What do mold spores smell like

Mold latches onto surfaces that are dark, damp and offer a rich feeding ground. Wood, fibers and drywall are materials that can provide nutrients to mold spores when moisture is available. Since mold is likely to flourish in areas that offer substantial nourishment, homeowners are likely to smell mold in the attic, bathrooms, crawl spaces and basements. The health of the occupants in the home is also at stake when mold is present. Allergy symptoms are triggered by mold spores, and those with respiratory illnesses become increasingly vulnerable to ill health.

Mold odor is not the cause of sickness; rather, the mold spores that spew the odors are hazardous to human health. When a homeowner smells mold but visual clues are invisible to the naked eye, then mold testing can be performed by a professional to locate the colonies. A mold testing kit can also be inexpensively purchased from the local hardware store and utilized by the homeowner.

While a homeowner will likely be unable to pinpoint mold based on smell alone, the place where the odors are strongest may lead to the location of the mold growth. Since mold growth is most common in dark and damp places, the attic is often a prime spot for mold spores to flourish. Homeowners can thwart mold growth in the attic by increasing ventilation, repairing window leaks and completing roof repairs promptly. Hire a roofing professional to inspect the roof for leaks at least once a year.

Carpeting is a rich nutrient source for mold colonies to thrive, especially when the carpeting gets wet. Windows should be kept closed during rainstorms to prevent a soggy carpet and the inevitable mold growth that will eventually take hold underneath. Vacuuming weekly and immediately cleaning up liquid spills will also halt the growth of mold spores.

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Please click here to see any active alerts. Some compounds produced by molds have strong smells and are volatile and quickly released into the air. Because mold can grow within hours of coming in contact with moisture, it is imperative that water intrusion is promptly remedied.

Mold is often described as having a pungent, earthy scent, similar to rotting wood or wet socks. Just thinking about mold brings on unpleasant senses such as things that are damp, sour, or expired. Bleach is a good product to help eliminate the smell of mold, though if you have a significant mold infestation, we recommend bringing in a mitigation professional who can help you find the source of your mold problem.

Mold is found everywhere in nature. Like mushrooms, its purpose is to break down wood, leaves and other plant material into nutrient-rich dirt. Mold is made up of tiny, generally transparent filaments called hyphae. As these hyphae take in nutrients from the substrate they are growing on they create a fuzzy blanket called mycelium.

This is when molds become visible. As the mycelium reaches the next stage of development it is ready to spread. To do this it creates and distributes spores. A lot of spores. You can help the process along by opening a window or venting the room with a fan, as well. Mold infestations almost never go away on their own; instead, they only get worse with time.

And if you deny the problem for too long, a funky smell may eventually become the least of your concerns. Smell can be a powerful trigger for memories and emotions. Your nose will thank you! Send us your comments and questions and our team of mold experts will answer your questions!