Are black mold and wood rot similar?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/black-mold-vs-wood-rot.htm">Black mold and wood rot</a> are both types of fungi that form in damp or wet areas, but they cause different problems. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/black-mold-vs-wood-rot.htm">Black mold grows</a> on the surface of wood or other materials, while wood rot affects the structure of the wood material. Additionally, inhaling or contacting toxic black mold spores can make people sick. Wood rot spores are not known to cause illness in humans. </p></div>

What mold looks like dust?

• <div><p>Some mold can look like dust, but most doesn’t. Powdery mildew is often confused with dust as it’s a similar color and grows in a similar way. Some gray molds can look like dust as well, but usually, it’s pretty easy to spot the difference. It’s better to be safe, so if you aren’t completely sure what you’re seeing is dust, call a mold professional to check it out.</p></div>

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Q: Is breathing in mildew harmful?

• <div><p>Although mildew is less harmful than mold, that doesn&rsquo;t mean it&rsquo;s safe. Breathing in even small amounts of mildew can cause serious health complications, especially in those with weakened immune systems. If you find any mildew in your home and can&rsquo;t completely remove it easily (and there are elderly or sick people living there) you should call a professional right away.</p></div>

Q: What causes a basement to smell musty?

• <div><p>Mold and mildew are the things in basements that actually cause the musty odors, but moisture is the underlying issue that causes mold and mildew growth. Addressing moisture and water problems and then removing materials that are moldy are some of the best ways to get rid of the musty odors. Preventive measures after that&mdash;like installing air fresheners and a dehumidifier&mdash;can help keep musty odors from returning.</p></div>

Q: How do you know if you have mold under hardwood floors?

• <div><p>A funky smell is the first indicator that mold or mildew is present in your home. You may also notice that you or your household members are suffering from increased allergies or respiratory issues. You should check the most obvious areas first&mdash;like your bathroom or anywhere there might be leaks&mdash;and if you still can&rsquo;t locate the source, look under the floorboards. </p></div>

Q: What mold looks like dust?

• <div><p>Some mold can look like dust, but most doesn&rsquo;t. Powdery mildew is often confused with dust as it&rsquo;s a similar color and grows in a similar way. Some gray molds can look like dust as well, but usually, it&rsquo;s pretty easy to spot the difference. It&rsquo;s better to be safe, so if you aren&rsquo;t completely sure what you&rsquo;re seeing is dust, call a mold professional to check it out.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Mold Testing And Remediation pros in Piqua, OH

*The Angi rating for Mold Testing And Remediation companies in Piqua, OH is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Mold Testing And Remediation needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Mold Testing And Remediation companies in Piqua, OH is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Mold Testing And Remediation needs.

Last update on October 26, 2025

Reviewed in July 2022
My house is 100 years old and the basement was full of mold and wetness. Everdry came and fixed the problem. The team was very professional and got the job done in 3 days. My basement has been dry now for a year. I love that they offer a lifetime warranty on their work even if I decide to sell...
Everdry Waterproofing of Cincinnati
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Reviewed in June 2021
Possibly having them to do our remediation on our mold areas as well.
Action Mold Pros
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Reviewed in August 2017
I called DeeCee's Power Washing and he returned my call that day. He stopped by my house to give me an estimate. He came the next day at 8:30 am and completed the whole job in less than two hours. He worked very efficiently removing mold & mildew. VERY pleased with his work and the price!
DeeCee's Mobile Power Washing LLC
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Reviewed in July 2014
My cat, Cookie, began vomiting on July 4th 2014 by Saturday night the vomiting became more frequent and I knew she needed medical attention. I just moved to West Chester and had not had time to locate a vet service. I had been to the Dayton Care Center and felt comfortable taking Cookie to the...
Care Center
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Reviewed in June 2014
Performed as advertised. Advised us of the water and mold remediation process along the way, something we don't have experience with. Upon completion of the work, air samples were tested to show we had less mold in the sealed up repair zone indoors than what was present in the outside ambient...
PuroClean
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Reviewed in April 2011
Jason and his crew were able to fit us in quickly even though they were very busy. They were very professional and courteous. They were able to spot areas of need and remedied the problems. We are very pleased with the work. We would hire them again. No problems.
Jason L Osborne
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Reviewed in November 2009
They came out and pressure tested the line. They scheduled a city inspector and got it signed off. They got it done what I needed them to do. They were about $75 cheaper than some other places that I called. They called me and showed up when they said they were going to. I would use them...
JC Servies
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Reviewed in November 2007
Overall, the job was very successful. The response from Corinne was very prompt (same day). The gentlemen who brought in the equipment were courteous and professional. They brought in blowers to dry out the wet floor and walls, cut out drywall that was wet (they do not do the drywall repairs...
Dragon Restoration
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Mold Testing and Remediation questions, answered by experts

Although mildew is less harmful than mold, that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Breathing in even small amounts of mildew can cause serious health complications, especially in those with weakened immune systems. If you find any mildew in your home and can’t completely remove it easily (and there are elderly or sick people living there) you should call a professional right away.

Black mold and wood rot are both types of fungi that form in damp or wet areas, but they cause different problems. Black mold grows on the surface of wood or other materials, while wood rot affects the structure of the wood material. Additionally, inhaling or contacting toxic black mold spores can make people sick. Wood rot spores are not known to cause illness in humans.

Mold and mildew are the things in basements that actually cause the musty odors, but moisture is the underlying issue that causes mold and mildew growth. Addressing moisture and water problems and then removing materials that are moldy are some of the best ways to get rid of the musty odors. Preventive measures after that—like installing air fresheners and a dehumidifier—can help keep musty odors from returning.

A funky smell is the first indicator that mold or mildew is present in your home. You may also notice that you or your household members are suffering from increased allergies or respiratory issues. You should check the most obvious areas first—like your bathroom or anywhere there might be leaks—and if you still can’t locate the source, look under the floorboards.

Some mold can look like dust, but most doesn’t. Powdery mildew is often confused with dust as it’s a similar color and grows in a similar way. Some gray molds can look like dust as well, but usually, it’s pretty easy to spot the difference. It’s better to be safe, so if you aren’t completely sure what you’re seeing is dust, call a mold professional to check it out.

The Piqua, OH homeowners’ guide to mold testing and remediation services

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