a small mold problem or a more significant issue, we’re here to help you every step of the way.  Read on to learn more about mold mitigation and how we can assist you in keeping your property mold-free.

First, let’s start with the basics.  Mold is a type of fungus that can grow in damp and humid conditions.  It can often grow in hidden areas of your home, making it difficult to detect.  However, here are some signs that you may have mold in your house:

1. A musty or earthy smell:  If you notice a strong musty odor in your home, it could be a sign of mold growth.
2. Visible mold growth:  Mold can appear as black, green, or white spots or stains on walls, floors, or ceilings.
3. Water damage:  If your home has experienced any water damage, such as flooding or a leaky roof, it increases the likelihood of mold growth.
4. Allergic reactions:  Some people may experience allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes when mold is present in their home.

If you suspect that you have mold in your house, it’s important to take action to address the problem as soon as possible.  Mold can have negative effects on your health and can also cause damage to your home.  It’s recommended to hire a professional to assess the extent of the mold growth and to safely remove it.  That’s where we come into play.  Mustang Disaster CleanUp is IICRC certified and ready to take any mold job from removing it from your shower to the overtaking of a home or business.  Check out the following list to help you better understand the mold mitigation process.

1. Identify the source of the moisture: Before addressing the mold, it’s important to identify and fix the source of the moisture that is causing the mold to grow.  This could involve fixing leaks, repairing damaged pipes or roof, or improving ventilation.
2. Assess the extent of the mold growth:  Mustang Disaster CleanUp can conduct a visual inspection and take air and/or surface samples to determine the extent of the mold growth and identify the type of mold present.
3. Develop a remediation plan:  Based on the assessment, a remediation plan is developed that outlines the steps needed to remove the mold and prevent it from coming back.
4. Contain the mold:  To prevent the mold from spreading to other areas of the home, the affected area is typically isolated using physical barriers and negative air pressure systems.
5. Remove the mold:  The mold is removed using specialized equipment and techniques, such as HEPA vacuums, air scrubbers, and antimicrobial treatments.  HEPA is an acronym for “High-Efficiency Particulate Air.”  HEPA filters are made of dense layers of fine mesh that can capture tiny particles, including mold spores, dust, pollen, and other airborne allergens.  HEPA filters are commonly used in mold remediation to capture and remove mold spores from the air.  And in some cases, contaminated materials may need to be removed and disposed of.
6. Clean and sanitize the area:  Once the mold has been removed, the area is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to prevent any remaining mold spores from growing.
7. Test and verify:  After the remediation process has been completed, the area is tested and verified to ensure that all mold has been removed and the air quality is safe.

It’s important to note that mold removal is a complex process that should only be done by trained professionals, like us, who have the experience and equipment in mold remediation.  Attempting to remove mold on your own can be dangerous and can lead to further contamination and health risks.

Figure 1 Breaking Bad television show, not actual MDC employees.

There are many types of mold that can be found in homes in the United States.  It’s recommended to hire a professional company such as Mustang Disaster CleanUp for an assessment and safe removal of the mold.  Some of the most common types of mold found in homes include:

Aspergillus

This type of mold is commonly found in soil, on decaying vegetation, and in house dust. It can cause allergic reactions and respiratory infections.  Aspergillus is a type of mold that is commonly found in soil, decaying vegetation, and organic matter such as compost piles.  It can also be found indoors in damp or humid areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.  To spot Aspergillus, you may notice a musty or earthy smell in your home, particularly in areas where moisture is present.  You may also see visible mold growth on surfaces, which can appear as black, brown, green, or white spots or stains.  It’s important to note that Aspergillus can produce mycotoxins, which can cause health problems if inhaled or ingested.  People with weakened immune systems, allergies, or respiratory conditions may be particularly sensitive to Aspergillus.  If you suspect that you have Aspergillus in your home, it’s important to take steps to address the problem, such as reducing humidity levels and removing any visible mold growth.

Cladosporium

This mold is often found on damp surfaces such as walls, wallpaper, and carpets.  It can cause respiratory problems and skin irritation.  Cladosporium is a type of mold that can be found both indoors and outdoors.  It commonly grows on damp surfaces such as walls, wallpaper, carpets, and in areas that have experienced water damage or leaks.  To spot Cladosporium, you may notice visible mold growth on surfaces, which can appear as black, green, or brown spots or stains.  You may also detect a musty or earthy odor in your home, particularly in areas where moisture is present.  Exposure to Cladosporium can cause respiratory problems and skin irritation, particularly in people with allergies or asthma.  If you suspect that you have Cladosporium in your home, it’s important to take steps to address the problem, such as reducing humidity levels, fixing leaks, and removing any visible mold growth.

Penicillium

This mold is often found in water damaged buildings and can cause allergic reactions, respiratory infections, and asthma.  Penicillium is a type of mold that can be found in soil, decaying vegetation, and indoor environments such as damp or water damaged buildings.  It can grow on a variety of surfaces, including walls, wallpaper, carpets, and food items.  To spot Penicillium, you may notice visible mold growth on surfaces, which can appear as blue, green, or white spots or stains.  You may also detect a musty or earthy odor in your home, particularly in areas where moisture is present.  Exposure to Penicillium can cause allergic reactions, respiratory infections, and asthma, particularly in people with weakened immune systems or pre-existing respiratory conditions.  If you suspect that you have Penicillium in your home, it’s important to take steps to address the problem, such as reducing humidity levels, fixing leaks, and removing any visible mold growth.

Stachybotrys

This mold, commonly known as “black mold,” is often found in water-damaged homes and can cause respiratory problems, headaches, and fatigue.  Stachybotrys is a type of mold that typically grows on materials that have been damaged by water or moisture, such as wallpaper, ceiling tiles, and drywall.  It requires a lot of moisture to grow, and it can be particularly problematic in homes that have experienced flooding or water damage.  To spot Stachybotrys, you may notice visible mold growth on surfaces, which can appear as black or dark green spots or stains.  You may also detect a musty or earthy odor in your home, particularly in areas where moisture is present.  Exposure to Stachybotrys can cause respiratory problems, headaches, fatigue, and other health problems, particularly in people with weakened immune systems or pre-existing respiratory conditions.  If you suspect that you have Stachybotrys in your home, it’s important to take steps to address the problem, such as fixing leaks, reducing humidity levels, and removing any visible mold growth.

Alternaria

This mold is commonly found in damp areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.  It can cause allergic reactions and asthma.  Alternaria is a type of mold that can be found both indoors and outdoors.  It typically grows on damp surfaces, such as window frames, shower stalls, and other areas with high humidity levels.  It can also be found on plants, soil, and decaying vegetation.  To spot Alternaria, you may notice visible mold growth on surfaces, which can appear as black or dark green spots or stains.  You may also detect a musty or earthy odor in your home, particularly in areas where moisture is present.  Exposure to Alternaria can cause allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory problems, particularly in people with weakened immune systems or pre-existing respiratory conditions.  If you suspect that you have Alternaria in your home, it’s important to take steps to address the problem, such as reducing humidity levels, fixing leaks, and removing any visible mold growth.

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As you can see, there are many common signs and symptoms regarding mold.  It’s important to note that exposure to any type of mold can potentially cause health problems, so it’s important to take steps to prevent and address mold growth in your home.  If you suspect that you have mold in your home, it’s best to contact us at Mustang Disaster CleanUp either in Iowa or South Dakota for an assessment and safe removal.

Blog written by Mustang Disaster CleanUp Marketing Specialist, Phil Queen