Mold is sneaky. You might not see it, but that doesn’t mean it’s not there. In fact, some of the most harmful molds are completely invisible to the naked eye. They can hide in walls, ceilings, carpets, and even your HVAC system.
The worst part?
These molds can cause serious health issues like allergies, respiratory problems, and even neurological effects. Mold inspection services in Longboat Key can detect what you can’t see. Let’s explore the different types of invisible molds that might be in your home.
Types of Molds Only Mold Inspection Services in Longboat Key Can Find
1. Aspergillus
This mold is often found in
· Air conditioning systems
· Insulation
· Household dust
While some species of Aspergillus are harmless, others produce toxins that can cause health problems like:
· Lung infections
· Allergic reactions
· Breathing issues
Its size is microscopic, so only mold inspectors can properly detect and measure its presence.
2. Stachybotrys (Black Mold)
You may have seen or heard about black mold; Stachybotrys is its biological term. It is one of the most toxic molds. It grows in damp environments like behind drywall, under carpets, and inside ventilation ducts.
Even though it’s called black mold, it’s often invisible as it grows in hidden areas. Mold inspection services in Longboat Key use specific equipment to find mold before it affects your health.
3. Cladosporium
This mold is special because it can grow in both warm and cold places. You often find it inside cabinets, behind wallpaper, and in carpets. Being around this mold can cause skin rashes, sinus infections, and long-lasting coughs. Since it can blend in with its surroundings and isn’t always easy to see, only experts can find it accurately.
4. Penicillium
Penicillium spreads quickly and is often found in water-damaged areas like wet carpets, old insulation, and wallpaper. While some species of Penicillium are used in medicine, the kind found in your home can trigger severe allergies and asthma.
It doesn’t always create visible spores, and you have to hire mold inspection services in Longboat Key to locate and eliminate it.
5. Fusarium
Fusarium is a type of mold that can grow in cooler temperatures and is not the same as molds that like to live indoors. It is often found in:
· Water-damaged walls
· Upholstery (like furniture)
· Humid basements
Being around Fusarium can cause problems like eye infections, skin irritation, and breathing issues. It's important to identify it early before it spreads.
6. Alternaria
Have you ever seen black, gray, or green mold hidden in bathrooms, kitchens, and damp basements? It could be Alternaria, although not always, as some molds of the same color belong to different species.
Alternaria spreads through the air and can trigger allergies, asthma attacks, and skin conditions.
Detecting it requires particular equipment that most people don't have at home. Mold inspection services in Longboat Key have those tools, and they can accurately identify and effectively control mold growth.
7. Chaetomium
This mold is often found in drywall, carpets, and water-damaged wood. It has a strong, musty odor but is not always evident. Chaetomium exposure can cause headaches, fatigue, and neurological symptoms. The best way to find mold is through mold inspectors. They use advanced testing to pinpoint its location.
8. Trichoderma
Trichoderma grows quickly in damp areas, especially around leaky pipes and basements. While some types of Trichoderma are harmless, others produce mycotoxins that can damage the immune system. It often grows within walls or hidden surfaces, and individuals who have no expertise in it can’t identify it. Mold inspection services in Longboat Key do this job accurately.
9. Ulocladium
This mold loves water-damaged areas and is often found in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
Ulocladium exposure can cause serious respiratory problems, especially in individuals with asthma. It looks similar to other molds and blends into surfaces; only mold assessors can properly recognize and remove it.
10. Serpula
It is also termed as yellow mold. It primarily grows on wooden surfaces. While it doesn't pose a severe health risk, it causes other costly problems, such as:
· Rapidly deteriorating wood structures
· Weakening floors and walls
· Damaging furniture
This mold often grows beneath wooden panels or inside crawl spaces where it’s hard to observe. Mold inspection services in Longboat Key use borescopes, and with their small cameras, they can identify and prevent structural damage.
11. Mucor
Mucor is a fast-growing mold. It's often found near HVAC systems, air conditioning units, and damp carpets. This mold can cause respiratory infections and allergic reactions. People with weak immune systems are especially at risk. Mucor spreads through tiny airborne spores. Mold inspectors use special air tests to find and remove mold. This helps maintain good indoor air quality.
Endnote
Just because you can’t see mold doesn’t mean it’s not there or not harming you. Invisible mold can trigger allergies, worsen asthma, and even lead to long-term health problems. Hiring mold inspection services in Longboat Key can save you in this situation. They use borescopes and other tools to detect what your eyes can’t.