Have you ever wondered if your house is haunted? Do you ever feel like someone is behind you and no one is there? Have you ever taken a picture and found something strange like a mist or white mass in the photo? Do you think your house is haunted?

With the popularly of such shows as GHOST HUNTERS, PARNORMAL STATE, GHOST ADVENTURES and A HAUNTING, many people are asking themselves these questions.

Should you call a ghost hunting team or paranormal investigator to check out your claims? Before you make this important decision here are a few things you should know.

Ghost hunting groups are a mix of several different outlooks. Many advertise online and the majority do not charge for their services. Most groups are just hoping to find new and interesting places to explore.

There are four basic classifications of ghost hunters, though many groups fall into one or more categories.

1. Scientific: This group generally seeks to prove or disprove paranormal phenomena such as ghost by the use of scientific methods.
2. Interactive: Uses both science and practiced beliefs to form an answer about a type of paranormal activity. This group may consist of students of cryptozoology, parapsychology, UFO’s, conspiracies, etc.
3. Chasers/Busters: True believers out to prove by any means that a phenomenon does exist, regardless of what the evidence shows or does not show.
4. Religious/Spiritual: Believers who specialize in religious and or occult beliefs. They fight against the practices of negative forces, such as demons and evil presences.

Once you have chosen your ghost hunting team and allowed them into home what should you expect?

First they will talk with you and your family. You will want to explain any paranormal activities or sighting you have had. They will want to know what you consider hot spots. Once the walk through is finished they will set up for the hunt.

Most ghost hunters prefer to conduct their investigations during so called “peak “evening hours between midnight and 4 am. The lights out or black-out conditions are used because the theory is that it is easier to see a possible apparition in the dark.

Cameras will be set up using infrared, digital, night vision and still photography to capture evidence of possible visual manifestations, such as orbs, mist, apparitions, and ectoplasm or shadow people.

Your ghost hunters will carry EMF meters (electromagnetic field meters) to detect unexplained magnetic fields which may signal the presence of ghosts.

Digital thermometers will detect cold spots. Some believe that temperature changes are accompanied by paranormal activity.

Digital and analog audio recording are taken while doing EVP sessions. EVP’s (electronic voice phenomena) are sounds that when interpreted are theorized as attempts at communication by paranormal entities.

Once your hunt is completed it may take several days or weeks for the investigators to go over all the evidence. While the tapes and recording are being reviewed another investigator may research the history of the location in hopes of learning more about past events and individuals associated with the site.

If it is determined that your home is haunted or has some type of paranormal activity the ghost hunting group should offer advice on how to deal with it. It may range from telling the spirit to leave; this is taking control of your home. Having a member of the clergy perform a blessing or cleansing of the house. Using a psychic to make contract or if your ghost is not causing too much trouble or harm learn to live with them.

I hope this information helps anyone who is living with paranormal activity. Know that you are not alone. I myself believe my home is haunted. My family and visitors have seen and heard strange things. We sense no malevolent intent so we live with our paranormal guests. Just remember there is help out there if you need it.