Dear Jaclyn and Heidi,
We bought a second-hand van before we headed off on our big trip. Neither of us had ever ‘caravanned’ before. Anyway, I need help with a growing phobia which is threatening to de-rail our Big Lap before it’s got out of first gear. On our very first stop, I saw a cockroach in the kitchen. I was just making a cup of tea when it scuttled across the counter. I’ve sprayed the van thoroughly now, of course, but I still lie awake at night worrying that some bug may crawl on me as I sleep. I’ve always had a thing about them. The other night while we were sitting under the awning, I saw a huge stick insect near Daniel’s foot! It was horrible! We’re heading north and I’ve heard the bugs are massive up there. I’m not sure I’m ready for that!
Tessa
I know it’s easier said than done, Tessa, but you’ve got to try to stop stressing about this. If you don’t, it really does have the potential to de-rail your dream trip. You don’t mention what Daniel says about your phobia but, however understanding he is, I am sure he doesn’t want every stop to turn into a bug hunt! All you can do is take all possible practical steps. Spray as much as you need to reassure yourself that you have killed the cockroaches and they aren’t coming back! And invest in a bug zapper or any other practical device you can to minimise their presence around your camp. After that, you really are going to have to try to put them out of your mind, Tessa. I know you’ve been told a million times before that your average bug really can’t do that much damage to you … but it really can’t.
Jaclyn
There’s no point sugar-coating the facts. If you’re going to travel around Australia you’re going to see bugs. You’ll see them crawling, you’ll see them flying, and you’ll certainly hear them buzzing. And, yes, when you go up north there are going to be some absolute whoppers. Some people love to marvel at a giant hairy-legged insect, others take to it with a newspaper, and others jump up on a chair. Plenty of nomads who love life on the road get startled by creepy-crawlies, and check for unwanted visitors on their chair before sitting down. If you are ‘nervous’ but can still laugh about it, great. But, if your phobia means you’ll never be able to sit outside with Daniel on a beautiful Outback night, then you should save yourself the petrol money and head home.
Heidi
