Discover the Most Accurate Way to Detect Hidden Mold
At K9 Mold Inspections LLC, we are often asked how canine mold detection compares to traditional mold testing methods like air sampling, tape lifts, swabbing, and dust samples. The truth? While those tools have their place, they do not always tell the whole story — especially when mold is hidden behind walls, under floors, or in other locations.
Traditional Mold Testing Methods
There are two primary types of traditional mold testing methods. There are sampling methods that require a visual presence of possible mold and those that do not need a visual presence of possible mold.
Visual Mold Seen
Two types of testing based on surface sampling are swabbing and tape lifts. The laboratory testing methods and the collection process can impact each of these testing methods.
Swabbing
Swabbing is an easy way to test if you have something that appears to be mold. The swab is rubbed across the surface and then sent to a laboratory for analysis. It typically takes 7-10 days for analysis. The downside of this test is that the collection process can damage the mold’s cell structure, leading to fragments and impacting test results.
Tape Lifts
Another approach to test visual mold is the tape lift. The tape lift is just as it may sound – tape is placed on the surface where mold may be present. The sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. Results may take a few days to receive. The downside of this test is that the type of analysis matters. Some labs will only test 25% of the sampling. You should specifically request that the entire sample is tested.
No Visual Mold Seen
When it comes to testing when you do not see mold, there are two commonly used approaches. A dust sample (ERMI or HERTSMI-2) is the most common DIY test. The most common test used by inspectors and remediation companies is Air Sampling.
Dust Sampling
The ERMI and HERTSMI-2 have long been considered the industry standard for mold testing. However, there are downsides to these tests. While they may provide testing of the air in your home, it is only a sample of the air. The results may not be accurate and may even give you a false sense of security. Some mold species are also less likely to settle in dust and will remain airborne. As a result, dust sampling is only an indicator of a problem if the test results are positive for mold. It can not reliably rule out the presence of mold.
Air Sampling
Similar to dust sampling, air sampling is only a sample. It is not testing all of the air in your home. Conversely, some mold species are more likely to settle into dust. So, the testing process matters. Air sampling is a comparison of indoor and outdoor air samples. Outdoor air comparisons introduce many more variables that may influence the results. These results can also provide a false sense of security. So, this test should only be used to indicate a problem and should not be used as a reliable method for ruling out a mold issue.
Both dust and air sampling fail to one very important thing – locate the mold!
Why It Matters
Traditional mold testing can miss major problems. For example:
- Air sampling only takes a small sample of the air within a home or business and does not indicate the location of mold.
- Swab or tape lift tests are only helpful if you already see mold.
- Dust Sampling are considered the industry standard, but only take a sample of dust. Like air sampling, they also do not pinpoint the location of mold.
That means sampling tests could give you a “clean” lab report and you may still have mold — and symptoms or odors that persist.
What Is Canine Mold Detection?
At K9 Mold Inspections LLC, we use a specially trained dog to locate the scent of mold — even in places you can’t see or access. Like dogs trained to detect drugs or explosives, mold detection dogs are incredibly precise and can find mold even when no visible signs exist.
Our mold detection dog is trained to detect the presence of the molds appearing in traditional laboratory results. However, our mold dog can locate mold with a level of accuracy that traditional mold testing methods can’t match.
Canine Mold Detection is Ideal For:
- Homeowners experiencing unexplained health issues or musty odors
- Real estate buyers/sellers who want peace of mind
- Post-remediation verification (PRV)
- Allergy and chronic illness sufferers needing precise mold detection
Serving the State of Arkansas
K9 Mold Inspections LLC is located in Central Arkansas and serves the entire state of Arkansas – including Little Rock, Conway, Benton, Hot Springs, Bryant, and surrounding cities with honest, non-invasive mold inspections using canine detection.
Choose the More Precise Approach to Mold Detection
Don’t rely on mold testing that only scratches the surface. Let K9 Mold Inspections LLC help you get answers — fast.