Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Mold Are Most Common in Homes?
Mold is more than just an eyesore — it can seriously impact your health, especially when it goes undetected. Here are the five most common mold types found in homes across Tennessee, Kentucky, and Alabama:
1. Cladosporium
One of the most common indoor molds, Cladosporium grows on wood, carpets, fabrics, and HVAC vents. It thrives in both warm and cool environments and is known to trigger allergic reactions like sneezing, coughing, and eye irritation.
2. Penicillium
Penicillium often appears as blue, green, or yellow fuzzy growth on water-damaged walls, insulation, or furniture. Its spores can easily become airborne and may cause sinus infections, breathing issues, or even chronic inflammation in mold-sensitive individuals.
3. Aspergillus
This mold is commonly found in dust, air conditioning systems, and old building materials. While some strains are harmless, others produce mycotoxins that can pose a risk to people with asthma or weakened immune systems.
4. Stachybotrys chartarum (Black Mold)
Often referred to as “toxic black mold,” Stachybotrys thrives in areas with excessive moisture, such as after a flood, leak, or ongoing humidity issues. It produces mycotoxins that have been linked to fatigue, headaches, memory problems, and respiratory symptoms. This is one of the most serious molds to address quickly.
5. Alternaria
Alternaria is frequently found in bathrooms, kitchens, under sinks, and near leaky windows. It spreads quickly in dark, damp areas and can contribute to asthma flare-ups and chronic allergy symptoms if left untreated.
Yes — mold can come back if the root cause (like moisture or poor ventilation) hasn’t been fully resolved. Even with professional cleanup, leftover humidity or hidden leaks can lead to a recurrence. That’s why post-remediation mold inspections with a detection dog like Ace are so valuable — she can confirm whether the remediation was truly effective before walls are closed or new construction begins.
Can mold return after remediation?
If a leak was repaired but the area wasn’t dried properly, could there still be mold?
Definitely. If an area stays damp for more than 24–48 hours after a leak, mold can begin growing — even if the leak was fixed. Mold can thrive behind walls, under flooring, or in insulation where moisture lingers unnoticed. Ace’s nose can detect it long before symptoms appear or visible damage is seen.
Can mold grow inside a wall without a water source?
Yes — all mold needs is moisture, not necessarily a plumbing leak. High humidity, condensation, or poor airflow can cause moisture buildup in wall cavities, creating the perfect environment for hidden mold to grow. That’s why mold can develop in places you'd least expect — and why canine detection is so effective.
Is post-remediation testing necessary if everything looks clean?
Yes — mold can still be present even when the surface looks clean. Spores and mycotoxins may linger behind walls or under floors, especially if remediation wasn't thorough. Ace can confirm whether mold is still present by detecting its scent, giving you peace of mind before rebuilding or moving back in.