We have a lot of black spots that seem to grow bigger…

Dear George,

We have a lot of black spots that seem to grow bigger throughout the year on our walls and certain parts of the ceiling in our bathroom. If I spray beach on them it seems to make them go away for a while and then it comes back. Would this be mold?

Signed,
Black Spots

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Dear Black Spots,

Testing can identify if it is one of the thousands of mold species, possibly even the particular variant.

Since it is a reoccurring problem, then, if your spots are mold, you have one thing for certain that is happening. The conditions are still optimum for mold or fungus to thrive, perhaps caused by high humidity or a water leak. Even if you completely remove all mold, if you leave behind conditions that it likes, at some future point spores will find that area and a colony can reestablish. Even if an area is perfectly cleaned, there is always a percentage of mold spores in the atmosphere which can take root in a hospitable area.

Control the water and humidity, and you go a long way toward preventing re-infestation. Assessment can determine the extent of the problem and help determine the best solution.