Short answer
ERMI is a DNA-based analysis of settled dust that quantifies 36 mold species and produces a relative index for the building. It is useful for chronically ill occupants and for buildings with a long water history, and unnecessary for a straightforward recent leak.
Because dust accumulates over months, ERMI reflects a building's history rather than its condition today, which makes it a poor tool for verifying that a remediation worked — clearance testing does that job.
We also offer mycotoxin, VOC, allergen and bacteria testing when a physician is involved and a whole-environment picture is needed.
Why it matters in San Diego
In a Carlsbad home, a question about ERMI may come up because a closet smells musty during the marine layer. In Ramona, the same question may follow an old roof leak and a dust test someone read about online. Those situations do not automatically call for the same test. Start with what you need to know: whether water is still entering, whether material is affected or whether a particular professional has requested a specific kind of documentation.
A number from dust does not show which wall needs attention. It also does not replace a look at present conditions. In Encinitas, coastal humidity may be part of the moisture picture; in Fallbrook, the relevant history may be winter rain followed by a long dry spell. We connect the question to the building rather than choosing a test because its name sounds comprehensive. If a physician has asked for information, bring the actual request. We can explain our inspection and air or swab sampling, while medical interpretation stays with your clinician.
How we handle it
We first ask why you are considering ERMI. Is there visible growth, a recent leak, a persistent odor or a specific request from another professional? That answer helps keep testing tied to a purpose. ERMI uses settled dust and DNA-based analysis. It is not a room-by-room map of active mold, and a score alone does not identify the water source or define a removal boundary.
We then inspect the accessible areas related to your concern. We review the leak history, document findings and explain what remains unknown. For homeowners and property managers, this inspection is free and includes photos, a written report and a free removal estimate. It does not include lab results. If there is an obvious moisture problem, we discuss addressing that problem rather than treating another test as the first repair step.
When sampling would help, we explain the question each proposed air or swab sample is meant to answer. Our published optional sampling prices are for those samples, not an ERMI package. Ask about the limits of the proposed sample locations before approving them. We do not use any mold result to diagnose an illness or tell you that a home is medically safe. If removal is needed, we provide a written scope and explain containment, negative air, HEPA methods and clearance. A dust score should not replace a clearance plan tied to the removal work.
What it costs and what to expect
The inspection is free for homeowners and property managers and includes photos, a written report and a free removal estimate. Lab results are not part of that free visit. Optional air and/or swab sampling costs $195 for two samples, $295 for three and $75 for each additional sample, with lab analysis and a report.
Those are not ERMI prices. We do not publish an ERMI price here or suggest that our air and swab packages are interchangeable with a dust analysis. Most removal jobs cost $1,300–$3,500, with bigger losses costing more. We provide a written estimate before removal. A test score by itself is not enough to price the work or establish its boundaries.
Why a mold-only company matters here
Mold is all we do, so we keep the discussion on the building rather than selling a score as an answer to every concern. We have 15 years in business and use our own crews for removal. That matters when a testing question turns into a practical decision about an affected wall or closet. We explain the source, scope and clearance approach, and leave medical interpretation to your clinician. Our mold removal work carries a three-year guarantee.
Signs it's time to call us
- A musty closet during coastal damp weather
- Visible growth after an earlier leak
- A stain returning despite cosmetic repairs
- A specific testing request from a clinician
- An unexplained odor near a repaired wall
- Uncertainty about what a dust result actually answers
Mistakes to avoid
- Using an ERMI score to locate a leak
- Treating a dust score as a medical diagnosis
- Confusing air sampling prices with ERMI pricing
- Buying a test without defining the question
- Using one number to price removal
- Substituting a dust score for a clearance plan
Related questions
Is ERMI the same as an air sample?
No. ERMI analyzes settled dust using a different method. An air sample and a swab sample also answer different questions.
Do you advertise an ERMI package here?
No. Our published optional testing packages are for air and/or swab samples, with laboratory analysis and a report.
Can a result tell me why I feel ill?
We do not diagnose illness from mold testing. Bring health concerns and any requested test interpretation to your clinician.