Mold Types Found in Orlando

Mold is a silent intruder that can appear in any property, but it’s especially prevalent in types of mold in homes within a humid state like Florida. Florida, a sunny coastal state, is susceptible to hurricane seasons due to its proximity to the sea, creating an ideal environment for mold growth. 

 

Knowing the different types of mold is a must for homeowners, but why? Can toxic mold make you sick? Mold spores can trigger allergic reactions, and for individuals with fragile immune systems, exposure can lead to serious health issues and problems. Early detection and mold removal can save you from hefty repairs, but most importantly, protect your health.

 

In this blog post, we will delve into the various mold species that one may encounter in the Orlando area. We will explore the importance of understanding these molds, discuss the symptoms of mold exposure, and how you can prevent future mold growth. Let’s look closer at the different mold types found in Orlando, Florida.

 

Let’s look closer at the different types of mold in homes.

Stachybotry Chartarum

 

• Appearance: A lot of people wonder what black mold looks like. Stachybotrys is often known as “black mold” due to its appearance. This particular species is a highly dangerous mold and often considered one of the toxic molds. According to some experts, complete mold removal may be impossible once it has invaded a home, especially in water damaged buildings.

 

• Growth Conditions: Black mold can grow on different surfaces, including gypsum board, wood, drywall, and paper. It thrives in damp building materials, commonly found in places like basements, bathrooms, and showers, where mold grows due to excess moisture.

 

• Health Risks: Exposure to Stachybotrys can result in persistent sinus infections, respiratory problems, fatigue, and even feelings of depression. People with compromised immune systems or weak immune systems are particularly at risk of experiencing severe reactions or developing serious infections.

Where is it Found?

Stachybotrys, or black mold, is typically found in areas with hidden white mold, such as behind painted walls or under flooring. In Orlando, mold found in damp areas like basements and crawl spaces can easily go unnoticed until it becomes a serious issue.

Aspergillus

• Appearance: Aspergillus can appear in various colors, including white, yellow, green, or black. It may look powdery and white in its early stages but can develop into a fuzzy texture as it grows.

 

• Growth Conditions: This mold species thrives in warm and damp areas, especially on building materials like insulation and carpeting. Aspergillus can also grow on clothing and within air conditioning systems. Poor ventilation in homes contributes to its spread.

 

• Health Risks: Exposure to Aspergillus can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and even serious lung infections such as aspergillosis in people with weakened immune systems. It’s classified as a pathogenic mold, particularly risky for those with compromised immune systems.

Where is it Found?

Aspergillus is commonly found in Orlando homes with damp areas, such as basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. It can also develop in air conditioner filters, hvac systems, and damp carpeting. 

Outdoors, it’s frequently found in soil, decaying leaves, and compost piles. Due to its versatility, it is one of the most widespread molds in Orlando.

Penicillium

• Appearance: This mold species typically appears blue, yellow, or green and has a fuzzy texture. It often produces a strong, musty odor, and is sometimes referred to as green mold due to its coloration.

 

• Growth Conditions: Penicillium thrives in damp building materials such as wallpaper, carpeting, and insulation. It is also commonly found in food storage areas and in homes with poor ventilation.

 

• Health Risks: Exposure to Penicillium can cause allergic reactions, including hay fever and asthma-like symptoms. It may also lead to lung infections in people with compromised immune systems.

Where is it Found?

Penicillium is toxic mold often found in damp environments such as basements and kitchens. It also grows on stored foods and inside window frames, making it a frequent mold found in homes.

 

Penicillium is often found in homes with water damage or poor ventilation. It thrives on damp surfaces like water-damaged wallpaper, carpeting, and insulation. It can also grow on food and organic materials in storage areas. 

Cladosporium

• Appearance: Cladosporium mold typically exhibits an olive-green or brown hue and a velvety texture reminiscent of suede.

 

• Growth conditions: Unlike most types of mold, Cladosporium can thrive in cooler environments and is commonly found on fabrics, carpets, and wooden surfaces, including wooden structures.

 

• Health Risks: Cladosporium exposure can result in respiratory problems, skin irritation, and sinusitis, particularly in people with weak immune systems or allergic reactions.

Where is it Found?

Cladosporium is house mold often found in damp areas, especially around window frames, carpets, and air conditioning systems. Its ability to grow in both cool and warm environments makes it one of the most common indoor molds in Orlando.

 

It can even grow in refrigerator seals and other cold storage areas, making it a unique mold in terms of its ability to thrive in both warm and cold environments.

Alternaria

• Appearance: This mold species can vary in color, ranging from dark green to brown or black. It has a fuzzy texture and typically grows in branching patterns. Also, this is the most common mold type in the world.

 

• Growth Conditions: Alternaria is commonly found on decaying wood and soil, but indoors, it thrives in damp areas like bathrooms, showers, and tile grout.

 

• Health Risks: Alternaria exposure can trigger asthma attacks, hay fever, and even respiratory irritation, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.

Where is it Found?

Alternaria is commonly found indoors on window frames, shower tiles, and other damp areas, but it can also be found outdoors in damp soil or on plants. 

 

Outdoors, Alternaria is widespread in soil and plants, which can make it a frequent intruder in Orlando homes, especially during the rainy season. Its outdoor presence often leads health problems due to it being brought inside on shoes, clothing, and pets.

 

Chaetomium

• Appearance: Chaetomium exhibits a cotton-like texture, gradually transitioning from white to gray and eventually to black as time passes.

 

• Growth Conditions: Chaetomium flourishes in homes affected by water damage, particularly in wooden structures, drywall, and wallpaper.

 

• Health Risks: Although not considered a toxigenic mold, Chaetomium can cause skin rashes and fungal infections for those exposed for prolonged periods.

Where is it Found?

Chaetomium is pink mold most commonly found in homes that have experienced water damage. It thrives in areas such as basements, attics, and behind drywall where water has seeped in unnoticed. This mold is also commonly found on wooden structures, wallpaper, baseboards, and even on wooden beams in damp environments. 

 

In Orlando, where high humidity and heavy rainfall are common, Chaetomium can be a persistent problem in water-damaged homes.

Trichoderma

• Appearance: Trichoderma mold is typically green or white and has a soft, velvety texture. It often has a mild odor.

 

• Growth Conditions: Trichoderma mold is very common in Orlando’s climate. It can be found in soil and rotten fruits. It is also used in commercial products, such as biofertilizers and biopesticides.

 

• Health Risks: Trichoderma is generally safe but can cause allergic reactions in some people, particularly those with weakened immune systems.

Where is it Found?

Trichoderma is commonly found in both indoors and outdoors, often in damp soil or water-damaged areas like basements. 

 

Trichoderma is also used commercially in products like biofertilizers and biopesticides, but when found in homes, it can grow on surfaces like wallpaper and wood exposed to water damage.

 

It’s essential to note that these are just some of the common mold types found in Orlando. Other types of mold and species may also be present, and it’s best to consult a professional for proper identification.

Keep Your House Mold-Free With Mold Remediation of Orlando

In Orlando, mold is not merely an inconvenience; it’s a potential health hazard. Exposure to certain types of mold can have serious health consequences, especially for those with weakened immune systems or respiratory issues. 

 

If you suspect your property has a mold infestation, acting quickly and hiring a professional mold remediation company in Orlando is crucial. Here at Mold Remediation of Orlando, we have the expertise and equipment to safely remove the mold and restore your home to a healthy environment. Get in touch with our team today!