Rental Property Investor · Boston, MA · Member since 2016 · 10 posts · 3 votes
I have a cabin for STR in Sevierville, TN. Everything goes well except the problem with raccoons and skunk living nearby. They constantly open the trash can at night and create mess, which 95% complains come from. I'm wondering what other hosts deal with this. Is there anyway to remove raccoon? How do you lock the trash can? Permanent structure? Any recommendation of contractors are greatly appreciated as well. Thank you so much, Yan
Investor · The worst town to live in, KS · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
5y
I've got 23 STRs. In one particular house I've had pigeons, starlings, opossums, stray cats and squirrels get in. I have to dispatch them. The other 22 STRs never have problems like this particlular house has. This house is also haunted. I've had at least 150 people tell me that. That last guy woke up in the middle of the night in a freezing room and felt like 1000 hands were holding him down.
Rental Property Investor · Tennessee Florida · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 5k+ votes
5y
@Justin Anderson is correct. If you’ve got trash you’ve got bears. If you’ve got bears you’ve got dumb guests that are trying to take selfies with them. If you’ve got guests trying to take selfie’s with black bears... you’ve got problems.
Real Estate Agent · Chattanooga, TN · Member since 2020 · 107 posts · 62 votes
5y
Depends on your trash cans. Is this a large, plastic wheeled bin empty by a truck with the mechanical arm? There are straps you can use on those that can be found on Amazon. "Animal proof trash can."
Rental Property Investor · North Fork, NY · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 631 votes
5y
What Julie said. We bought one right away, never had a problem. Don’t try skimping, especially if you keep having to deal with trashy complaints. Complete turnoff.
Investor · Nortnern Colorado · Member since 2020 · 170 posts · 131 votes
5y
Cages for cans. They are metal grating boxes with doors secured by a carabiner or similar. Get a good one with tight tolerances to keep racoons out. $300- $400 each. They are essential.
Rental Property Investor · Boston, MA · Member since 2016 · 10 posts · 3 votes
5y
Thank you so much everyone! I should come here earlier asking for help. I updated to a new bear proof trash can a couple of days ago, assuming that all the mess was created by raccoons. However, the surveillance camera showed that a young bear pushed it down with one finger this morning. Will go for the steel bear proof trash bin for sure!!!