In Arkansas, our humid climate, heavy seasonal rains, and frequent storms create the perfect environment for mold growth in homes. Whether you are dealing with water damage, unexplained health symptoms, or just want peace of mind, you may be asking:
How do I test for mold in my home?
At K9 Mold Inspections LLC, we specialize in non-invasive, scent-based mold detection using a trained mold dog. In this post, we will discuss your DIY mold testing options, the pros and cons of each method, and when to seek help.
What Are the Common Ways to Test for Mold?
There are two primary ways to test for mold yourself. Here is a breakdown of the most commonly used DIY testing methods:
1. Surface Sampling (Swabbing Kits)
What it is: A sample is collected from visible mold or suspect areas and sent to a lab for analysis.
Pros:
- Confirms if a substance is mold
- Can identify specific mold types
Cons:
- Only tests the exact area sampled
- Doesn’t help if mold is hidden or airborne
- Visual mold or a suspected area is needed for testing.
- It may take 7-10 business days to receive results.
4. Dust Sampling (ERMI or HERTSMI-2)
What it is: A sample is collected using either a Swiffer or Vacuum kit. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
Pros:
- The lab will analyze the samples for the most commonly found mold species.
- Sample collection is easy for a non-professional to collect.
Cons:
- Only tests the exact area sampled.
- Test results do not provide the location of the mold.
- Only tests mold that has settled into dust. Some species of mold remain airborne.
- It does not test all dust in the home and may result in a false negative – giving you a false sense of security when mold is present.
- It may take 7-10 business days to receive results.
If you would like a more precise way of locating mold in your home with the option to test (once found), our Canine Mold Detection services are the way to go.
Canine Mold Detection
What it is: Trained mold detection dogs sniff out hidden mold by detecting mold’s unique scent.
Pros:
- Highly sensitive and accurate
- Locates mold even when it’s hidden
- Non-invasive and fast
- No need for drilling, cutting, or multiple test kits
- Saves you time and money
- Reduces the time you are exposed to the harmful effects of toxic mold.
- Our mold detection dog works with an experienced mold inspector.
Cons:
- Dogs identify mold presence but do not provide the mold species or spore count (lab testing can be used to follow up if needed)
Why Choose Canine Mold Detection in Arkansas?
Arkansas is one of the top 10 moldiest states in the United States. Arkansas homes provide a variety of locations that can harbor hidden mold. Traditional methods often fall short, especially when mold is concealed behind walls or in inaccessible areas.
Canine mold detection service is ideal for:
- Homeowners with unexplained health symptoms
- Families with a history of water damage or flooding
- People buying or selling a home
- Anyone looking for a fast, thorough, and unbiased inspection
We do not offer mold remediation, so you can trust that our findings are honest and conflict-free.
What Happens During a Canine Mold Inspection?
- Inspector Walk-Through – We review your home’s water damage history, your concerns, and complete a walk-around of the exterior and interior of your home, looking for signs of water intrusion.
- K9 Detection – Our trained mold dog provide scent detection service throughout the living spaces of your home, garages and two vehicles. When she alerts to the presence of mold, her K9 Handler / Inspector will mark the area with a non-damaging tape for a follow-up explanation for her findings.
- Follow-Up Walk-Through – The K9 Handler / Inspector will go through the home to explain her findings, form a hypothesis of the causes. Non-invasive moisture readers and infrared testing will be used to further investigate. Her handler will answer any questions that you may have.
- Next Steps Recommendations – Upon completion of the mold detection services and follow-up walk-through, you will be provided with our recommended next steps and resources to help you succeed in effectively remediating the affectived areas.
Mold Testing You Can Trust in Central Arkansas
If you are in Little Rock, Conway, Hot Springs, Benton, Bryant, or another city in Arkansas, we’re here to help you get clear, fast answers about what’s lurking in your home.
Don’t wait for visible signs. Trust your nose — or better yet, trust our dog’s nose!