FIND THE WATER, FIND THE MOLD Mold needs three things to grow: Food/Nutrients.  In the form of dead organic materials like drywall, wood, carpet, pad, furniture, paint and wallpaper.  All of these are common to most residential or commercial properties. Oxygen.  Still air is preferable, like that found in crawl spaces, basements, and the inside of walls, pipes,  & HVAC equipment. The normal temperature range that humans prefer is also preferred by mold.  Water.  Any type of moisture can and will cause mold to start growing.  If you want to control mold, you must control its access to water.  Water is the holy grail of the mold world.    The drawing to the left shows you the many, many places that water (moisture) can cause  problems in your home or business.