Why are Mushrooms Growing out of my Wall

Mushrooms grow in areas or environments that are moist, low light, humid, and provide a food source, oxygen, and ideal temperature. An excessive amount of water is the key ingredient behind their growth. Most probably these factors are why mushrooms are growing out of your wall.

Reasons Mushrooms Could Grow Inside Your House

A water leak will surely break down the wood wall and grow mushrooms out of it. But water over time can also harm drywall to create such a mess. However, out of a concrete wall, no, mushrooms need soil to grow up.

High heat, moisture, and low lighting provide the growing conditions that allow mushrooms to flourish on walls. Growth could occur on bathroom floors, walls or ceilings, particularly in areas where moisture collects. This could pose health risks and impact your ability to sell the property or rent it.

However, poisonous wild mushrooms can grow on any type of lawn. Remember, the clear majority of wild mushrooms are not toxic, but it is hard to separate them. 

Moisture

The most common reason for mushrooms growing out of the wall is moisture. Excess moisture may affect certain areas and an example, a leaky roof or plumbing. But again, mushrooms may start growing if a site is flooded, and then all that is left is to dry up.

Lack of air circulation

Lack of air circulation means poor airflow, which allows humidity to build up in one targeted area. If there has been water damage, fungi can certainly enter through cracks and open windows. However, if any airborne spores are situated nearby, they could enter via the same route as possible.

Leaky pipes

If there is a leaky pipe anywhere in your household, then there is a possibility that mold and mushrooms can grow on the moisture seeping through your foundation like from your wall. To prevent this to happen, keep an eye out for water around your drains and repair any leaks.

Poor ventilation

Poor ventilation can lead to moisture from the air will collect on walls and ceilings. Warning, if the moisture remains open for too long, it may start to cause damage, which leads to mold growth and could cause health problems.

Safety Precaution to Suppress Mushrooms Growth On Your Wall

Like any other fungi, mushrooms are living organisms and have a root, and plucking it out by yourself will only allow it to grow right back. For this, a professional can ensure it does not grow back. And before you let them grow, you can take some measurements against them.

Moisture problem

Moisture creates a musty odor and nasty fungus all over the house in summer. The best way to prevent this from happening in your home is to fix all kinds of broken pipes all around your house—other things like leaky windows or cracks in your walls. If the damage is not severe, then tackle the moisture issue properly.

However, if the damage is extensive, you may need to replace a few things in the house. You might have to replace drywall, flooring, carpet, ceilings, walls, or even an entire room. 

Repairing the structure is a must because the house will still get mold and mushrooms. But once you properly fix everything, you still need to do things to prevent moisture from settling in your home. 

Removing process

It is advantageous to remove mushrooms from the house walls, as they can be super dangerous if eaten and bring mold in.

Cut them with a box cutter

Use a box cutter, putty knife, or any sharp object to cut them off the growing surface as close as possible. The stem of these mushrooms is thick so a sharp object will do just fine. Pack those mushrooms in a bag and throw them away.

Bleach and water

Take one part bleach and three parts of warm water and mix them to pour the water into the area where the mushrooms grow. Then grab a sponge to scrub the surface of it. 

A Quick to Do to Prevent Mushrooms Growing Out of Your Wall

First, to reduce moisture in your house, prevent mold growth and keep mushrooms at bay. Then try to keep your bathrooms as dry as possible when not using them. 

Furthermore, keep windows or air vents safely ajar using inbuilt locking features, and use an extractor fan. Remember to keep your home ventilated by allowing air to circulate your house.

FAQ

1. Are mushrooms and molds the same thing?

Answer: Molds turn into mushrooms. Leaked water occurs and molds started to spread. Its natural progression is to spur mushrooms. 

2. How to get rid of mushroom molds?

Answer: You can try spraying on them with a bleach solution. But because of the high surface tension, it does not work on wood and kill the spores inside. So, in this case, Instead of bleach, use EPA by scrubbing with detergent and water.

3. What should I do to prevent mushroom contamination?

Answer: Yes, avoid touching the substrate as much as possible. Also, never try to touch those mushrooms with plastic hand gloves. Because this might transfer any potential contaminants onto the surface of the substrate. 

4. Can these mushrooms make you sick?

Answer: Mushroom spores may cause rhinitis, asthma, allergic fungal sinusitis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Conclusion 

In short, all they need is a suitable place to grow and a steady water source. Thus, mushrooms can grow out of your wall easily. As they are dangerous if eaten and bring mold in, removing them is your safest option.