Re: Bears and Garbage By Bob Pelkey Jr. October 18, 2013
Pre-rinse and then saturate the inside and outside of the receptacle with Clorox Clean-up or other bleach type cleaner/disinfectant, use a long handled scrub brush and thoroughly clean the inside/outside, and then rinse lightly just enough to remove any loose debris. Rinse-out at least weekly after garbage pick-up and thoroughly clean once again at least monthly with cloreen bleach. Keep receptacle in secure storage shed or garage if possible until pick-up day. Thoroughly rinse ALL food containers, plastic storage bags or anything that can be rinsed with water, crush metal cans and plastic containers if you are able. Dump babies poop in toilet before disposing of disposable diapers. Take kiddy litter out on day of pick-up. Use trash bags with your in-house trash container, tie closure tightly before placing in receptacle. Use your sink garbage disposal if you have one, for any and all food products. Shrimp/Crab shells and any Fish parts or left over meat products, place in plastic shopping bag and re-freeze until pick-up day, then dispose of them. There are many other things one can do to discourage our neighborhood bears from repeated visits to our garbage, besides; shouting at them, or using firecrackers, or throwing rocks & lemons/limes and such things at them, which really doesn't do any good, as they'll eventually return as soon as things quiet down once more or return the next night? I'm no expert, but all of these mentioned things to do, and not to do, have worked for me as the most consistent in deterring the bears away from our trash receptacle. It may take some time to complete these suggestions or re-adjust your habits, but how much time have you spent picking your garbage up from the street, sidewalk or from your back and side yards?..... and if you have multiple containers determining whose trash it was in the first place, which can put neighbors against neighbors just adding to the frustration? Best regards to all. Bob Pelkey Jr. About: "39 year AK. resident (30 yrs. Ketchikan) otherwise no bear expert, just a little common sense from observations over the years here in SE AK." Received October 17, 2013 - Published October 18, 2013 Related Viewpoint:
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