THE KNOWLEDGE ASK THE EXPERT
Second homes
Unwanted guests? No problem, says Carmel O’Connell
My property manager has decided to retire earlier than expected on health grounds, leaving me with holiday rental bookings that I’m unable to service. What should I do? Firstly, reach out to guests who have made bookings and inform them about the situation. Apologise for the inconvenience and explain the circumstances. It’s essential to maintain open communication and transparency. Check if any of your guests have any fl exibility in their dates, even if it’s just one day. If possible, try to fi nd
alternative accommodation for the guests. Contact other property managers or holiday rental agencies in your area to see if they have availability for the same dates. You can negotiate on behalf of the
guests to transfer the bookings to another property.
Look for local property
management companies that specialise in short-term rentals. They may be able to assist with managing the bookings, even at short notice, particularly if any guests are able to change their dates so arrival/departures are days other than Saturdays. Be prepared to negotiate the terms and fees associated with their services and consider limiting the services you off er to only the essential.
My wife hates spiders, and although we have our second home cleaned and prepared for
our arrival, the critters are back within days. Do you have any tips for keeping them at bay? Dealing with recurring spider problems can be frustrating, especially if you have a strong aversion to them. Here are some tips to help you manage and reduce spider infestations: Maintain a consistent cleaning routine to remove webs, dust and potential food sources that attract spiders. Pay special attention to corners, ceilings and hidden areas where spiders tend to build their webs. Use a vacuum cleaner hose to suck up spiders, webs and egg sacs. Empty the vacuum bag outside to make sure spiders don’t get inside. Inspect your home for any cracks or gaps that may serve as entry points and seal them. Cut vegetation away from the exterior walls to reduce the chance of spiders crawling inside. Get rid of debris, piles of wood or clutter near the building, as they can serve as hiding places. Spiders are attracted to light because it attracts their prey. Consider using outdoor light
“Familiarise yourself with the snake species in your area to understand their habits and preferred habitats”
fi xtures that emit less light or switching to yellow or sodium vapor bulbs, which are less attractive to insects. Some natural remedies are said to repel spiders, such as chestnuts. Try placing them or essential oils like peppermint, tea tree or citrus near entry points, windows and corners where spiders are often found.
I’ve seen snakes in our garden recently – are they likely to come indoors if we have a drought?
Snakes generally prefer to stay outdoors in their natural habitats, even during periods of drought. While it is unlikely they would actively seek out indoor spaces, they might accidentally enter a building if they come across an open door, gap or crack. To minimise the chances of snakes entering your home, consider the following precautions:
Inspect the exterior of your home for any openings or gaps that snakes could use to gain entry and fi ll them in with appropriate materials.
Keep doors and windows closed, especially if you suspect the presence of snakes nearby. Remove any potential snake hiding spots in your garden, such as tall grass, brush piles, or debris.
Regularly trim shrubs, bushes and low branches. Snakes are less likely to venture close to your home if there is no suitable habitat or hiding places nearby. If you have fi rewood, keep it stacked away from your house and off the ground to discourage snakes from using the woodpile as a hiding spot.
Familiarise yourself with the snake species in your area to understand their habits and preferred habitats. This knowledge can help you take appropriate precautions.
If you do encounter a snake inside your home, it is best to contact a professional snake removal service like SOS
Serpents to handle the situation safely and humanely. ■
Carmel O’Connell is a Director at LBV
Property Management Tel: 0033 (0)5 62 29 26 62
lbvfrance.com
94 FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: July/August 2023
© SHUTTERSTOCK
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