I wish those possums would get out of the danged roof! They’ve been keeping me awake at night all week. I don’t know what they’re doing up there, but it’s causing a helluva racket. I’ve asked my neighbour, who works in pest control, what I can do about it, and he said I’d have to call a wildlife rescue service. Turns out they’re a protected species here… not like back home in NZ!

That aside, he also pointed out that I might have an issue with termites, and should get an inspection ASAP. Eep! Now that’s really something to be concerned about. The neighbour said it could be water damage, but that it looked worth investigating – either way, it’s not great.

When I decided to move into my dearly departed aunt’s old house in Berwick, pest management wasn’t something I factored into the bargain. But it looks like it’s going to be a thing. Let’s just hope the colony isn’t too far along in their timber-eating efforts, so that it’s possible to carry out a treatment before the roof starts caving in… then again, at least that’d get rid of the possums!

In all seriousness, though – who’s good for home termite inspections? Mornington Peninsula residents, please tell me your experiences. My neighbour tells me that I should go with a service that uses thermal imaging to detect insects inside the wood. I should have enquired further about this; I’m not sure if it’s the norm in extermination technology these days, or if I have to ask about it specifically.

One more question: why is having a house such a pain in the neck? If it’s not a termite infestation or marsupials in the roof, it’s some random council fee, or a crotchety guy over the road complaining about your front garden needing to be cut back. Maybe I’ll just sell up and go back to living in my van!

I’ll have to sort out this pest problem first, though. No one wants to buy a house that’s already inhabited by insects – particularly ones that plan on making the skirting boards their dinner.