Mold Behind Walls – 7 Weird Things Found in Orange County Homes

When water damage or mold behind walls takes hold, drywall often has to come down. And when it does, it’s not just the black spots and musty odors that surprise people — sometimes it’s what’s been hiding back there for years. Here are seven of the strangest finds our industry has seen during restoration jobs and remodels (and why acting fast on moisture problems matters).

7 of the weirdest things found behind moldy walls in Orange County homes, including a lizard skeleton, coins, soda cans, photos, toys, liquor bottles, and handwritten notes.

1) A Lizard Skeleton

Mold thrives in dark, damp spots — and unfortunately, so do critters. Behind one wall, a perfectly preserved little reptile turned up. A reminder that unchecked moisture can create hidden ecosystems behind walls.

2) A Stash of Old Coins

Loose change adds up. One lucky homeowner found a small tin wedged inside a wall with coins dating back to the 1940s. Mold cleanup won’t usually pay you back — but this wall certainly did.

3) Vintage Soda Cans

Before recycling was mainstream, some folks stashed empties anywhere. A wall cavity revealed a lineup of rusty old Pepsi and Tab cans — now “collectibles,” though the smell said otherwise.

4) Family Photographs

One heartbreaking case uncovered black-and-white photos fused together by years of damp air. Mold behind walls doesn’t just damage a building — it can erase memories.

5) A Forgotten Toy Collection

From matchbox cars to a stuffed bear, hidden wall cavities sometimes guard childhood treasures that slipped through floorboards decades ago. The bigger risk is what hidden mold does to health and materials over time.

6) A Hidden Liquor Stash

More than once, crews have opened walls to find bottles tucked away — sometimes empty, sometimes unopened. Whether prohibition-era sneaking or a secret sip spot, the moldy odor gave it away.

7) Strange Notes & Messages

The oddest discoveries are sometimes words. We’ve seen scrawled notes, old newspapers used as insulation, even “good luck” messages from the 1960s hidden behind drywall — unintentional time capsules sealed in with moisture.

Why Mold Behind Walls Is a Serious Problem

Funny or creepy, these finds point to a serious issue: mold behind walls spreads silently, undermining indoor air quality and structural components like drywall, baseboards, and subfloors.

Common Signs of Hidden Mold Behind Walls

• Persistent musty odors
• Water stains, bubbling paint, or soft drywall
• Warped baseboards or cupping floors
• Allergy-like symptoms that improve outdoors

Standards & guidance: We follow best practices from the
IICRC,
EPA Mold Resources, and
CDC Mold FAQs.
See also ASHRAE indoor air quality.

What to Do If You Suspect Mold Behind Walls

• Address leaks immediately (plumbing, roof, AC condensate lines)
• Get a professional moisture reading (drywall, baseboards, subfloor)
• Dry affected areas thoroughly — simply “airing out” isn’t enough
• Document damage for insurance before and during mitigation

Related Services

• Mold Inspections – Orange County CA
• Emergency Water Cleanup – Orange County

Pro Tip: Mold can begin growing within 24–48 hours after a leak. Act quickly if you suspect mold behind walls to protect your home and health.