Crazy Mold in a Crawlspace

The way it was explained to me is that we each have a bucket. Into that bucket go all the toxins we are exposed to throughout our lives. These could include water contaminants, processed foods and additives, pesticides and herbicides, environmental pollutants, and everyday household items. Exposure to toxins can vary greatly depending on individual lifestyle choices, geographic location, occupational exposure, and regulatory standards in different regions.

The body is designed to handle a certain level of toxin exposure, but eventually, if exposed to enough toxins, the bucket begins to overflow. This is when problems can start to occur. It’s important to understand that some people can be exposed to high levels of mold regularly with little to no effect, while others are hypersensitive to even the slightest amount of mold. This becomes especially significant for individuals with chronic health problems. Conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer can weaken the immune system, making individuals more vulnerable to the effects of mold.

Taking proactive steps, such as using water filters, choosing organic or less-processed foods, reducing plastic use, improving indoor air quality, and selecting natural or less toxic household products, can help reduce exposure to some toxins.

In general, crawl space air quality isn’t great, and we should try to limit our exposure whenever we need to enter them. Some are willing to go in with just an N-95 mask. However, mold particles are extremely small. Personally, I don’t prefer N-95 masks for anything other than sawdust. Many remediators agree that entering a moldy environment with anything less than a full-face respirator is asking for trouble. Besides, N-95 masks are uncomfortable and don’t seal well. Wearing one for a few hours feels like someone punched you in the nose.

Some people choose to have a conditioned crawl space. If done correctly, this can be a solution, but I’ve been in brand-new conditioned crawl spaces covered in mold. The video below shows an actual crawl space that had zero ventilation. A major cause of wild mold growth is a lack of ventilation. Mold needs two main things to grow: moisture and nutrients.

In this case, much of the moisture came from a pipe draining into the crawl space, while the nutrients came from the wood. To be clear, moisture can also come from condensation caused by improper installation, which we often see in attics. To date, this has been the craziest mold growth we’ve encountered. In some places, mushrooms were even growing. The homeowner only realized there was a problem when a bed frame popped through the rotted floor. Along with remediation, this project likely required significant rebuilding, including replacing some of the subfloor and a few floor joists.

Thankfully, this happened in early spring. Mold also thrives in heat, so cooler temperatures can sometimes slow its growth. If a space is colder than 40°F, mold growth slows significantly. Below 32°F, it can stop altogether because mold requires moisture—not ice. However, mold doesn’t really die; it goes dormant.

I have another wild story about a cabin that flooded and then froze mid-winter, but I’ll save that one for another time.

Mold and toxins are inevitable parts of life, but understanding how they impact us and taking proactive steps can make all the difference. From crawl space ventilation to choosing healthier lifestyle options, small efforts can help prevent the “bucket” from overflowing.

At Pacific DryForce, we’ve seen a lot of crazy things— That’s why we’re committed to providing expert remediation and helping you regain a safe and healthy home. Whether it’s tackling mold, water damage, or any other challenge, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

If you’re dealing with mold or water damage in North Idaho or Eastern Washington, don’t wait until it gets worse. Reach out to Pacific DryForce today for professional, tailored remediation services. We proudly serve Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Rathdrum, Sandpoint, Spokane, and surrounding areas.

Stay proactive, stay healthy, and remember: with the right team, no problem is too overwhelming. Call Pacific DryForce now and let us take care of the mess so you can focus on what matters most.