10 Signs of a Meth House — by first-time homebuyers who unknowingly bought one

1. Unusual, strong odors (like cat urine, ether, ammonia, acetone or other chemicals).

2. Renters who pay their landlords in cash. (Most drug dealers trade exclusively in cash.)

3. Lots of traffic — people coming and going at unusual times. There may be little traffic during the day, but at night the activity increases dramatically.

4. Excessive trash including large amounts of items such as: antifreeze containers, lantern fuel cans, red chemically stained coffee filters, drain cleaner and duct tape.

5. Unusual amounts of clear glass containers being brought into the home.

6. Windows blacked out or covered by aluminum foil, plywood, sheets, blankets, etc.

7. Secretive/protected area surrounding the residence (video cameras, alarm systems, guard dogs, reinforced doors, electrified fencing).

8. Persons exiting the structure to smoke.

9. Little traffic during the day, but high traffic at late hours; including different vehicles arriving and staying for short periods of time.

10. Little or no mail, furniture, visible trash, and no newspaper delivery.

[via The Consumerist and Our Meth House, the website of first-time home buyers who unknowingly "inherited a nightmare" and are now "on the verge of financial ruin as a result of the lack of disclosure on the part of the seller of our home. Our house is contaminated with methamphetamine, which is extremely hazardous.... We are out of options."]