Guests
Dec 26th, 2007, 07:39 PM
#1
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Guests
Quick intro:
I have managed lodges all around Africa. I though I would write once or twice a week about guests at lodges rather than the lodges to maybe help with different info.
Had a guest this morning tell me he had a mouse in his TENT. He went on and on about it as if it was such a bad thing. I know many people are scared of these cute little mammals and you must try your best to keep them out BUT in my personal experience people even get mice/rats in their own homes in big cities - how are you supposed to keep them out in the middle of the bush in THEIR territory? Especially in a tent they can chew through canvas...this is logical to me. This is an issue that irritates me and luckily I am in an area with very few mice for some reason. I think a few people should wake up a bit and realise where they are. Next time an elephant comes into camp I think I am going to shoot it. Same as trapping the poor mouse....they are both mammals with roles to play, in fact the elephant can have a negative effect on a larger scale.
I have managed lodges all around Africa. I though I would write once or twice a week about guests at lodges rather than the lodges to maybe help with different info.
Had a guest this morning tell me he had a mouse in his TENT. He went on and on about it as if it was such a bad thing. I know many people are scared of these cute little mammals and you must try your best to keep them out BUT in my personal experience people even get mice/rats in their own homes in big cities - how are you supposed to keep them out in the middle of the bush in THEIR territory? Especially in a tent they can chew through canvas...this is logical to me. This is an issue that irritates me and luckily I am in an area with very few mice for some reason. I think a few people should wake up a bit and realise where they are. Next time an elephant comes into camp I think I am going to shoot it. Same as trapping the poor mouse....they are both mammals with roles to play, in fact the elephant can have a negative effect on a larger scale.
Dec 26th, 2007, 08:38 PM
#3
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Read this:
http://www.infoplease.com/cig/danger...ed-states.html
It will explain why some guests think having mice around is a bad thing. Perhaps not an issue in Africa (no recorded cases to my knowledge), but as a good lodge manager you need to know why some guests have certain fears so you can set their minds at rest. This will also keep you from getting upset.
Please keep posting so we can enlighten you further on other issues with guests you aren't able handle.
http://www.infoplease.com/cig/danger...ed-states.html
It will explain why some guests think having mice around is a bad thing. Perhaps not an issue in Africa (no recorded cases to my knowledge), but as a good lodge manager you need to know why some guests have certain fears so you can set their minds at rest. This will also keep you from getting upset.
Please keep posting so we can enlighten you further on other issues with guests you aren't able handle.
Dec 26th, 2007, 08:48 PM
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Tent #1 at old Zib was good for mice, despite its elevation. I was woken one night by the clink of glass. No, nobody was stealing the scotch. A mouse had tipped the lid off a jar of pretzels on the dressing table. He and his mates were regular visitors to the pretzels.
I'm not sure, but it may have been tent #1 where a leopard was found snoozing on the bed during the day a few years back. Now, that's the sort of thing that makes a camp <i> part </i> of the wilderness.
John
I'm not sure, but it may have been tent #1 where a leopard was found snoozing on the bed during the day a few years back. Now, that's the sort of thing that makes a camp <i> part </i> of the wilderness.
John
Dec 26th, 2007, 10:07 PM
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Cutther,
Agree, only natural ..... maybe your guest had no clue about their surroundings?
Nyama,
There is a short story in the Peter Allison book about how the platforms came into existance. I assume you have read it.
John,
I ate up all those pretzels and saved the sherry/port for the mice to drink. Maybe that's why they weren't around tent 1 in june
Agree, only natural ..... maybe your guest had no clue about their surroundings?
Nyama,
There is a short story in the Peter Allison book about how the platforms came into existance. I assume you have read it.
John,
I ate up all those pretzels and saved the sherry/port for the mice to drink. Maybe that's why they weren't around tent 1 in june
Dec 26th, 2007, 10:49 PM
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Hey Tuckeg
As a good lodge manager with a Zoology backround I know exactly why certain people may have fears of mice.......it just amazes me that these self same people would not EXPECT at some stage of their 'safari' to have an encounter with one...after all they are travelling to the 'wild' so must accept it as it is. In fact many times these are the same people who would look down upon me for throwing a stone at a vervet monkey, but are glad to 'doom' their rooms with spray, trap mice and use RATTEX because of irritation and fear!
Thanks for the offer to keep me 'enlightened' but doubt I will need this as you have missed the entire point of my report!
As a good lodge manager with a Zoology backround I know exactly why certain people may have fears of mice.......it just amazes me that these self same people would not EXPECT at some stage of their 'safari' to have an encounter with one...after all they are travelling to the 'wild' so must accept it as it is. In fact many times these are the same people who would look down upon me for throwing a stone at a vervet monkey, but are glad to 'doom' their rooms with spray, trap mice and use RATTEX because of irritation and fear!
