Episode #79: Sniffing Out Mold: Mold Dogs & Inspections Interview with Lindsay Reeves

What if the key to uncovering hidden mold in your home had four legs, an extraordinarily sensitive nose, and a partner who knows exactly how to verify what she finds? In this episode, Lindsay Reeves introduces us to Hope, a highly trained mold-detection dog whose remarkable abilities help reveal problems that often remain invisible to the eye. Lindsay explains how Hope works alongside her husband, Blake, a certified Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP), to deliver a powerful, complementary inspection approach that combines canine detection with same-day professional inspection and testing. She breaks down what happens during a mold dog inspection, why pairing it with an IEP is critical, and how this team approach can prevent costly remediation mistakes. You’ll also learn how Hope is continually trained, which species of mold she can detect, and the safety considerations and limitations of using a mold dog. If you’ve been chasing your tail trying to find the source of your home’s mold problem, this episode might finally help you sniff out the answer.Episode Highlights• What do mold detection dogs do, and how does a mold dog inspection work compared to a traditional IEP inspection? (3:10)• What happens after a mold dog alerts, and what role does the IEP play in verification, inspection, and testing? (5:53)• How does Hope detect mold in hidden or inaccessible spaces without physically reaching them? (7:28)• Which species of mold is Hope trained to detect, and how is she trained to do this work? (8:59)• What are the limitations of mold detection dogs, and how do they distinguish between indoor mold growth and outdoor spores entering the home? (12:21)• How does Lindsay protect Hope’s health and safety while working in mold-affected environments? (16:32)• How should homeowners prepare for a mold dog inspection, and what should they expect during the process? (19:25)• How many mold issues does Hope typically alert to in a home, and are false positives or false negatives possible? (22:06)• What are some of the most surprising mold discoveries Hope has made during inspections? (25:01)• What should people know about properly training a mold detection dog, and why does training quality matter? (28:03) Links mentioned in interview:A Cry for Help: The Reeves Family’s Journey Through Mold Illness – Interview with Lindsay and Blake Reeves: https://changetheairfoundation.org/a-cry-for-help-the-reeves-familys-journey-through-mold-illness/What’s That Smell? MVOCs & Mold – Interview with Jason Earle: https://changetheairfoundation.org/whats-that-smell-mvocs-mold/Start Here – Mold in the Home: https://changetheairfoundation.org/mold-in-the-home/Get in touch with our guest:Phone: 479-383-2911Website: Hopethemolddog.comEmail: [email protected]: Hope the Mold DogInstagram: @hopethemolddogLearn more about Change the Air Foundation:  https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.orgDisclaimer: Your Indoor Air Podcast, a Change the Air Foundation production, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, healthcare or other professional services, such as giving healthcare advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care.  Users should not disregard or delay in seeking medical attention for any medical condition