Does Fungi Grow Fastest in Light or Dark?

Fungi Growth

• Fungi only grow in conditions where food and moisture are present in abundance. Food sources can include sunlight, dead organic matter or even living matter depending on the fungi. However, most fungi prefer dark areas, since dark areas retain moisture better than lighter areas. Dark caves, pipelines, basements and abandoned buildings are major havens for fungi because the moisture content is usually high.

When Will Fungi Grow in a Large Amount of Light?

• Fungi that use sun as a source of their food usually prefer little of it since their spores prefer moisture over heat. Excessive heat will dry most fungi out and kill them, so the less light, the better the fungi's growth. Only fungi that produce mushrooms can survive in large amounts of light. However, even mushroom-growing fungi can grow in dark areas.

Preventing Fungi Growth

• Preventing fungi from growing can be easy or difficult depending on the situation. Some fungi are only present during plant and animal decay, while others present themselves in instances of excessive moisture build up in basements and air vents. Keep your home or other areas clean and free of moisture at all times. Clean up any moisture and fix any leaks in these areas. Clean air conditioning filters on a regular basis, improve home ventilation and keep the humidity to less than 70 percent.

Removing Fungi

• If fungi has grown in your house or work area, immediate removal of it is necessary. Isolate the area with a high polythene sheet barrier. Wear latex gloves, goggles and respirators (if the area is heavily infected) during the cleaning process. Throw all materials infected with the fungi away in sealed plastic bags. Wash the walls, floors and other surfaces with bleach. Bleach will kill the spores on contact. Be thorough to ensure all spores are killed, so the problem will not reoccur. Thoroughly clean and disinfect any items that are not discarded.