With the recent fires pushing wildlife in various directions and winter right around the corner, homes around the Tahoe basin have seen an uptick in bear break-ins. Fortunately there are various ways to help prevent this potential and more than likely inevitable issue.  

Safeguarding Your Property

• Make sure ground accessible windows and doors are locked. Screens are not bear-proof.
• Don't leave garbage near the house or on decks. Make sure renters know how to properly use the bear box when taking out trash. 
• Don't leave food in cars. Roll up windows and lock doors. Bears are smart and will open almost any unlocked door or window if they smell food.
• Don't feed your pets outside or leave pet food outside. 
• Brush original scent Pine-Sol on window and door casing to mask food odors coming from inside. Repeat often. Place open pans or soaked rag's of Pine-Sol in garage to mask garbage and food in freezers. (Bears can't stand the pungent aroma of Pine-Sol)
• If your house is not permanently occupied (i.e. vacation home or vacant rental), remove all food when the house is unoccupied.  

Seek Help from Professionals

Even with all these great home remedies to Safeguard your home, some bears are persistent and you may need the help of professionals. If this is the case, you may want to call Bear Busters. Serving the Truckee-Tahoe area since 2009, Bear Busters has helped thousands of home owners with safe and affordable bear deterrent systems. Give them a call today to see what they can do to protect your home from a potential 'messy' disaster. 

As always, stay safe out there. 

Sasha