How Crawl Space Mold Affects Your Health

What is Crawl Space Mold?

Crawl space mold thrives in the persistent dampness and humid climate of North and South Carolina. This is especially common if the crawl space is unencapsulated. Since various mold types exist, identifying the species and extent of damage is critical for determining the best long-term solution.

Types of Crawl Space Mold

Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, and Alternaria are among the molds commonly found in crawl spaces. Here’s more:

• Stachybotrys (often called “black mold”): Stachybotrys chartarum is often associated with water damage and health concerns. It appears dark green or black with a slimy or fuzzy texture.
• Aspergillus: Some Aspergillus species, which can appear white, green, yellow, or brown, produce potent toxins, while others trigger allergies.
• Penicillium: Some Penicillium species produce mycotoxins, and others are used to make life-saving antibiotics (like penicillin). They often appear bluish-green or white.
• Cladosporium: This genus thrives in indoor and outdoor environments. Cladosporium species are often dark green or black and cause allergic reactions.
• Alternaria: The Alternaria mold species causes allergies and thrives in various environments, including crawl spaces.

Molds often change in color at various growth stages or due to environmental factors. The mold species and prevalence will vary depending on geographic location, moisture levels, and building materials. 

Contact a professional for a mold assessment and safe remediation. After removal, working with a crawl space expert to address the underlying causes of mold will help prevent its return.

What Causes Crawl Space Mold?

Crawl space mold is caused by many factors, including:

Identifying and addressing the cause of excessive crawl space moisture helps prevent further mold growth and foundation damage.

How Does Mold Affect Your Health?

Exposure to damp, moldy environments negatively impacts health, leading to many symptoms, including: 

Individuals with allergies, asthma, or compromised immune systems may experience more severe effects, depending on the mold species and level of exposure.

If you or your family members experience these mold-related symptoms, seek professional medical advice for diagnosis and treatment, including potential mold allergy testing. 

How to Prevent Mold in Crawl Space Areas

Prevent mold by first contacting a mold remediation expert for a safe and thorough removal. Next, address the underlying causes of moisture and mold by sealing cracks, replacing damaged joists and beams, and repairing leaky pipes and plumbing. After addressing these, implement crawl space encapsulation methods to ensure the area remains dry and healthy. Encapsulation methods include:

After mold remediation, contact Mount Valley Foundation Services for a free crawl space inspection to determine the right course of action for your home.

Schedule a Free Crawl Space Inspection Today

Crawl Space Mold FAQs

How quickly can mold and wood rot develop?

Mold can grow within 24-48 hours in moist conditions. Wood rot development depends on the wood’s exposure to moisture and fungi, but it generally takes longer to become noticeable.

Is DIY mold removal possible?

While DIY methods like bleach scrubbing are appealing, they won’t fully eradicate mold or tackle its root cause. Entering your crawl space alone can be risky. Rely on professional mold removal, and then count on Mount Valley Foundation Services for crawl space moisture solutions. 

How do I clean up mold or bug feces in my basement or crawl space?

For mold, use a mixture of water and bleach. For bug feces, sweep them up carefully and dispose of them securely.

Shaye Glisson

Shaye is an SEO Content Writer for Groundworks with over twelve years of experience creating helpful content across various industries, including home services and retail. She is a Gulf Coast native and writes from her firsthand knowledge of the area's hurricane and flood impacts on the local community. In her free time, Shaye enjoys exploring the local food and music scenes.

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