Certain mold varieties are most commonly associated with home infestation problems than others. This post by Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services in Polk County shows you how to spot and avoid them.

Although hidden from our sight, mold is everywhere: in air, food, clothing, every corner of your home, and generally, in any place with oxygen and humidity. Being a type of fungus, it goes without saying that mold has a symbiotic relationship with the environment; that is, it plays a crucial role in the decomposition of rotting wood, fallen leaves, and any other organic waste. Nevertheless, it can also present a health risk to people when it thrives in enclosed spaces.

Mold exposure can lead to asthma attacks, rashes, headaches, sneezing, and other health risks. Fortunately, there are two things you can do on your own to keep mold under control: on the one hand, you should keep your home as dry and ventilated as possible to prevent mold colonies (as you may know, molds thrive in warm, moist environments). On the other hand, knowledge is power; therefore, learning about the different types of mold and how to find them can be very useful in taking the necessary preventive measures to control them. That said, this post by Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services shares some information about it.

If your home needs the best cleaning and restoration services in Polk County, call Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services at 888-436-3499 to get a damage assessment and a free estimate. Don't forget they offer 24/7 services!

Most Common Types of Mold in the Household

Penicillium

The name of this mold probably reminds you of penicillin, and rightly so, since its properties are indispensable in the production of antibiotics, not to mention cheeses and some types of meat. However, this type of mold can be pathogenic and allergenic like the rest, especially for people with compromised immune systems.

Now, it only takes leaving a piece of fruit or bread out of the fridge to visualize this type of mold. A large penicillium colony usually looks bluish, although its spores can also be green and yellow. Texturally, it is typically powdery and velvety.

With the above said, it is imperative to seal bread bags tightly and store fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and fresh foods in the refrigerator to prevent penicillium growth. On top of that, ensure to keep the most humid areas of your home (kitchen, laundry room, bathrooms) as dry as possible with the help of a dehumidifier.

Alternaria

Alternaria spores are mainly known to resist windy conditions; that's why they quickly spread through the air. When they arrive in a damp and dark environment, they increase until they become noticeable to the naked eye as black or brownish-gray dots with a filamentous or hairy texture.

In households, Alternaria is mainly found on materials such as wood, wallpaper, and textiles. That said, it goes without saying that it can thrive on carpets, tiles, window frames, and even air conditioning systems (remember that its spores are highly resistant to wind).

Like other types of mold, Alternaria is associated with asthma attacks and allergies; therefore, it's imperative to maintain humidity control in your home. That said, we recommend using dehumidifiers and air purifiers to keep the humidity in your home below 60%.

Water damage can lead to rapid mold growth, hence the importance of acting quickly and calling for help if you notice leaks or standing water in your house. Call Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services at 888-436-3499 for more information about the best cleaning and restoration services in Polk County.

Cladosporium

This variety of mold is one of the most widespread worldwide. Most Cladosporium species can be found on rotting logs, decaying plants, and even over other types of fungi. Although slow-growing, Cladosporium can form extensive colonies that are easily distinguished by their cottony texture and dark olive color.

An interesting thing to note about Cladosporium is that most of its species do not cause health problems in humans; however, some species cause respiratory, eye, skin, and even nail infections.

Like many other molds, Cladosporium can be controlled by keeping the home well ventilated, illuminated, and with low humidity levels. To that end, ensure no water leaks are found in the kitchen or bathrooms, open your blinds and windows during the day to let the sun in and the air circulate, and don't forget to use dehumidifiers in the most humid areas of the house.

Stachybotrys

Despite being one of the many species of mold that can thrive in your home, there are some peculiarities worth noting about the Stachybotrys mold variety, also known as "black mold": on the one hand, it requires large amounts of moisture to grow, which is why it thrives during floods, near leaking pipes, or in places that are constantly damp. On the other hand, it is believed that this variety of mold is highly toxic and dangerous to humans; however, such assertion has not been proven. What is a reality is that both people with compromised immune systems and people with increased sensitivity to Stachybotrys can have severe symptoms when exposed to this mold.

Like other types of mold, Stachybotrys control in the home requires constant ventilation and humidity control. Contact a professional if the problem gets out of control, and you notice circular black or greenish spots accompanied by an intense musty odor.

Contact Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services at 888-436-3499 if you spot a mold problem at home. Our remediation team will assess the severity of the problem and create an action plan to eliminate the infestation as soon as possible. Call our team today for more information about the best cleaning and restoration services in Polk County.