Most homeowners might panic at hearing the word “mold,” but the truth is that you’re likely to have to deal with it at some point. Mold is more abundant than you might imagine outside, and it loves to grow in dark and damp places. The very first sign of this fungi does not necessarily require mold removal, however – only certain types are toxic, and the only sure way to determine if it is hazardous is through accurate mold testing. You can still educate yourself and figure out when you might need to call in the professionals by learning about these three types of mold to watch for in your home.

1. Aspergillus

Aspergillus comes in many different colors. It may be mild and only cause allergies in some people, but other types can be toxic. As it can affect each person differently, only some people in the house might show symptoms. Aspergillus likes to live in insulation, paper, air conditioning systems, soil, and walls.

2. Cladosporium

Cladosporium is often black, gray, brown, or green. This kind is most likely to be found in a bathroom around toilets, particularly behind them. It can also grow on paint, insulation, air ducts, and wood. It is probably the least toxic of the three, but it may still lead to allergic reactions in certain people.

3. Stachybotrys

Stachybotrys is the black mold that most homeowners fear. It loves to grow in damp areas and can only be fully removed by tackling it at its source. Stachybotrys exposure often presents through symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, irritated throat or eyes, runny nose, rash on the skin, and diarrhea.

Call a Mold Professional

The problem with identifying mold in the home is that many of them look similar. If you see black mold, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s Stachybotrys. The best way to tell for sure if you have toxic mold on your hands is to have a mold inspection done by the professionals. Contact our team at Mold Masters to schedule your inspection today.