Mold can often be an invisible threat to your home. Yes, there are occasions where you’ll see mold growing in your basement or bathroom where it is obvious that its present. Large swatches of black or blueish-hued fuzz are a telltale sign and generally the one that gets the most attention from homeowners. However, there are many different kinds of mold and even more places it loves to hide before it grows to be that gigantic black stain on your wall.

How then, do you recognize mold before you see it? There are a few ways that you can recognize mold in your walls; catching this problem early will help limit damage and the cost needed to reacclimate the problem.

1. Discoloration or stains on the wall

We already covered this a bit above but take a look at the wall or area in question. Don’t just glance – move furniture and floor coverings, get a flashlight and really study the wall. Pay particular attention to the area between the wall and the floor and the wall and the ceiling. Additionally, look closely at the paint in the area you think may have mold. Mold will generally create a stain on a wall that paint is unlikely to completely remove. If you see this, it’s a good shot that there is mold behind that wall.

2) Dampness

Run your hand along your walls and see if you feel any dampness. Worse still, if you see any dampness along the walls, you may have serious issues. The presence of water can come from a number of factors, from a leak in a pipe to humidity in your home.

Dark rings or stains on the wall are a good sign of moisture. Additionally, any discoloration in paint, like brown or yellow, will be a telltale sign of the presence of water. If paint or wallpaper is peeling or separating from the wall, moisture is the likely culprit as well.

3) Unusual smell

Your sense of smell is one of the best ways to determine if you have mold in your walls. If the mold growth is bad enough, you may be able to smell it anywhere in your home. Mold smells earthy, like damp leaves or wood in a forest.

With any luck, however, you haven’t got a bad mold situation yet. If that’s the case, you may not be able to smell the mold in your walls. If you do think you still have mold growth, get down on your hands and knees and smell the electrical outlets. As odd as it may sound, your outlets provide an opening between your home and the inside of the walls – you will be able to easily identify if mold is present.

4) Health Symptoms

One of the most impactful results of a mold infestation is the downturn your health can take. Itchy throat and eyes, coughing, wheezing, congestion and runny nose – if you notice a drastic uptick in any or all of these symptoms, you may have a mold infestation. Some forms of household mold can even cause serious injury and death.

Wrapping Up

Household mold in your walls can be a dangerous prospect for both you and your home’s integrity. If you think you have mold in your walls, be sure that you take the steps necessary to remediate it. If you’re unsure if you do have mold or know that you do and need help, seek a professional opinion. A qualified mold inspection company will be able to assist you with making a plan, removing the mold and even rebuilding afterward.