Whether you’re trying to make sense of unexplained events or simply want to learn more, our resource library provides straightforward, evidence-based information about paranormal phenomena.
An overview of what qualifies as paranormal activity, how investigators classify different types of phenomena, and what to expect from a professional investigation.
A practical guide to distinguishing between natural causes and potential paranormal phenomena in your home.
A step-by-step walkthrough of what happens when a TAPS Family team comes to investigate your property.
How professional investigators evaluate photographic, audio, and environmental evidence — and what separates credible findings from artifacts.
Practical guidance for dealing with distressing paranormal activity while you wait for investigators to arrive.
An overview of common paranormal investigation equipment, what it measures, and how investigators use it in the field.
Panic can amplify fear and cause misinterpretation. Document what you experience without reacting dramatically.
Keep a log with dates, times, locations, and descriptions of every incident. Note who was present.
Have your home inspected for structural issues, gas leaks, infrasound sources, and electrical problems.
Talk to family members, neighbors, and anyone else who may have witnessed activity. Shared experiences matter.
If natural causes have been eliminated and activity continues, reach out to a TAPS Family team for a professional investigation.
RESIDUAL HAUNTING
Repeated playback of a past event, like a recording. No intelligence or interaction. Often tied to emotional events.
INTELLIGENT HAUNTING
An entity that appears aware of the living and responds to presence, questions, or stimuli.
POLTERGEIST ACTIVITY
Physical manipulation of objects. Often focused on a specific individual, particularly adolescents. May have psychological components.
SHADOW FIGURES
Dark, human-shaped forms seen in peripheral vision or directly. One of the most commonly reported phenomena.
ELECTRONIC VOICE PHENOMENA (EVP)
Unexplained voices or sounds captured on audio recording equipment that were not heard at the time.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANOMALIES
Cold spots, electromagnetic field fluctuations, and other measurable environmental changes that lack a conventional explanation.
The cornerstone of responsible paranormal investigation is the rigorous elimination of natural explanations before any paranormal conclusion is drawn. TAPS and our member teams follow a strict evidence hierarchy: every reported phenomenon must first be tested against physical, psychological, and environmental causes.
Common natural explanations include: settling foundations, pipes and HVAC noise, infrasound from industrial equipment, carbon monoxide exposure, pareidolia, and sleep paralysis.
Request a Professional InvestigationStructural movement causes sounds misidentified as footsteps or knocking.
Heating systems and plumbing produce bangs, moans, and whistles.
Low-frequency waves from industrial equipment induce feelings of unease.
Low-level exposure causes hallucinations and paranoia.
The brain's tendency to see familiar patterns in random stimuli.
Neurological episodes often misinterpreted as supernatural encounters.
All investigations conducted by TAPS Family member teams are completely free of charge. This is a core principle of the network — we exist to help people, not profit from their distress.
Most investigations involve an initial interview (1-2 hours) followed by one or more overnight or evening sessions (4-8 hours). The full process, including evidence review and follow-up, typically takes 2-4 weeks.
We present what we document — evidence of unexplained phenomena or the absence thereof. We don't label entities, assign names, or make metaphysical conclusions. Our role is to document and help, not sensationalize.
In most cases, yes — investigators need access to all areas of your home and will want to conduct a walk-through with you first. Your team will discuss logistics during the initial contact.
A finding of 'no evidence' is itself a valid result. Many clients feel relief knowing a professional team found nothing. We'll also help rule out any remaining natural explanations.
No. Submissions through TAPS Family are never considered for television production. Ghost Hunters and related productions have completely separate intake processes.
If you believe you or your family are in immediate danger, contact local authorities first. For spiritual/religious concerns, we can also connect you with appropriate counselors or clergy alongside our investigation.