It was only when we moved into our new home that we found them - the horrible creatures that hid in the dark places, living in the cracks. Every time we entered a room they would flee before us, then peer out at us from their hiding places. We followed the usual advice. We got rid of their food sources; we scoured the house for nests; we sprayed their lairs. And, when they dared to show themselves, we would crush them to a pulp.

Our methods seemed to work. At first. The tide retreated, their ranks diminished by the constant warfare. Indeed, we rejoiced in our apparent victory. However, our celebrations were premature. Our foes rallied and returned in greater numbers than before, replenished in some secret redoubt. In the quiet dark we could hear them as they gathered. In the light we could see the detritus they left behind.

So, we doubled our efforts and bent ourselves to the grisly task. More poisons; more cleanings; more vigilance. But we could not stop them. Instead, they became emboldened and brazen, daring to appear in plain sight as if to taunt us.

We joined in battle. The campaign ebbed and flowed. First one side would gain an advantage, then just as suddenly lose it to the other. However, in the end, it was we who faltered. Our nerves grew ragged, our wills drained. We grew tired and weary of the fight, carelessly ceding territory.

Finally, we had enough. We could do no more. So, we sought help - a professional who knew the ways of our foe and how to defeat them. Then, this done, we left him to his gruesome task. At the appointed hour we returned to our home, newly cleansed and smelling faintly of chemicals. There was no sign of the creatures - not even their husks - to show that they had existed. That night we celebrated.

But our joy did not last. In the morning we saw one of them. It waved its antennae at us, then hurried away.

We put the house up for sale once more.