You've heard the saying, "It's not the heat it's the humidity"? Well, in the case of black mold, this could not be more true. Damp or wet environments, like those found in humid areas, create the perfect breeding ground for black mold and unfortunately, it doesn't take a lot of time for a mold colony to grow and seize control over a large area. Mold spores can grow in just 24 short hours when the conditions are right, like in humid areas. In as little as one day, you might grow an entire colony of mold.

Once you understand how quickly the situation can get out of control, you understand the importance of having a mold inspection contractor visit your home to do some testing-especially if you suspect or are concerned about black mold because in some cases, black mold can be toxic.

Toxic Black Mold - You might not realize it but the black mold in your home may be engaged in a deadly turf war with other types of mold as well as any other organism that threatens its livelihood. In order to protect itself, some black mold produces something called a mycotoxin. Mycotoxins are airborne toxins that are harmful to other organisms and molds. If you have mold in your home producing mycotoxins and your family inhales them, they may begin to experience some health ramifications. That is why it is important to call a mold testing contractor to test your home and determine whether you have a black mold infestation.

Identifying Black Mold - While black mold could be hiding under your carpet and in your walls, you can still very often find it colonizing obvious places. Black mold on a wall, possibly a bathroom, laundry room or kitchen, will generally be spread out in a random pattern. It may be heavy in some areas and lighter in others. It may also be found inside the grout between your tiles or on the pipes of these damp areas.

You may also find black mold on ceilings, under furniture, and inside insulation. In most of those areas, it will look the same as it does on a wall. Black mold growing inside insulation looks more consistently black and doesn't have as sporadic a pattern.
In some cases you may find black mold growing along with green mold. Don't let this lull you into a false sense of security. Green mold can grow with black mold-it does not mean that you have a less dangerous type of mold infestation.

After Discovery - Once your mold inspector has found black mold in your home, it is important that you don't try to clean it up yourself. Mold spores can easily be made airborne. Cleaning the area without professional experience and knowledge could result in the creation of a bigger problem as you assist mold spores in becoming airborne. Once airborne, these spores will move throughout your home creating new colonies that you are unaware of. No matter what kind of mold you have in your home, it is imperative that you get it removed immediately. Whether or not it's toxic black mold, non-toxic black mold, or any other mold, it is not safe for you to let it grow and colonize unabated in your home. A mold inspection can help you find and fix the source of your mold infestation and can be the first step in making your home feel clean again.