Types of Fungi in Tennessee

While most people may think of mushrooms when they hear the word “fungus,” mold is actually part of the fungi family. Mold are a large, diverse variety of fungi found throughout Tennessee and the world. In fact, thousands of mold fungi types are found throughout the Volunteer State.

Fungi can create serious health problems indoors, such as allergic reactions and asthma. U.S Pest Protection can help you discover what type of fungus may be growing in your home, and what issues they may cause.

Types of Fungi in Tennessee

Black Mold

Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, is a greenish-black fungus that feeds on moisture in walls, bathrooms, and other warm, humid areas. In addition to being an unpleasant sight in your home, this fungus can cause health issues ranging from mild allergic reactions to serious headaches and black mold poisoning.

If you’ve found black mold in your home, it’s wise to contact professionals immediately. Like other fungi, it is extremely difficult to get rid of, and can cause long-term health issues to you and your family if it isn’t dealt with quickly.

Brown Rot

Monilinia fructicola, or “brown rot” is capable of causing damage inside and outside of your home. In addition to infecting and destroying orchards, brown rot is notorious for damaging the wood in homes. 

In the United States, it causes more damage to wood than fire does per year. If there’s moisture in your home’s wooden structures, brown rot spores will grow and feed on the cellulose in the wood. You can identify brown rot-damaged wood by its crumbly, cube-shaped bits.

White Rot

Similarly to brown rot, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, or “white rot” can easily destroy trees in the outdoors and wooden structures in your home. It thrives in warm, humid environments, and can cause allergic reactions and infections.

You can determine whether or not wood has been infected with white rot by its color. Wood that has been damaged by white rot takes on a white or light-yellowish shade. Like other fungi, white rot can be difficult and dangerous to get rid of by yourself. It’s wise to bring in experts to deal with this health and property hazard.

Cladosporium

Cladosporium is a common fungus found in homes. It typically grows in humid areas, such as:

• Attics
• Bathrooms
• Basements
• HVAC vents and grills

Regarding health issues, Cladosporium can cause allergic reactions, asthma, and in rare cases, infections. While it typically appears as brown, green, or black spots, this fungus has over 500 subspecies. Rather than attempt to identify mold on your own and risk exposure to Cladosporium’s harmful spores, contact U.S. Pest Protection.

Alternaria

In addition to being a common, widespread fungus, Alternaria is a plant pathogen capable of infecting over 4,000 plant species. While typically found outside, its spores are lightweight, and can easily catch a breeze into your home. Once Alternaria has invaded your home, it will grow in the following areas:

• Carpets
• Wallpaper
• Textiles
• Window frames
• Air conditioning systems

Like other similar fungi, Alternaria can cause allergic reactions and asthma. Additionally, it can affect the health of your skin and nails. Children, the elderly, and individuals with pulmonary disease are especially threatened by this fungus. 

Alternaria is difficult to distinguish from other species without professional testing. If you believe that you’ve found this fungus species in your home, U.S. Pest Protection can help you safely identify it.

Schedule a Free Fungi Inspection with U.S. Pest Protection Today

Protect your home and family from fungi. U.S. Pest Protection’s experts will safely inspect your home for potential fungal infections and provide a free estimate for our services. 

We believe prevention is a key aspect of protection. Even if we don’t find fungi during our inspection, we offer preventative measures to ensure your home stays fungi-free. Schedule your free inspection today!