These house spirits live behind walls and under floors in the houses of Germany, and knock or tap three times to communicate with mortals; this signal usually indicates the death of the head of the household. Although amiable and industrious, they tend to be extremely ugly, but have been known to fall in love with young mortal girls, especially maidservants, and may appear to them to declare their affection. If the girl should scream (and she usually does), the wichtlein will wreak havoc in the house. Wichtlein also live beneath mounds or stumps in the garden, and will frighten away tramps and other visitors. They are frightened of water and will avoid streams and creeks and hide when it is raining, and holy water is instant death to them. A mast head, anchor or other ship's artifact also tends to repel wichtlein if displayed prominently near a house.