Mold is a type of fungus which thrives in wet and humid areas. They, sometimes, look like mushrooms or yeast. It also grows within 48 hours after water damage, flooding, or an increase in humidity.

Mold spores exist in the air. They only become visible when there are areas of water intrusion. It can lead to structural damage and health issues when left untreated or undetected.

Here are seven signs that you might have mold growing in your home:

1. Visible mold: These may appear on walls as black, white, gray, or greenish spots. Usually, if you can see the mold, it means the damage is a lot worse than you think. Molds can cause warping and deterioration in furniture and ceilings.
2. Musty, damp smell: If you notice your house smells musty, it’s a sign that you’ve got mold growing in your home. Please, don’t ignore the smell; it could lead to worse problems.
3. Health issues: Mold can often lead to health issues like difficulty breathing, nausea, tiredness, skin inflammation, nosebleeds, headaches, coughing, and flu-like symptoms. It can also lead to an infection, especially if a person has a weak immune system, asthma, or a chronic lung condition. Black mold is known to cause the most damage because it contains mycotoxins that negatively affect the respiratory functions of the body.
4. Water leaks: Behind every mold is a water leak. Broken pipes and backed up sewers could be breeding grounds for mold. You may find mold behind walls and other surfaces that have water stains or appear warped.
5. Condensation: High levels of humidity could lead to condensation. Mold can also grow in areas where water condenses like glass windows and metal pipes. Always check these areas for mold.
6. Flooding history: If you’ve experienced a flood or hurricane, then there’s a probability you have mold growing in your space. Mold tends to grow where water stayed the longest.
7. Bleach method: Here’s a quick tip. Grab a cotton swab and dip it in diluted bleach. Run the swab against the wall. If the area you rubbed against gets lighter then, it’s probably mold.

What do you do when you notice mold growing in your home?

A lot of people result to using bleach to scrub mold off their walls, but this is ineffective. The mold will only grow more. It is better to get it completely removed.