Know the Difference in Mold and Mildew in San Diego

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

Mold & Mildew in San Diego

Although both are types of fungi, SERVPRO of Mission Valley East wants to point out some differences between mold and mildew.  Some kinds of fungi are okay, like mushrooms (if you like mushrooms). Some kinds of fungi are definitely not okay, like athlete’s foot. Molds can be useful: penicillin, anyone?  Mildew is never useful.

San Diego residents can educate themselves about mold and mildew.

Mold

Mildew

What it looks like

• Usually fuzzy
• May be brown, yellow, gray, black, white, green, or blue

• Usually grows in a flat pattern
• May look powdery or downy
• Powdery mildew usually starts out white, & often turns yellow, brown, or black
• Downy mildew usually starts out yellow, then turns brown.

What is not good

• Can cause damage to homes
• May cause health problems
• May be smelly
• Can damage plants & crops
• May cause health problems
• May be smelly

What is not bad

• Might be edible (grilled portobello tonight?)
• Some are used in making cheeses
• antibiotics
• Not a thing
• Really, nothing

Links:

https://www.fema.gov/pdf/rebuild/recover/fema_mold_brochure_english.pdf