What Does Black Mold Look Like?

Mold is a common household nuisance that can create a variety of health hazards. Black mold is a type of fungus that can be particularly dangerous due to its ability to produce allergens, irritants, and potentially toxic substances known as mycotoxins. It is important to identify black mold and know how to prevent it from growing in your home.

Identifying Black Mold

Black mold is an umbrella term given to several species of mold that can vary significantly in color, texture and shape. Despite its name, black mold can range in color from greenish-black to white and even orange. Mold spores grow in colonies, often looking like spots, patches, or strands of fuzz. The fuzzy texture and greenish-black color of many types of black mold make it easily identifiable.

Preventing Black Mold

To reduce the chances of black mold growing in your home, ensure good air circulation and ventilation. Keep the humidity levels in your home to the lower end of the ideal range by using a dehumidifier. Regularly inspect the home for areas of high humidity, such as bathrooms and basements, and take steps to dry out any wet spots, such as cleaning up spills quickly and adequately ventilating bathrooms when taking showers or baths. Additionally, keep an eye out for any areas with visible mold and call a professional for removal.

Removing Black Mold

If you spot mold in your home, it’s important to take action. Under no circumstances should you attempt to remove black mold yourself. It can be difficult to reach the root of the problem or to adequately remove spores from all surfaces. Contacting a professional mold removal expert is your best bet for removing black mold. They will assess your home, use specialized equipment to safely and effectively remove the mold, and provide advice to make sure it doesn’t come back.

Black mold can present many health risks, so it is important to identify it and take steps to prevent it from growing in your home. If you spot a fuzzy, greenish-black patch, be sure to contact an expert to safely and effectively remove it. With the right precautions, you can ensure the mold in your home is safely removed and won’t return in the future.