1. Look
In many cases, mold growth can be seen. It may have different colors like white, gray, brown, black, yellow, or green and texture that varies from fuzzy and cottony to rough and leathery. Check for leaks, standing water, and condensation. Take a look at our mold slideshow for some visual examples. 

2. Sniff
If you can smell an earthy or musty odor, you may have a mold problem. Call our mold expert (305.285.0030) if you can smell it, but can't see it. Mold can hide inside walls, beneath floors, and behind baseboards.

3. Check A/C
Standing water around air conditioning units can create a mold problem. Inspect evaporator coils, drain pans and lines often.

4. Allergy Symptoms
If mold-allergic people experience symptoms such as nasal and sinus irritation or congestion, dry hacking cough, wheezing, skin rashes or burning, watery or reddened eyes, or asthma when in your home, you may have a mold problem.

Here’s an excellent set of recommendations for mold prevention from the EPA:

• Keep the humidity level in your home between 40% and 60%. Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months and in damp spaces, like basements.
• Be sure your home has enough ventilation. Use exhaust fans which vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home.
• Fix any leaks in your home’s roof, walls, or plumbing so mold does not have moisture to grow.
• Clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly (within 24–48 hours) after flooding. (Editor’s note: Call us right away if you have a flood or excessive moisture. 305.285.0030)
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before painting.
• Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products.
• Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly. Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture.