PISSING POSSUMS

As previously reported, there are ringtail possums living above the deck at our (Niki's!) house.  As they are an endangered species, they are protected, so you can't just shoot 'em or string 'em up - even when they clatter across the roof at night and early morning on the way to and from their daytime bedroom.  And making a massive mess, even if it's hidden away!   They were in the roof space in the house, but after that avenue was closed off (with difficulty - they ate through the first wire closure) they hopped a few yards away to the small enclosed area above the deck.  The idea for removing them is to wait until they leave and then block up their hole and hope they go next door.

These are the little beggars over the last few years when we have caught them on camera leaving around 8pm, as it gets dark.

Niki has been debating what to do for a year or so, but as she isn't down here much, it's not a priority and the only problem, so far is a stained roof above the deck.

Something lurking up there!

Until a couple of days ago - and this greeted me on arrival for breakfast on the balcony - uh oh!

Dripped on to my chair - yuck!

Congealed possum piss on my chair!

Something had to be done - and without worrying Niki, who had bone scans and cat problems of her own back in Perth.  So off to local DIY chainstore, where brilliant man confirmed that we needed sealant and paint to cover it up and prevent leaks.  B&Q take note - he asked us on arrival if we needed help and then sorted us out and confirmed it all with other brilliant man at desk.

And then Graham was back in work mode, after his amazing success with the fly screen (see 9 December 2018 on right) - paintbrush, old painting shorts, turps, paint, ladder and old sheets - all found at the house or bought from nice man.

Success - it's looking great and so far no more surprises or drips on the head - always a worry!!!!!

However, leaving the major problem for Niki to sort - ie take down ceiling, block entrance or whatever - the joys of house ownership.  Us tourists just pack up and go home and sort out their own problems - according to housesitting reports that includes busted shower and cluster flies in roof - there may be more.  Hey ho.