Boise Mold Spores: Is Your "Clean" Home Making You Sick?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

July 28, 2025

Is that musty smell in your Boise home more than just old house charm? It could be mold, and in the Treasure Valley, with its unique climate and housing styles, mold can be a persistent problem. Let’s dive into identifying, testing, and remediating mold in Boise, Idaho, homes.

Boise’s climate is semi-arid, but experiences significant seasonal humidity fluctuations. This creates ideal conditions for mold growth, especially in older homes with poor ventilation.

Common mold types found in Boise homes include:

Cladosporium: Often found outdoors, it can enter homes and grow on plants, fabrics, and wood.
Aspergillus: A common indoor mold, it can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems.
Penicillium: Similar to Aspergillus, it’s often found in water-damaged areas.
Alternaria: Another common outdoor mold that can find its way indoors.
Stachybotrys chartarum (Black Mold): While less common, it’s highly toxic and requires professional remediation.

Identifying mold can be tricky. Look for:

Visible mold growth: This can appear as fuzzy or slimy patches in various colors (black, green, brown, white).
Musty or earthy odors: A persistent musty smell is a strong indicator of mold.
Water stains or discoloration: These often accompany mold growth.
Allergic reactions: Unexplained allergy symptoms like sneezing, coughing, or skin rashes.

DIY mold testing can provide preliminary information, but it’s not a substitute for professional testing.

Here’s a simple DIY method:

Purchase a mold test kit from a local hardware store like Lowe’s on Franklin Road or Home Depot on Milwaukee Street.
Follow the kit’s instructions to collect a sample from a suspected moldy area.
Send the sample to the lab provided in the kit for analysis.
The lab will identify the type of mold and its concentration.

A common pitfall is improper sample collection, leading to inaccurate results. Always wear gloves and a mask during sample collection.

Another challenge is interpreting the results. DIY tests can identify the type of mold, but not the extent of the problem.

For a comprehensive assessment, consider hiring a local Boise mold inspection company. Companies like AdvantaClean of Boise or Mold Solutions of Idaho can conduct thorough inspections and provide detailed reports.

Remediation strategies depend on the extent of the mold growth.

For small areas (less than 10 square feet), you can attempt DIY remediation:

Wear protective gear: gloves, mask, and eye protection.
Contain the area: Seal off the affected area with plastic sheeting.
Clean the mold: Use a mixture of water and a mild detergent to scrub the moldy surface.
Disinfect the area: Apply a mold-killing solution like bleach (diluted 1:10 with water) or a commercial mold remover.
Dry the area thoroughly: Use fans or a dehumidifier to dry the area completely.

A common mistake is using bleach alone without cleaning first. Bleach only disinfects the surface and doesn’t remove the mold’s roots.

For larger areas or black mold, professional remediation is essential.

Professional mold remediation involves:

Containment: Isolating the affected area to prevent mold spores from spreading.
Removal: Physically removing the moldy materials.
Cleaning: Cleaning and disinfecting the surrounding areas.
Drying: Ensuring the area is completely dry to prevent future mold growth.
Prevention: Addressing the underlying moisture problem.

Boise’s housing construction styles, particularly older homes in the North End or the Bench, often have poor ventilation and crawl spaces that are prone to moisture buildup. This makes them particularly susceptible to mold growth.

Preventative measures are crucial:

Control humidity: Use dehumidifiers, especially during the spring and fall when humidity is higher.
Improve ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens.
Fix leaks promptly: Repair any leaks in roofs, pipes, or foundations immediately.
Clean gutters regularly: Clogged gutters can lead to water damage and mold growth.
Consider a vapor barrier: Install a vapor barrier in crawl spaces to prevent moisture from entering.

Seasonal humidity fluctuations in Boise require proactive measures. In the summer, use air conditioning to reduce humidity. In the winter, be mindful of condensation on windows and walls.

Local Boise resources for mold information and assistance:

Central District Health Department: Provides information on indoor air quality and mold.
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality: Offers resources on environmental health issues.
Better Business Bureau: Check the ratings and reviews of local mold remediation companies.

Navigating mold issues in Boise requires understanding the local climate, housing styles, and available resources. By taking proactive steps to identify, test, and remediate mold, you can create a healthier living environment for yourself and your family. Don’t let mold take root in your Boise home; take control and breathe easier.