They live about 30 days and the female lays approximately one egg each day. In less than ideal conditions, they can go into dormancy. When they die their bodies disintegrate into small fragments which can be stirred into the air and inhaled by people in that environment. Molds in the Air Molds play an important part in life cycles. They assist with the rotting of organic materials.
Some molds cause illness and some, such as penicillin, cure illness.
Certain molds help to develop the flavor of wines and cheeses, while others can cause them to spoil. Molds are persistent. They can live for years in a dormant state. To grow, the spores need moisture, warmth, still air, and a food source. When homes are dry, the spores are dormant.