Dear Mary | 20 June 2019

Q. One of the members of our book club is particularly nosy and gossipy. I like this woman, but when it was my turn to host I had the lunch in our barn to pre-empt her snooping in the house. As soon as the barn loo was occupied, however, she began squirming and told us all she was desperate for the loo herself and couldn’t wait. Would I mind if she popped into the house? She took about ten minutes to come back (and she had her mobile with her, no doubt taking pictures). I was very cross with myself for having fallen for this trap. But how could I have said no?
— Name and address withheld

A. On these occasions it is useful to decide to tackle your moth problem (we all have them now) just before the guests arrive, using a smoking-out killer from Pest Control Direct. Not only do such products work (if you follow the instructions correctly) but you must vacate the property for four hours after lighting the wick.