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Types of Mold Found in Tennessee

From mildewed towels to food that’s gone bad, everyone has encountered mold at least a few times in their life. However, many people may not realize that mold is considered a fungus. In fact, mold species are some of the most common fungi found throughout Tennessee and the world. 

While mold is often found in nature, sometimes it finds its way into your home. In addition to its unpleasant appearance, mold can cause a wide range of health issues, such as allergic reactions and asthma. U.S Pest Protection can help you discover what types of mold may be growing in your home and what issues they could cause.

Types of Mold in Tennessee

Black Mold

Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, is a greenish-black fungus often found in areas of high moisture levels, such as walls, basements, and bathrooms. Not only is the black growth an upsetting sight in your home, it can damage your health. Black mold can cause a variety of health issues, including:

  • Chronic allergic reactions
  • Skin rashes
  • Sore throats
  • Headaches
  • Infant pulmonary hemorrhage

While black mold is relatively easy to identify on your own, it’s best to leave removal to the professionals. Black mold is difficult to get rid of, and directly interacting with it may cause even more serious health issues. U.S. Pest Protection’s experts have the knowledge and equipment to remove black mold from your home safely.

Penicillium

If “Penicillium” sounds familiar, it’s because of antibiotics. This type of mold was used to develop penicillin, the first “true” antibiotic. While Penicillium may have helped make history in the world of medicine, it can be frustrating to find in your home. 

While you can often find this dense, blue-green mold on expired produce or bread, it also lurks in damp areas of your home, such as your basement, carpets, and walls. Penicillium can cause health issues such as allergies and asthma and should be removed by professionals.

Chaetomium

If there’s water damage in your home, Chaetomium is likely to find it. While typically found outdoors in soil, Chaetomium’s airborne spores can float into your house and make themselves at home in damp areas. This olive-green mold feeds on cellulose-rich materials, such as drywall, wallpaper, and wood.

In addition to hay fever, asthma, and skin infections, there’s evidence that Chaetomium can also cause permanent neurological damage and autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and lupus. If you find this mold in your home, it may be an indication of more serious moisture issues.

Aureobasidium

Aureobasidium is a black and pink, yeast-like mold that grows on damp wooden furniture, walls, and wallpaper. There are four types of Aureobasidium, including:

  • A. namibiae: Discovered growing on marble surface in Namibia.
  • A. subglaciale: Only found in the Arctic.
  • A. melanogenum: Found in aquatic environments.
  • A. pullulans: Found in nature, but also develops in humid indoor environments.

Like other types of mold in your home, Aureobasidium can cause serious health issues, such as hay fever, asthma, skin infections, and pneumonitis, an inflammation of the lungs. While you may be tempted to remove infected furniture or wallpaper on your own, call professionals to remove mold-infected items safely.

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

When it comes to protecting your home and family from mold, don’t take chances. U.S. Pest Protection’s experts will inspect your home for potential mold infestations safely and provide a free estimate for our removal services. 

We believe protection begins with prevention. If your home is mold-free, we can help you keep it that way with our preventative services. Schedule your free inspection today!

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