A homeowner in the United Kingdom received an unwelcome surprise while renovating his early 20th century home. When 30-year-old Tom removed old colored wallpaper from his living room wall, he discovered an unusual and disturbing growth lurking underneath. The discovery quickly became the talk of the internet after he shared photos on the popular online forum Reddit, where hundreds of users reacted with disgust and disbelief.
Tom, who uses the Reddit username u/buckbeak999, posted his shocking find on the r/DIYUK forum, where his post rapidly accumulated over 800 comments from concerned and horrified viewers. He told Newsweek that he stumbled upon the growth on a Tuesday during his renovation project. “I had no idea it was there, it was a real shock,” Tom explained. He added that he still doesn’t know exactly what the mysterious growth is, though he suspects it might be mycelium, the vegetative part of a fungus.
The situation has left Tom searching for answers and solutions to what appears to be a serious problem. “Some say it’s wet rot, others mention honey fungus,” he shared, describing the conflicting diagnoses he’s received from online commenters. For now, he has sprayed the affected area with an anti-mold solution and is actively trying to locate the source of moisture that likely caused the growth. In his Reddit post, Tom described the bizarre substance as a “thing that looks like it fell out of ‘Stranger Things’” and asked the community for help identifying and addressing the issue.
The response from Reddit users was swift and alarming, with many expressing serious concerns about the extent of the problem. “I think this goes beyond the ‘do it yourself’ level,” one commenter warned, suggesting Tom might need professional help. Another user added an even more dire assessment, writing, “Jesus. This is a problem of epic proportions.” The consensus among commenters seemed to be that what Tom discovered was far more serious than a simple cosmetic issue that could be handled with basic home improvement skills.
What is this growing under my wallpaper?
by u/buckbeak999 in DIYUK
According to the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, mycelium functions for fungi similarly to how roots function for plants. Mycelium consists of a network of thin fungal threads called hyphae that spread through various materials, including wood, soil, and building materials. The Kew Gardens website explains that many fungi reproduce by creating spores, which are tiny seed-like structures carried by wind or animals. When these spores land on soil or other suitable surfaces, they can germinate and grow to form new mycelium networks.
While it remains unclear exactly what type of growth Tom found in his home, the situation highlights a common and serious problem that homeowners may face. The United States Environmental Protection Agency warns that mold and fungal growth thrive anywhere moisture is present and persists over time. Moisture issues in homes can stem from various sources including leaky pipes, roof damage, poor ventilation, flooding, or high humidity levels. Once conditions are right, mold can establish itself quickly and spread extensively through porous materials like wood and drywall.
The health implications of mold exposure should not be taken lightly. The EPA notes that mold produces allergens that can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals, and exposure can cause particular problems for people who already suffer from respiratory conditions like asthma or allergies. Mold spores are invisible to the naked eye and spread effortlessly through the air, making them difficult to control once they become established. When these microscopic spores land on damp surfaces, they begin growing almost immediately, with moisture being the crucial factor in their development and proliferation.
For homeowners undertaking renovation projects, particularly in older homes, Tom’s experience serves as an important reminder to be prepared for unexpected discoveries behind walls and under old finishes. Older homes were often built with different materials and construction methods than modern buildings, and they may have accumulated decades of hidden moisture damage, inadequate repairs, or structural issues. Before beginning any renovation work, it’s advisable to inspect for signs of water damage, check for proper ventilation, and address any existing moisture problems.
If you discover mold or fungal growth during a renovation, experts recommend several key steps. First, identify and eliminate the moisture source, as treating the growth without addressing moisture will only result in recurring problems. Second, consider whether the extent of the problem requires professional remediation services, especially if the affected area is large or if the growth appears to have penetrated deep into structural materials. Third, protect yourself with appropriate safety equipment when dealing with mold, including respirators and protective clothing. Finally, ensure proper ventilation during and after remediation to prevent spores from spreading to unaffected areas.
Prevention is always preferable to remediation when it comes to mold and fungal problems in homes. Maintaining proper humidity levels (ideally between 30 and 50 percent), ensuring adequate ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens, promptly repairing leaks, and regularly inspecting areas prone to moisture accumulation can help prevent these issues from developing in the first place.
What would you do if you discovered something like this during a home renovation project, and have you ever encountered unexpected problems behind your walls? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.
