Tuesday, March 30

Pest Control

We have pests. Mice-like creatures that have entered our home and have taken over. At first, there were only a couple, but their numbers have grown.

They get into every nook and cranny, causing massive amounts of destruction along the way. They've gotten into my make-up, into my photo albums, and into every drawer in the house. They scurry across the island in the kitchen, they dance on the living room table, and even plop themselves down on the very top of the couch (where we rest our heads). Worst of all, they get into our bed in the middle of the night!

They practically camp out in the pantry. They have eaten their way through every bit of food we have in the house, knocking over bags of flour and uncooked pasta in the process. Fruit is a particular attraction for these rodents. Within seconds of taking fruit out of the grocery bags, these pests attack! We, literally, watch them fight to pick the best piece of fruit, eat most of it, and drop the remaining bits on the floor throughout our home.

At first, we used to be able to shout at them, and they would scurry back into the shadows of the house. Now, they seem immune to our shouting. They sense that we are unwilling or unable to take the necessary steps to eradicate the problem. Yes, I admit it! We have a pest control problem because we were too lazy and too exhausted to nip it in the bud. The problem has grown to a level where Dan and I are helpless.

A few evenings ago, Dan and I sat in the dark. We hoped that if we were very quiet, they would go away. Or, at least be quiet so we could pretend we didn't have a pest control problem. But it didn't work. Their destruction continued even in the darkness. I whispered to Dan that we should move, just walk out and never look back. Dan hoped that there could be another, less dramatic solution. "Isn't there someone we can call?", pleaded my husband. I looked into his sad, tired eyes and replied "No. I've already called Children's Aid. They won't take our kids!".

So, here we remain with Things 1, 2, and 3, hoping that one day they will transform into beautiful butterflies and fly away. Until then, Dan and I will keep our heads down and try to stay out of their way!

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