Mold 101: Covering the Basics

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

Mold is a fungus that can grow in any damp area of your home and it's not always easy to identify. This guide will help you understand what mold is, where it comes from and how to get rid of it permanently.

What is Mold?

Mold is a fungus that reproduces by making spores. Spores are microscopic and can be invisible to the naked eye. Molds come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. They may be fuzzy or moldy looking and they will usually be some shade of green, black, white, or gray.

Molds reproduce by making spores that spread through the air and settle on surfaces where they can germinate into colonies of the mold with new generations of spores that continue to spread throughout your home or office space.

Where Does it Come From?

Mold is found everywhere, even in the air we breathe. It's also present in our food and on our pets. In fact, mold doesn't need to eat anything to survive — it can grow on wood, paper, and other organic material as long as there is moisture present.

Mold grows best when there's plenty of moisture around (think humid environments), but it can also grow in dry areas if they're warm enough. It will thrive in wet areas such as bathrooms or kitchens where there are leaks from pipes or roof damage; basements with poor ventilation; floors covered with damp carpeting; roofs with leaky gutters; under sinks without adequate drainage holes and windows without screens.

How Does it Spread?

Mold spores are microscopic and float through the air. They can travel through ventilation systems, be carried on shoes, clothing, and other personal items, or be carried by pets.

When it Comes to Mold, Knowledge is Power

Mold spores are everywhere; they're carried by air currents and wind, so no place is completely free from mold contamination—you just have to use common sense when determining if you need professional help to clean up an infestation problem.

It’s important to know exactly where mold comes from and how it spreads so you can protect yourself and your family. If you have any questions about removing mold from your house, please feel free to contact us here at SERVPRO of San Diego East for more information!