Dear James: Our old house is a mixture of many additions over the years, with basements and crawl spaces. It often has a damp, moldy odor. How can we eliminate this condition?—Bert J.
Dear Bert: The damp, moldy odor is not only unpleasant but also can indicate other more-serious problems. Mold spores released into the air can cause allergies, and some, such as black mold, can make people sick. Dampness can cause structural damage to the building materials and will invite insects to invade your house.