When You Suspect Mold but Cannot Find the Source
You may notice a persistent musty odor. The building may have experienced a leak, flooding, roof damage, or a plumbing failure. Perhaps previous testing did not locate the source—or you remain concerned about the indoor environment even though nothing unusual is visible.
That is the challenge with hidden mold: a building can appear clean while mold remains concealed inside walls, flooring, cabinetry, or other building materials.
A visual inspection can document accessible conditions, while moisture meters and thermal imaging can help identify unusual moisture patterns. But these tools alone may not locate mold concealed behind finished surfaces or within building materials.
That is where certified canine detection provides a valuable investigative advantage.
Not sure whether an inspection is right for your situation? Call us at (406) 479-9664 and tell us what you are experiencing.
Why Use a Mold Detection Dog?
Rex is trained to detect odor associated with 18 mold species commonly found in buildings, including species that may produce mycotoxins. He systematically searches accessible areas and alerts to specific locations that may deserve closer investigation.
A canine search can help:
- Identify areas of concern where no visible surface growth is present
- Narrow a large building to more specific locations
- Investigate concealed areas without immediately opening walls or removing flooring
- Guide moisture readings, closer examination, or targeted sampling
- Reduce unnecessary exploratory demolition
- Provide additional information when previous testing has not located the source
Rex does not replace professional inspection, moisture investigation, or laboratory analysis when sampling is appropriate. His alerts help us focus those tools where further investigation may be most useful.
A More Complete Mold Investigation
We use established inspection procedures to evaluate the building and interpret Rex’s alerts in context.
Property History
The inspection begins with your concerns and the history of the building, including leaks, flooding, repairs, odors, previous testing, and the areas where concerns appear most noticeable.
Building and Moisture Assessment
We evaluate accessible conditions and look for moisture intrusion, water damage, material deterioration, ventilation concerns, and other conditions that may support mold growth. Moisture readings and thermal imaging are used where appropriate.
Systematic Canine Search
Rex searches accessible areas for mold-related odor, including locations where visible evidence may be absent. His alerts help identify areas that warrant additional attention.
Findings and Next Steps
We review the findings with you, document relevant observations and canine alerts, and explain the available next steps.
Depending on the findings, those steps may include targeted sampling, further investigation of a concealed area, correction of a moisture source, or consultation with a qualified remediation professional.
Concerned About Mold Exposure?
Many clients contact Montana Mold Dogs because they remain concerned about the indoor environment but have been unable to locate the source. Some are experiencing unexplained symptoms. Others have discussed possible mold exposure with a healthcare provider or received medical testing that prompted them to investigate where they live or work.
If concerns about mold have led you to investigate your indoor environment, we can help you take a closer look for mold that may otherwise remain hidden.
When to Schedule an Inspection
A professional mold investigation may be appropriate when:
- There is a persistent musty or earthy odor
- The building has experienced a leak, flood, roof problem, or plumbing failure
- Mold is suspected but cannot be located visually
- Symptoms or concerns appear more noticeable inside a particular building
- Previous air testing did not identify the source of the concern
- You are renting or purchasing a property with an uncertain moisture history
- Mold has returned after cleaning or remediation
- You want a post-remediation inspection to help verify that the mold was addressed and identify any remaining areas of concern
- You want to investigate before opening walls or removing flooring
- A healthcare provider has recommended evaluating the indoor environment
You do not need to own the property to request an inspection.
What a Canine Alert Means
A canine alert identifies a location associated with mold-related odor. It is an investigative finding—not a laboratory result.
An alert does not identify the mold species, measure the amount of growth, establish the extent of contamination, or determine medical risk. It helps us focus the investigation and recommend an appropriate next step.
When confirmation is needed, sampling can be directed toward a specific area of concern rather than performed randomly throughout the building.
Meet Jess and Rex
Jess Reverie is a certified mold inspector and certified K9 handler. She combines building investigation, moisture assessment, thermal imaging, and canine detection to evaluate possible mold and moisture concerns.
Rex is a working-line German Shepherd trained and certified in mold detection through Bill Whitstine at Florida Canine Academy.
Together, Jess and Rex conduct a disciplined, methodical investigation designed for one purpose: helping people find mold that might otherwise remain hidden.
Follow along: @rexthemolddog and @mt_mold_dogs
What to Expect
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Tell Us What Is Happening
We will discuss the building, your concerns, its moisture history, previous testing, and the areas you are most concerned about. You will receive a quote before scheduling.
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We Evaluate the Building
We assess accessible building conditions and use professional inspection tools to identify moisture-related evidence and areas requiring closer attention.
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Rex Conducts the Search
Rex systematically searches accessible areas and alerts to locations associated with mold odor.
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You Receive Clear Findings
We explain what was observed, where Rex alerted, the limitations of the inspection, and the most appropriate next steps.
Stop Guessing About Hidden Mold
If you suspect mold but cannot find the source, professional inspection combined with certified canine detection can provide a more focused path forward.
Call Us About Your Concerns: (406) 479-9664
Serving homes, apartments, rental properties, commercial buildings, and properties being considered for purchase throughout Montana—including Dillon, Bozeman, Billings, Missoula, Helena, Butte, Great Falls, Kalispell, and surrounding communities.
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Rated 5.0 on Google · 1 Google review