While many people spend more time outdoors during the summer, it’s important not to forget about maintaining our homes. Summer rains added to constantly running water for outdoor play equals high moisture levels indoors and outdoors. High moisture levels trigger many types of mold, including the classifications we list below. Be sure to be on the lookout for signs of these common home molds that you might encounter this summer.
Chaetomium
Chaetomium is a type of allergenic mold that results from water damage. This mold naturally grows outdoors on soil and decaying plants, but it can also grow indoors. Chaetomium is one of the most common types of mold that grows as a result of flooding, plumbing issues, water leaks, and more. If you’ve recently experienced a flood or other type of severe water damage, try to absorb and remove the access moisture as fast as possible. Chaetomium grows in areas with sufficient moisture, so expedient water removal can help prevent its growth.
Cladosporium
Cladosporium mold is another type of allergenic mold that grows in moisture-rich areas. Specifically, Cladosporium mold prefers humid environments, such as our home’s bathroom or basement. If you notice mold on your bathroom textiles, such as your shower curtain or bathmat, there’s a good chance it could be Cladosporium. This mold often appears in black, brown, or green fuzzy spots. If you do discover this mold in a large patch, call a professional immediately and try not to disturb it. Cladosporium spores can easily travel throughout your ventilation system and home when disturbed.
Stachybotrys
Stachybotrys is the proper name for the infamous “black mold.” This mold is toxigenic, meaning it creates toxins that can be dangerous and even fatal to humans and pets. Black mold can exacerbate asthma symptoms and cause respiratory health issues in healthy people.
Stachybotrys also favors damp, humid areas for growth, including your home’s ventilation system. Due to its toxigenic qualities, homeowners should never try to remove large areas of black mold by themselves. If you discover a greenish-black mold growing in splotches in a damp area of your home, call your local mold removal professionals immediately.
Watch out for these common household molds that we might encounter this summer. Consider keeping moisture levels low in your home by installing a dehumidifier for those cooler summer days and nights.