When you think about threats to your home, what comes to mind? A storm? A break-in? Maybe even a burst pipe? Most of us focus on what we can see. But sometimes the most dangerous threats are completely invisible—and that’s what makes them so risky.
We’re talking about termites, mold, and radon—three hidden issues that can quietly affect your home’s value, your family’s health, and the entire course of a real estate transaction. Whether you’re a homeowner, homebuyer, or real estate agent in the Nashville area, knowing how to identify and manage these threats is key to protecting your investment.
Let’s take a closer look at each one and what you can do to stay ahead of the curve.
Termites: The Silent Destroyers
Termites are one of the most common and costly threats to homes across the United States. According to the National Pest Management Association, they cause more than $5 billion in property damage every year—and that damage often isn’t covered by insurance.
The danger with termites is how quietly they operate. A colony can go unnoticed for months—or even years—while silently eating away at your home’s wooden framing, support beams, floor joists, and more. And while Nashville isn’t in the highest-risk zone in the country, it’s definitely termite territory.
What do termites target?
- Wooden beams, subfloors, and wall studs
- Crawlspaces and basements
- Floorboards and door frames
- Even furniture and books in some cases
Signs you may have a problem:
- Pencil-sized mud tubes on walls or foundation
- Discarded wings near window sills and doorways
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
- Bubbling paint or warped wood that mimics water damage
- Small piles of frass (termite droppings) that resemble sawdust
If you spot any of these warning signs, it’s time to call in a professional. A licensed home inspector can identify active termite activity and potential conditions that invite infestations, such as excessive moisture, unsealed wood-to-ground contact, or vegetation growing too close to your home.
And if you’re buying or selling a home in Tennessee, remember that many lenders—especially those handling VA loans—require a termite inspection before closing.
Mold: The Health Hazard You Can’t Ignore
Unlike termites, mold won’t eat your walls—but it can wreak havoc on your health, your HVAC system, and your home’s resale value. Mold thrives in damp, dark, and poorly ventilated spaces, making basements, crawlspaces, and bathrooms prime areas of concern in Tennessee homes.
The problem? Mold isn’t always visible. It can live inside your walls or HVAC ducts, silently spreading spores into the air.
Common health symptoms linked to mold exposure:
- Allergy-like reactions (sneezing, red eyes, itchy skin)
- Chronic sinus congestion or coughing
- Worsening of asthma symptoms
- Fatigue, headaches, or brain fog in some cases
Mold is especially dangerous for children, seniors, and people with respiratory conditions or weakened immune systems. Even if you’re healthy, long-term exposure can be harmful.
What causes mold in homes?
- Roof or plumbing leaks
- Poor drainage around the foundation
- Improperly vented bathrooms and attics
- High indoor humidity (above 60%)
To prevent mold, you’ll need to stay on top of moisture management. Use dehumidifiers if needed, install bathroom exhaust fans, and make sure crawlspaces are dry and well-ventilated.
If you see (or smell) mold, or if your home has a history of water intrusion, a mold inspection is a smart next step. Certified mold inspectors use air sampling and surface testing to identify the type and extent of mold and whether remediation is needed.
For more, check out the CDC’s mold resource for homeowners.
Radon: The Invisible Radioactive Gas
If you’ve never heard of radon, you’re not alone. It doesn’t get much attention—but it should. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium in soil and rock breaks down. It’s odorless, tasteless, and invisible—but it can collect inside your home, especially in basements or crawlspaces.
Here’s the scary part: radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., according to the EPA. It’s estimated to cause around 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year.
In Tennessee, radon levels vary depending on the geology—but Davidson County and surrounding areas have been identified as Zone 1, meaning homes here are at high risk for elevated radon levels.
The only way to know if you have radon? Testing.
Radon testing is quick and affordable, and it should be part of your due diligence when buying a home—especially if it has a basement or is built on a slab foundation.
If the radon level is 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher, the EPA recommends mitigation. This typically involves installing a ventilation system that redirects radon from under the house to the outside before it can enter the home.
Buyers should ask for a radon test during the inspection period. And sellers can benefit from pre-listing radon testing to avoid last-minute surprises.
Why This Matters in Real Estate Transactions
These three issues—termites, mold, and radon—are deal-breakers in many transactions. They’re also completely preventable or manageable, as long as you catch them early.
Here’s how buyers, sellers, and agents benefit from being proactive:
- For buyers: Peace of mind. You want to know you’re not inheriting costly repairs or health risks.
- For sellers: Transparency and faster closings. A clean inspection report can prevent price drops and delays.
- For agents: Fewer surprises. Helping clients schedule specialty inspections upfront makes for smoother deals and builds trust.
A standard home inspection may identify potential red flags, but termite, mold, and radon issues often require separate specialized inspections. That’s where partnering with a full-service home inspection company like NHI can make all the difference.
The Bottom Line
You can’t see termites eating your beams. You can’t smell radon in the basement. And you may not spot mold until it’s already become a problem. But that doesn’t mean you’re powerless.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or staying put, investing in a comprehensive inspection that includes termite, mold, and radon evaluations is one of the smartest things you can do to protect your home and your health.
If you’re in the Nashville area and ready to take a proactive approach, Nashville Home Inspection offers trusted inspections, fast scheduling, and clear reporting—so you know exactly what you’re dealing with and how to move forward.
Let us help you uncover the hidden threats before they become major issues.
