The 4 Most Common Types of Mold

12/13/2022 (Permalink)

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp areas. When it starts to multiply on walls, ceilings, and floors, mold can cause structural problems. It's important to understand the different types of mold and how they affect your home so that you can take action before the situation gets worse.

Mold spores are everywhere, but they only grow if there are the right conditions—dampness and high humidity being the two biggest factors. If you have excess moisture in your home due to leaks or a lack of ventilation, you're at risk for developing some undesirable molds such as Aspergillus and Cladosporium species. 

Penicillium

Penicillium is a common type of mold that grows on food and in soil. It's usually found in homes, especially near windows and doors, where it can enter through cracks or openings. Penicillium can grow on bread and other foods. Penicillin is produced by this type of mold, which was originally discovered in 1904 when Alexander Fleming noticed that mice were dying after eating bread with mold growing on it.

Penicillin kills bacteria by breaking down their cell walls, so it can be used to treat infections caused by viruses or bacteria as well as fungi. 

Cladosporium

Cladosporium is a common type of mold and can be found in soil, air, and on plant surfaces. It lives in areas with high humidity like houses, schools, and offices. Cladosporium is most likely to grow after flooding occurs when there are high levels of moisture in the air or on surfaces such as walls. This type of mold grows well if you have pets that shed fur indoors because it feeds off pet dander.  

Aspergillus

This mold is found in soil, decaying plant material, hay, grains, and straw. It also grows on food that has been stored for too long or was not properly processed or packaged before being sold at the store.

Stachybotrys chartarum

Stachybotrys chartarum, also commonly known as black mold, is a toxic mold that can cause extensive damage to homes and businesses. This type of mold can be found in water-damaged buildings or homes and should be treated quickly.

There are many types of mold

There are many types of mold, and they all look different. Some have flat-leaf shapes or tiny hairs that grow in clumps; some look like fuzzy green or brown spots, and others have thick tentacles or hair-like structures called “rhizoids” that allow the mold to attach itself to various materials.

When to call a mold remediation specialist

If you suspect that you have a mold problem, it's important to call a professional as soon as possible. Remediation efforts should always be taken if you notice any signs of mold in your home — especially if you see growth on wet surfaces such as linoleum floors or carpets because these areas will likely have other issues as well! 

If you have mold, don’t panic. It can be easy to take care of if you know what type of mold it is and how to deal with it. If you aren’t sure about the type of mold or don’t feel comfortable dealing with it yourself, contact an expert, such as our team here at SERVPRO, who can help you get rid of it safely and effectively.