Prepare for renters from away

Be fair and understanding that some renters have little understanding of a Maine cottage and its environment.

Two examples may help.  If you have a cast iron frying pan, you may find it heavily rusted at the end of season because a guest didn't realize the need to keep it oiled.  The second example relates to the rubbish mess outside as guests don't understand the aggressiveness of wildlife seeking a free meal.

The first example is simple to avoid.  We store the frying pan in the owners' storage prior to rental.  The second situation is more challenging.  When we occupy the cottage, we never leave edible rubbish outside overnight.  The classic solutions are storing garbage cans in a secure container, using a secure garbage can, or adding moth balls/ammonia to the trash,

I have long used ammonia to keep dogs from ripping plastic bags of trash at the curb.  In Maine, you can purchase a 32 Gallon Olive Animal Stopper Refuse Container for $39.99 at Aubuchon Hardware in Lisbon Falls, near Brunswick.  A screw lid garbage container is available online for $66.24 plus shipping.  Cottage Connection of Maine offers a similar product regularly priced at $149.95 plus shipping.  Check all vendors for current pricing, including promotional sales, and availability.

Be aware that squirrels are reported as tenacious and have sharp teeth capable of penetrating plastic garbage containers.  Well designed plastic garbage containers are reported as effectively excluding bears and raccoons.  A metal garbage can with a locking lid can effectively exclude squirrels.  I have yet to find an animal resistant metal lid for a metal garbage can.  Try a storage bin protected with 1/2" square hardware cloth in which you place your garbage cans.

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