It thrives in damp areas with a lot of cellulose, such as cardboard or paper items. Black mold is also present in some foods that are high in cellulose and low acidity (e.g., nuts). However, mold can grow in any warm, wet areas of the house such as basements, showers, crawlspaces, and especially on windows.
How can you tell if you have black mold?
Signs of Black Mold
- A Musty Smell. Mold has a distinct smell. ...
- Growth Spots of Varying Colors. Black mold, as the name implies, is often dark in color. ...
- Water Damage Spots. To catch black mold early on, look for water damage spots.
How does black mold start in a house?
Mold spores find their way inside by hitchhiking on clothes, pet fur, and air currents into your home. But spores can't get comfortable without plenty of water. This is why you'll usually find black mold around water-damaged areas impacted by plumbing issues like floods or leaky pipes.