Mold is a type of fungus that sends its spores out into the air, and when these spores land in moisture, they will begin growing, leading to black, brown or green splotches that we know as mold. Moisture or humid air creates the conditions for mold to thrive, and therefore it is often found inside bathrooms, sinks, and the humid areas of the home, like crawlspaces and basements. Crawl spaces are usually exposed to the bare dirt beneath the home, which allows groundwater to easily rise up into the crawl space. In addition, many crawl spaces have wide open vents to the outside due to antiquated building codes, and rainwater can enter through these vents to make your crawl space even more wet. The below-ground location of basements makes them more susceptible to water infiltration from the surrounding soil, especially during heavy rain or snowmelt. Poor ventilation can trap humidity, and condensation can form on cool basement walls and floors. Additionally, leaks from plumbing, groundwater seepage, and inadequate drainage systems contribute to persistent dampness. These moist conditions create an ideal environment for mold growth, which thrives in areas with high humidity and organic materials to feed on, such as wood, drywall, and insulation.