Article: Why you may find a mushroom in a house

THIS ELECTRONIC VERSION MAY DIFFER SLIGHTLY FROM PRINTED VERSION

I received an e-mail recently from a reader who found a mushroom -- or a close fungus-style relation -- growing on a second-floor hardwood floor that led to a bathroom. The reader also noticed that the floor area was blackened, perhaps with mold or mildew, and asked if this is cause for alarm, and also for suggestions on how to handle it. Mushrooms are fungi that require oxygen, a food source, suitable temperature and a source of water to thrive. Take away any of these elements and the mushroom will stop growing and eventually die. In your relative's case, the wood flooring is the food source and must remain in place, and it ...

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