Mold is a member of the fungi kingdom that reproduces by microscopic spores that float through the air. If they land in any area with moisture and an organic food source, they will begin growing, spreading and reproducing rapidly, and then you will have a problem. Fungi have been around for millions of years and there are always spores floating around– indoors and outdoors -- and we can never get rid of them. All we can do is create conditions that make it hard for them to grow . . .which means keeping moisture levels as low as possible.

Fungi can grow on anything that’s living or was once living. When spores find a source of moisture they absorb as much of it as they can, swell to many times their original size, and begin to sprout hyphae (root structures). The hyphae begin to dissolve organic based material around them to feed the spore, and they literally eat the surface they're growing on.

Mold can grow in nearly any environment. Some types can withstand extreme heat and cold, and though most grow best in humid climate, some kinds -- known as dry rot -- can grow well even in low humidity.