Which Mold Detection Method Is Right for Your Arkansas Home?
Choosing the best testing method is critical when you suspect mold in your home. With so many options — from air samples to swab tests — it can be overwhelming to figure out which approach will give you accurate, actionable results.
At K9 Mold Inspections LLC, we specialize in canine mold detection throughout Arkansas, and we often educate homeowners about the pros and cons of various mold testing methods.
This blog post breaks down the most common testing types. Whether buying a home, recovering from water damage, or dealing with unexplained health symptoms, the accuracy of the test you select could mean the difference of tens of thousands of dollars. (or more!).
Unfortunately, Bryan and I learned this lesson the hard way.
1. Air Sampling (Spore Trap Testing)
How it works: A machine collects airborne particles, which are analyzed in a lab. Indoor air samples are compared to outdoor samples to determine the “normal” for an area.
Pros:
- May detect mold that is not visible
- May indicate concentration levels
Cons:
- Only captures a sample of air. The results can vary by hour or day. The results may also not represent the actual environment.
- May miss mold if spores are not airborne.
- It does not tell you where the mold is located.
- Can get false negatives – a false sense of security.
2. Surface Sampling (Swab or Tape Lift)
How it works: Swabbing or tape lift samples are collected from visible mold or suspected areas. The samples are analyzed in a lab for species identification.
Pros:
- Confirms whether a substance is mold
- Can identify mold species
- Useful for visible growth on walls, ceilings, etc.
Cons:
- Only tests the exact spot sampled — may miss widespread or hidden growth.
- It does not measure airborne spores or exposure levels.
- It is not helpful if there is no visible mold.
- Swabbing may damage mold cell structure during collection.
- Some labs only test 25% of the sample – which may result in inaccurate results. 100% sample analysis is recommended.
3. Bulk Sampling
How it works: A piece of building material (drywall, carpet, etc.) is removed and tested for mold content.
Pros:
- Can identify mold within porous materials
- Helps assess the extent of contamination
Cons:
- Invasive — requires cutting or removing materials.
- It is not ideal for every home, especially pre-sale or rental properties.
- Visible mold is required.
- Recommended only under containment to avoid increased exposure.
4. Dust Sampling (ERMI or HERTSMI-2)
How it works: A Swiffer or vacuum kit collects dust samples. These samples are analyzed in a lab for species identification.
Pros:
- Non-invasive — no cutting or drilling
- Can identify mold species (including toxigenic strains)
Cons:
- Does not measure airborne spores. Some species of mold are less likely to settle into dust.
- It does not tell you where the mold is located.
- It can result in false negatives – a false sense of security.
So, Which Mold Testing Method Is Best?
Why We Use Canine Mold Detection at K9 Mold Inspections LLC
In Arkansas, where humidity, storms, and hidden leaks are common, many mold issues lurk behind walls, in crawl spaces, or in air ducts — where industry standard air and dust sampling fail.
That is why we use a specially trained mold detection dog to locate mold by scent. It’s:
- Fast – same day answers
- Accurate
- Non-invasive
- Ideal for homeowners, renters, and real estate transactions
And because we don’t perform mold remediation, our inspections are 100% unbiased and honest.
Serving Arkansas Homeowners with Confidence
K9 Mold Inspections LLC is located in Central Arkansas. Whether you are in Little Rock, Benton, Conway, Bryant, Hot Springs, or another city in Arkansas, we are here to help you take the guesswork out of mold detection.