Summer Mold: Why It Happens, Where It Hides, and What to Do About It

When you think of summer, you probably think of sunshine, BBQs, and family vacations — not mold. But the warmer months can actually be prime time for mold growth, especially in humid areas or homes that have poor ventilation. Whether you're in the Midwest, the South, or anywhere with rising temps and high humidity, here's what you need to know about mold in the summer months.

Why Is Mold Worse in Summer?

Mold thrives in warm, damp, and poorly ventilated areas — and unfortunately, summer tends to check all three boxes:

• Heat + Humidity: When the temperature rises, so does indoor humidity. Mold loves moisture, and warm air holds more of it.

• Summer Storms + Flooding: Heavy rains, roof leaks, or basement seepage can leave behind just enough moisture for mold to move in.

• Closed-Up Spaces: When we crank the A/C and seal up our homes, it reduces airflow. Less airflow = more opportunity for mold to grow undisturbed.

Where Mold Shows Up in Summer

Even if your home looks clean, mold could be hiding in sneaky summer spots like:

• Basements and crawl spaces – especially after a big rain

• Around A/C units – condensation can build up quickly

• Attics and insulation – poor ventilation = moisture buildup

• Windowsills – especially in humid climates

• Bathrooms and laundry rooms – where heat and moisture hang out together

Pro tip: If your home smells musty, but you don’t see mold, it could be growing behind the walls, under flooring, or in your HVAC system.

How to Prevent Mold in the Summer

Good news — mold prevention doesn’t have to be complicated. Try these simple steps:

1. Use a dehumidifier. Keep humidity below 50% to make your space less mold-friendly.

2. Run your A/C and fans. Air circulation helps prevent moisture from lingering.

3. Fix leaks fast. Whether it’s a roof drip or a slow pipe leak — don’t let water hang around.

4. Check your gutters and downspouts. Keep water moving away from your foundation.

5. Clean A/C drip pans and filters. Mold loves a dirty filter or stagnant water tray.

6. Don’t ignore odors. A musty smell is often the first red flag.

🧼 What to Do If You Find Mold

If you spot mold this summer, here’s what to do:

• Small amount (like bathroom grout)? You can usually handle this yourself with a mold-killing cleaner.

• Larger area (more than 10 sq ft), water damage, or mold smell with no visible source? Call a professional. Mold spreads fast and can cause structural and health issues if not addressed properly.

Moldman Can Help

Mold doesn’t take a summer break — but we’re here year-round. Whether it’s a small patch in your basement or full-on attic growth, Moldman can inspect, test, and safely remove mold from your home or property.

Get a free estimate today and let us handle the messy stuff — so you can get back to enjoying summer (without the musty smells).