Different Types of Mould That Grow at Your Home

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Hopefully, you never have to face this problem but, a little damp area and humid climate can give rise to a variety of mould which can have serious health effects if left untreated. If such a problem ever occurs to you, be sure to consult a professional cleaning agency to eradicate your home of mould and have a healthy lifestyle.

Here are the different types of mould that usually grow at your home:

Alternaria

Found indoors and outdoors, Alternaria is the most common type of mould. Alternaria thrives in damp and dimly lit areas like shower, sink or a dark outdoor area. Alternaria can give rise to health problems like asthma attacks and allergic reactions.

Aspergillus

Another commonly found, minimally dangerous mould is aspergillus. It has over 85 species occurring in different colours. Although it is an allergic mould, subject to the species and environment, this mould can pose serious health issues.

Aureobasidium

Aureobasidium mould thrives on wooden furniture, surfaces, painted walls and wallpapers as well as round windows and in caulk. A pink and black spot in any of these areas is an indication of  Aureobasidium mould. As it is commonly found, many people have known to develop allergic reactions because of it and can cause more severe reaction as opposed to any other moulds.

Chaetomium

A drywall that has experienced water damage is the perfect breeding ground for Chaetomium mould. Typically you can identify this kind of mould by a musty or old odour in your home.

Fusarium

Colder, wetter areas usually facilitate the growth of Fusarium mould. Fusarium mould prefers carpeted areas and similar fabrics as their home. Being a mould, it causes the standard allergic reactions in addition to chronic infections and inflammations.

Penicillium

Penicillium is a quick spreading mould normally found indoors inside insulations and in water damaged areas with furniture and carpets. Like every other mould, Penicillium too can cause homeowner some serious sinus infections and also allergic reactions.

Stachybotrys Chartarum

Stachybotrys Chartarum or black mould also goes by the name of Toxic Mould owing to the toxic compound it creates. This compound (mycotoxins) can cause breathing issues, asthma attacks and many more health problems. This mould is normally found in areas that stay damp most of the times like air conditioning pipes and ducts.

Serpula Lacrymans

A commonly found outdoors mould, Serpula Lacrymans can also be found growing indoors on wooden surfaces. This mould feeds solely on wooden surfaces causing dry rot within the wood, gradually ruining the furniture. It has a yellow appearance.

See Also: How can you control mould growth in your home

May it be any type of mould, having it growing in your house can have serious respiratory issues to you and your family. And although some people seem immune to mould, children and elderly can have major problems. It's best to have a professional cleaning company do a mould test and get a thorough mould cleanup done. Contact Bio Cleanse Services on 0427 411 789 for mould remediation services.

Is your home infested with black mould?

Black mould or Stachybotrys chartarum is a fungus which is considered to be one of the most dangerous of its kind. It grows in dark, moist/damp places in the house like on the walls, tiles, ceilings and wooden cabinets. It not only gives your house an unkempt appearance but also poses a risk of several health problems to the inhabitants. Below are signs that will help you detect the presence of black mould in your house before it’s too late.

1. Musty odour

Mould has a musty, earthy and stale smell. Even if you do not see any mould but notice a peculiar smell when you enter an area in the house, it is a telltale sign of mould's presence. It is important to have the whole house inspected as mould could be hiding and growing underneath moist wallpapers, carpets, or in washing machines, air conditioning, etc.

In many cases, the occupants get accustomed to this musty, damp smell. Hence, it is advisable to have a friend to come over and detect if there are any odd smells.

2. Visible dark spots

Another sign that tells you black mould could be growing in your house is the appearance of black or dark green spots on the ceilings or walls. Black mould appears in clusters and often looks slimy. Even if you feel these spots are anything but mould, they could be due to water damage or standing water, which could lead to mould growth.

When you notice these spots are a result of water damage, call a water damage restoration specialist to clean and remediate the site as well as to check if there are any other areas that have suffered damages to avoid mould problems.

3. Effects on health

The most common health effects of black mould are allergic reactions. The symptoms include watery eyes, runny nose, coughing, wheezing, itchy eyes, headaches, fatigue, and skin irritation. If anyone in your house has been experiencing these symptoms for a while, it is best to have the entire house checked for mould by a professional.

4. Visible mould growth

At times, the growth of black mould in your house may be easily visible. While it is usually black in colour, furry and slimy, its colour may differ. In some cases, it may have hints of dark brown, greenish-black, or even orange or white.

No matter what the colour, every kind of mould needs to be removed thoroughly and the affected area should be disinfected properly.

If you suspect you may have a mould problem, call us on 0427 411 789 and we’ll take care of the rest.