Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about our mold and rodent testing.
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About Mold Testing
How do I know if I need a mold test?
If you have recently experienced water damage, odd odors or strange smells, and any unexplained recurring allergies. Or if you see a staining or spot on the walls, ceiling, cabinets, and around the house.
Is at-home testing as accurate as hiring a professional?
Our tests use the same methods and technology as a professional company. With a properly calibrated pump, correct sampling method, and a qualified laboratory, our test kit can provide reliable information about the mold spores collected. The biggest difference is the inspection experience.
How soon after water damage should I test?
Start drying immediately after a leak. Don’t wait for a test before you begin to dry. There is not a universally accepted period of time, but mold can start forming within several days.
Why is mold a health concern?
Mold can trigger allergic reactions and irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Some will experience sneezing, congestion, coughing, or wheezing. Mold exposure can worsen asthma. People with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable. Certain molds can also cause infections, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying lung disease.
Air Mold Tests
What does an air mold test measure?
An air mold test collects spores from a controlled volume of air. A calibrated pump pulls air through a cassette. Inside the cassette is a small microscope slide with a gel like adhesive that “traps” the mold spores. The lab technicians place this slide under a microscope for analysis. The report identifies the mold types/groups observed and gives counts for their concentrations expressed in spores per cubic meter of air (spore/m3). This gives you a snapshot of the conditions at the time and location of the sample.
Which rooms should I test, and why do I need an outdoor sample?
Start with “suspect” rooms. Anywhere you notice musty odors, have water damage, or an area where you notice that your allergy symptoms seem to worsen. Outdoor samples provide a reference because mold spores exist naturally outside and can enter through doors, windows, and etc. Comparing indoor and outdoor mold types and concentrations will help us interpret your results.
How should I prepare my home before collecting air samples?
Read the entire instructions included with your kit before collecting samples.
Avoid vacuuming, dusting, sweeping, and etc. These activities can artificially increase spore counts. Try to keep your home under typical living conditions prior to testing. Air purifiers can affect mold spore levels. Make notes on your Chain of Custody form about any recent disturbance prior to testing.
Surface Mold Tests
What does a surface mold test tell me?
Surface tests help determine whether a suspicious material/stain on a surface contains mold. You collect the sample by pressing an adhesive strip directly to the suspect area. The lab looks for mold spores and identifies the type/group if mold is found. Spores are given a semi quantitative result reported as Low, Medium, High, etc. This is not an exact count and is used to represent the concentration of mold on the physical sample.
Where should I collect a surface sample?
Choose an accessible area with suspicious discoloration or suspected mold growth. Use in areas that have been physically affected by moisture. Sample the suspicious materials directly, following the kits instructions. Use a separate slide for each sample location.
Can a surface test distinguish mold from dirt/staining?
Yes a laboratory will examine the sample under a microscope to determine whether mold spores or fungal fragments are present. This will help clarify if a spot contains mold vs simply being dirt or a stain.
Should I clean the area before cleaning the area?
If your goal is to identify suspicious material, then yes collect the surface sample before cleaning or applying any products. Cleaning can remove or alter the material, making the results less representative of what was originally present.
Air + Surface Bundle
What is the benefit of testing both air and surfaces?
Using both can help you understand what is present on a suspect surface and what is airborne in the sample room. The bundle is useful when you have both a suspicious surface and questions about airborne mold.
How many rooms and surfaces can I test with the bundle?
The air + surface bundle comes in multiple package sizes meaning that you can choose the amount of rooms you want to test with both air and surface tests.
How are air and surface results interpreted together?
Results will be reviewed together to look for patterns to see if similar mold types are found in both the air and surface results. Using this data alongside moisture history of the area can help us determine next steps.
Replacement Cassettes
Can I reuse the pump from my original kit?
The pump is operated by 4 AA batteries. You will need a new set (4 batteries) after every 4 samples are ran. Each cassette is single use and must be replaced after every sample. Store your pump in a clean, dry location. If it has been dropped or damaged contact us before collecting new samples.
How many replacement cassettes should I order?
Order one cassette for each indoor location you want to test, plus one for the outdoor reference sample collected during the same session.
Is laboratory analysis included with replacement cassettes?
Yes! Each replacement cassette includes lab analysis for one air sample.
Do Cassettes expire, how should I store them?
Check the expiration date on your cassettes and use it before that date. Store cassettes in a clean, dry location, away from direct sunlight or excessive heat/cold. Should be store at room temperature.
Mold Results & Consultation
How long will it take to receive my mold results?
Results are typically available within 2-3 business days after the lab has received your samples. You will receive your report by email. To help avoid delay clearly mark each sample and be sure your email is easy to read.
Do I get a consultation?
You will receive your lab results via email. If you have any simple questions you can reach out to us at support@diymoldtest.com
If you are looking to review your lab report in greater detail we do offer paid consultations to book a time with one of our experts that will walk you through your lab results and next steps.
About Rodent Exposure Testing
What does a rodent allergen test detect?
Rodent allergen test measures specific proteins associated with mice or rats in the dust you collect. The mouse test measures Mus m 1, and the rat test measures Rat n 1. These allergens accumulate in household dust and may remain after the rodents are gone. This is a way to test the history of a home.
Why test for rodent allergens if I haven’t seen rats or mice?
Rodents can be difficult to spot, and allergens may remain in household dust from previous activity. Not seeing a rat or mouse does not necessarily mean their allergens are absent.
Does this test detect rodent-borne viruses or bacteria?
No. This test measures mouse and rat allergen proteins only in your dust sample. It does not test for hantavirus, other viruses, or bacteria.
Choosing Rat vs. Mouse vs. Bundle
Should I choose a rat test, mouse test, or the bundle?
Some rodents are more common in certain regions. However, both rats and mice can occur in the same region. Choose your test based on known activity or a pest professionals identification. If you are unsure the bundle will test for both. Is at-home testing as accurate as hiring a professional?
Using Your Rodent Kit
Use the included collection supplies from your kit and follow the instructions. Sampling includes vacuuming household dust through a collection filter. Do not collect droppings, urine, or nesting material. Never sweep or vacuum these materials to obtain a sample.
Rodent Results & Consultation
What do my rodent allergen test results mean?
The lab results will show whether mouse (Mus m 1) and/or rat (Rat n 1) allergens were detected in the dust you collected. These allergens are proteins produced by mice and rats. A positive result indicates that rodent allergen was detected in the area sampled. It does not mean they are currently active in the home.
Can I use this test after rodent remediation or cleanup?
Yes. Testing after rodent removal can help determine whether mouse or rat allergens are still datable in the dust. For the most meaningful comparison, collect the post cleanup sample from the same area.
Shipping, Returns & Pricing
How do I send you my samples for testing?
The package comes with a pre-paid shipping label to use to send the test samples directly to our lab with.
Lab & Support
What type of lab analyzes my samples?
Your mold samples are sent to an AIHA environmental laboratory specializing in mold testing. This lab has been in business for over 20 years. Your test will be analyzed using the same methods that professional tests use.
Is the laboratory accredited?
Yes! Our lab is accredited by AIHA LAP.
Can I talk with someone about my results?
Yes. We understand that the labs results will look like a foreign language to the average customer. Our team can help walk you through what the results mean and how this applies to your next steps.
What if I have questions while collecting my samples?
We are here to help throughout the entire process. Your kit includes specific instructions, but if you have a questions you can contact our support team for assistance.