Radon Gas

How widespread is the problem? Radon has been found in homes in all 50 states. Certain areas are more susceptible than others (http://www.epa.gov/radon/zonemap.html), but no location is immune.

 The EPA web site (http://www.epa.gov/radon/manufact.html) provides information on finding an appropriate resources and testing devices.

For more information, visit the EPA web site on radon at http://www.epa.gov/radon.

Mold

Mold produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.  When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

See also: An Introduction to Molds at www.epa.gov/mold/append_b.html

Termites

Termites, powder post beetles, carpenter bees and ants are the focus here.  Termites and beetles are the primary concern because they are much more destructive.  Did you know there are 2200 termite species worldwide and 45 of those are in the United States? 

New Jersey has only subterranean termites which come from the soil to eat and digest any cellulose (wood containing matter).  They thrive where cellulose and high moisture exist, therefore it is essential that moisture drains away from your  dwelling and wood products are up and away from the finish grade.  Termites can have colonies of over 1,000,000 and can eat one pound of wood per day.  Termites appear similar to winged ants except they have non-segmented bodies, four wings of equal length and straight antennas (not elbowed like ants).  Power Post Beetles enter a home already embedded inside wood members (usually large timbers in older homes).  They too can be devastating to your homes structural integrity.  They kick out their frass (sawdust like powder) from small 1\16 inch holes they create in the wood.