Hi, we have used a multi meter and placed both prongs in the ground of our section. It is reading .165 volts dc.
We have overhead power and phone lines.
What could be causing this and should there be a reading at all? Thanks

Is there a reason you decided to test the earth with a multi-meter?

.165 VDC is not an issue. Many digital meters will detect stray or induced voltages that are not any cause for concern.

I do not see this voltage as being a problem.

Like TK says, this is nothing to even be remotely concerned about. The reading you are getting is meaningless.

The overhead lines are not EMF'ing you to death.

Besides, the earth is like a big potato. If you stick the probes of a meter in the ground ten feet apart you'll get voltage, just from the composition of the soil and other factors.