Well dears, today I bring you a cautionary tale – and a rather useful household hack – courtesy of my friend Lyn.
A few weeks ago, on one of those hot, sticky days when even the furniture seems to perspire, Lyn’s air-conditioning failed spectacularly. This was no ageing relic either, but a unit barely a few years old. Understandably, she was not best pleased.
We were due to meet for our usual game of mahjong and when Lyn eventually arrived, she looked – how shall I put this – like a flustered alpaca. Heat and humidity are merciless companions, particularly where hair is concerned.
The real shock came later. Her air-conditioning unit, it transpired, had been hijacked by a family of rats. Yes, rats. Nesting happily where no rat ought to be. Poor Lyn was beside herself.
The young air-conditioning technician she called in was reassuringly unfazed. Apparently, this sort of thing is far from unusual. “You really must keep rats, geckos and other creatures away from your unit,” he said. They cause dreadful damage. “Nothing worse than a frazzled rat on the electrics.” One imagines not.
Fortunately, he also shared some sensible – and rather charmingly old-fashioned – preventative measures.
First, mothballs. Simply hang them around the air-conditioning unit and the strong scent will deter both rats and geckos. It’s an old remedy, but as I often say, the old ones usually work. Do take care, though, if you have pets or small children, as mothballs are toxic if ingested.
Next, inspect the unit closely for cracks or gaps. These creatures can squeeze through astonishingly small spaces. Seal any openings with caulk or weatherstripping – not the vents, of course. It’s a small job that can save considerable expense later.
Another sensible step is to fit mesh screens over vents or ducts. These keep unwanted visitors out while allowing the system to function as it should.
Tidiness matters too. Rats are fond of clutter and food scraps, so keep the area around your unit clean and clear. Trim back any overgrown plants nearby – they provide both shelter and invitation.
Finally, if the situation has already escalated, traps or bait stations may be required. Not glamorous, perhaps, but effective. If, like me, you have a pest control fellow who visits annually, he can usually maintain these for you.
Which brings me, as ever, to my favourite motto: prevention is better than cure – and, in my experience, considerably cheaper too.