Welcome to the wonderful world of mold—just kidding, there’s nothing wonderful about finding mold in your home! Mold may be natural, but when it’s lurking in the corners of our living spaces, it can cause real trouble. From aggravating allergies to damaging walls and floors, mold is a problem best handled quickly. And here’s the kicker: not all molds are the same. Different types of mold thrive in different places and can vary in how they affect your health and your property.
Today, we’re diving into the various types of mold homeowners should watch out for. We’ll cover everything from the dreaded black mold to molds that you might spot around sinks, basements, and even air conditioning vents. So, grab your gloves, take a deep breath, and let’s explore these common fungi that can pop up in your home.
1. Stachybotrys (Black Mold): The Toxic Mold to Watch Out For

This mold, often called “toxic black mold,” is one you don’t want hanging around. Its dark black or greenish-black, slimy texture is a telltale sign. Black mold loves water-damaged materials like wood, drywall, and ceiling tiles, and it can produce mycotoxins that trigger respiratory issues and even allergic reactions.
If you see or smell black mold, especially in humid spots like bathrooms or basements, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Black mold cleanup can stir up spores, which could make things worse. Think of this one as the mold you really don’t want a DIY approach for.
Read more: How to Get Rid of Black Mold
2. Aspergillus: The Common Indoor Invader
Aspergillus comes in many colors—yellow, green, white, or even black—and is one of the most common molds indoors. It often hides in wall cavities, insulation, and HVAC systems, thriving in damp, enclosed spaces. Unfortunately, Aspergillus can cause respiratory infections and allergic reactions, especially in people with compromised immune systems.
If you’ve ever wondered why you keep sneezing around a certain room or why a cough lingers, Aspergillus might be the culprit. Keep your indoor air dry and your HVAC system well-maintained to prevent its growth.
3. Cladosporium: Air Quality’s Worst Enemy
Cladosporium is an adaptable mold that can grow in both warm and cool areas. Its black, brown, or olive-green appearance is commonly found on wood, carpets, and even in HVAC systems. Cladosporium can aggravate asthma and cause skin and eye irritation.
For homeowners, keeping ventilation in check can help avoid Cladosporium from setting up shop. Regular vacuuming and air filter changes are easy ways to keep this mold under control.
4. Penicillium: Rapid Spread Mold
If you’ve seen a blue or green mold growing in a damp spot, there’s a good chance it’s Penicillium. This mold spreads quickly and often finds a home on wallpaper, carpet, insulation, and fabrics. While Penicillium isn’t the deadliest mold, it can produce allergens that impact air quality and respiratory health.
The faster you address water spills or leaks, the less likely you are to see Penicillium make an appearance. A good dehumidifier can also be a powerful ally against this fast-spreading mold.
5. Alternaria: The Bathroom and Basement Regular
Dark green or brown and velvety to the touch, Alternaria loves damp areas like bathrooms, windows, and basements. It’s a well-known allergen and can exacerbate asthma symptoms if left unchecked.
To avoid Alternaria, keep these high-moisture areas well-ventilated, and consider a bathroom fan to keep things dry. It may not be the scariest mold, but it’s one of the most common that we see in homes around Austin.
6. Chaetomium: The Water-Damage Mold
Chaetomium starts with a cottony white texture but gradually darkens to gray or black. This mold prefers areas that have suffered from water damage, such as drywall, wood, and carpets. It’s known to cause respiratory and immune responses.
If your property has had a flood or major leak, watch out for Chaetomium. It’s a sign of lingering water damage and can indicate that moisture control measures are needed to prevent more severe problems.
7. Fusarium: Mold with a Pinkish Hue
Fusarium can appear in pink, white, or reddish tones and usually grows in water-damaged wallpaper, carpets, and other soft materials. This mold can cause skin infections, respiratory issues, and can be harmful to the immune system.
For Fusarium, keep an eye on areas that stay wet for extended periods. Quick drying and a solid cleanup routine will help prevent this mold from taking root.
8. Acremonium: The Moist-to-Powdery Mold

Acremonium starts moist and becomes powdery over time, showing colors like gray, white, or pink. You’ll often find it in humidifiers, cooling coils, drain pans, and even drywall.
Keeping humidity under control is key to avoiding Acremonium. It may not always be visible, so consider checking and cleaning humidifiers and cooling systems regularly.
9. Ulocladium: The Damp-Loving Mold
Ulocladium is dark brown or black and thrives in high-moisture areas, like bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. It’s known for causing allergies and respiratory issues, especially in areas that are prone to dampness.
If you see a lot of moisture in these rooms, it’s a good idea to tackle it quickly to avoid Ulocladium. Proper ventilation and dehumidifiers go a long way in keeping this mold at bay.
10. Mucor: Fast-Growing and Fluffy
Mucor is a white or gray mold that grows quickly and often has a fluffy appearance. It likes air conditioning units, HVAC ducts, and damp carpeting, posing a risk for respiratory infections.
Regularly cleaning and maintaining your HVAC system can help prevent Mucor. This mold can be more aggressive in growth, so catching it early is essential.
11. Trichoderma: The Greenish Mold with Mycotoxins
Trichoderma starts as a cream color but turns green as it matures. This mold often shows up on damp carpets, wallpaper, and other water-damaged materials. Certain strains of Trichoderma produce mycotoxins, which can irritate the respiratory system.
If you notice green spots on old wallpaper or in water-damaged areas, it’s time to take action to avoid Trichoderma from spreading.
12. Aureobasidium: The Slimy Surface Mold
Aureobasidium is a black or pink mold that thrives on painted and wooden surfaces, especially around windows and frames. It’s known to cause skin and eye irritation, so it’s best not to touch it directly.
Regularly wiping down window frames and keeping moisture levels low can help keep Aureobasidium in check. It’s slimy, unpleasant, and not something you want around.
13. Color-Specific Types of Mold: Pink, White, and Green Mold
Some molds are best recognized by color, as they appear in specific conditions or materials.
- Green Mold: Often found on damp areas or spoiled food, and can trigger allergies. Common types include Aspergillus and Penicillium.
- White Mold: Powdery in texture, typically found on wood and drywall, and can cause respiratory issues. Often includes Aspergillus or Cladosporium.
- Pink Mold: Not technically a mold but a bacteria that grows in bathrooms and damp spots, which can cause skin irritation.
Each color signals something about its environment, so recognizing them can be a helpful first step in removing them.
Less Common Types of Mold: Rare but Important to Know
While the above molds are the most common, there are a few less common types that might be relevant if you have significant water damage:
- Myrothecium: Often greenish-black, can cause allergies.
- Paecilomyces: Pink or yellow, known for respiratory issues.
- Streptomyces: A bacterium-like mold that can produce harmful compounds.
- Wallemia: Found in dry environments, can cause allergies.
Keep Your Home Safe and Mold-Free
Mold can be intimidating, but by knowing the common types and where they grow, you’re in a strong position to prevent it from spreading in your home. At Best Option Restoration, we’re here to help keep your Travis County and Austin area home safe, dry, and mold-free.
Regular checks, quick responses to moisture, and proper ventilation go a long way. And if you ever find yourself face-to-face with mold, give us a call.
We’re ready to handle the tough stuff so you can breathe easy.
Resources
- CDC: Mold Basics– A helpful guide on different types of mold, potential health effects, and prevention tips.
- American Lung Association: Unhealthy Indoor Air – Insights on how mold affects indoor air quality and respiratory health.
- NIEHS: Mold Exposure and Health– Info on how mold impacts health and ways to reduce exposure.