Learn Your Neighbors
If you are staying in a vacation rental or if you plan to spend time in the wilderness of the Adirondack Park, you may wish to also spend some time learning a little about the local inhabitants of the Adirondacks. Not the people, although that’s a good thing to become aware of too, but the other residents, both large and small.
Many people quickly appreciate the beauty of the Adirondacks but it can be a little more challenging to learn how to coexist with the wildlife.
You can find many native species. Some of them are more visible, such as deer, raccoons, frogs, fish, and birds, but there are many that choose to hide away as much as possible, such as puma, bobcats, moose, bear, fox, fisher, and many others. And of course there are the myriad seasonal pests like mosquitoes, black flies, spiders, ladybugs, and house flies.
It’s a great idea to learn as much as possible about many of these, especially those that can be dangerous as well as the many that can on occasion be annoying, like gnats and mosquitoes.
Inconveniences
There are many simple measures that you can take to take care of most of the inconveniences, such as keeping doors and windows closed at night, using insect repellent outdoors, and storing food in airtight containers to deter unwanted critters.
Some things you can’t do a lot about. This is after all, the wilderness, and no matter what an owner does to prevent pests like mice, spiders, elder bugs, or house flies, they are ultimately going to be unsuccessful. Remember that these natives, big and small, were here first, and they like a warm cozy house and good food just as much as the next guy. If you’re having major issues with them, make sure to reach out to the owner to have the owner take care of the problem.
On the other hand, simple measures like promptly disposing of trash can prevent bears and raccoons and other from spreading the trash all over the neighborhood, which is what they will do if they can reach it. After all, if you’re a bear and you smell that tasty bag of chicken tenders, then it’s pretty likely that you’re going to tear everything apart trying to find the chicken if all you found was the empty bag. Take the trash to the local transfer station instead of putting it in a bag or can outside the door. This can quickly become a dangerous situation if mama bear is showing her cubs how to forage for food in your trash at night and you or your kids are sitting nearby on the deck enjoying the sunset.
Many minor problems can also be reduced or eliminated with some preventive measures, like bringing along insect repellent or maybe fly swatters to address minor pest problems yourself.
Hotels and Motels
Of course, many of the bigger problem situations tend not to occur if you stay at a hotel or motel; the locations and the number of people, plus the staff taking care of trash and similar issues tends to reduce or eliminate such problems. Most of the time the major issues occur at vacation rentals. So if you are concerned about rodents and bugs, I recommend staying at a hotel or a motel, not at a vacation rental.
Motel and hotel managers can also be a font of information on local services and attractions.
Live and Let Live
It’s important to know that animals and even most insects are not out there looking for a fight with you. If you don’t try to pet the raccoon, catch the chipmunnk, or swat the bee, chances are it will let you alone. Bees in particular are often just looking for something sweet or greasy, so covering your drinks and food can go a long way to encouraging them to look elsewhere for dinner.
This bountiful wildlife is a large part of what makes the Adirondacks into a beautiful haven, but just like the scenery, it’s usually better to appreciate it at a distance.
Enjoy this beautiful natural wonderland!