Thanks for the offer to keep me 'enlightened' but doubt I will need this as you have missed the entire point of my report!
Dec 26th, 2007, 11:13 PM
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Hi Cutter
I agree with you completely. I have also visited Zib in the good old days and always enjoyed the company of my rodent friends. People should accept the risks of being in the bush or otherwise visit the beach (although some pretty scary things are found there too) Personsally I hate vervet monkeys HHHEEEYYYY!!! as they always seem to be looking for the chance to raid a tent however I have never entertained thoughts of killing or poisoning one. I was recently in a camp where I heard a fellow guest blatantly blame the camp manageress for the bad whether. I take my hat off to you, I could never do the job you do. I wonder if we have met before?
Good luck mate, more power to the mice!!!
I agree with you completely. I have also visited Zib in the good old days and always enjoyed the company of my rodent friends. People should accept the risks of being in the bush or otherwise visit the beach (although some pretty scary things are found there too) Personsally I hate vervet monkeys HHHEEEYYYY!!! as they always seem to be looking for the chance to raid a tent however I have never entertained thoughts of killing or poisoning one. I was recently in a camp where I heard a fellow guest blatantly blame the camp manageress for the bad whether. I take my hat off to you, I could never do the job you do. I wonder if we have met before?
Good luck mate, more power to the mice!!!
Dec 27th, 2007, 02:24 AM
#9
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Hari -- I can't remember this. Are you sure that it's in the Allison book? However, I remember very clear Robyn Keene-Young's thoughts on certain 'eco-friendly' camps...
John -- I'm also a former #1 dweller, but I never had a chance to meet these nice fellow lodgers. Maybe I spent too much time at the bar... ;-)
cutther -- I guess there are some people who aren't in search of the 'wild' when going to Africa, they are more after some aseptic 'NGTV live' experiences.
Btw, in the name of conservation - ban DOOM from all tents!
John -- I'm also a former #1 dweller, but I never had a chance to meet these nice fellow lodgers. Maybe I spent too much time at the bar... ;-)
cutther -- I guess there are some people who aren't in search of the 'wild' when going to Africa, they are more after some aseptic 'NGTV live' experiences.
Btw, in the name of conservation - ban DOOM from all tents!
Dec 27th, 2007, 04:04 AM
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I always need a good laugh to start the day.
Given that mice can and do transmit disease and I recall the situation at Four Corners a few years back in the US Southwest. That said, there are mice everywhere.
I actual name those who, on occasion, come to visit at my office or apartment. And, also have serious conversations with those who show their little heads as they poke out of any hole that would gain them entry to the same place as I am. You can seal up every imaginable hole - under, behind, on top of whatever - if they want in, they find a way.
Here in NYC, whenever there is major construction, whether in the business or residential areas, the nests of these cute furry (yet disease ridden) critters get upset and they scurry everywhere. Makes no difference whether you live in a $500 rent controlled apartment or a $5,000,000 luxury condo (a la ARod who just moved in down the street)... "that's life in the big city." We might not like those times when regardless your income and having been infiltrated... we seem get over it! Haven't heard of anyone who has moved because of micee-miceys!
And, I can assure you, some company is making big money on the sale sticky or spring traps! I hate the former as I couldn't live with listening to a mouse squeek to death; prefer to use the springs with peanut butter (yummie) - zapped immediately and into the trash. One day I even caught twins in a single trap... whoopie!
Now to solve more serious world issues!
Given that mice can and do transmit disease and I recall the situation at Four Corners a few years back in the US Southwest. That said, there are mice everywhere.
I actual name those who, on occasion, come to visit at my office or apartment. And, also have serious conversations with those who show their little heads as they poke out of any hole that would gain them entry to the same place as I am. You can seal up every imaginable hole - under, behind, on top of whatever - if they want in, they find a way.
Here in NYC, whenever there is major construction, whether in the business or residential areas, the nests of these cute furry (yet disease ridden) critters get upset and they scurry everywhere. Makes no difference whether you live in a $500 rent controlled apartment or a $5,000,000 luxury condo (a la ARod who just moved in down the street)... "that's life in the big city." We might not like those times when regardless your income and having been infiltrated... we seem get over it! Haven't heard of anyone who has moved because of micee-miceys!
And, I can assure you, some company is making big money on the sale sticky or spring traps! I hate the former as I couldn't live with listening to a mouse squeek to death; prefer to use the springs with peanut butter (yummie) - zapped immediately and into the trash. One day I even caught twins in a single trap... whoopie!
Now to solve more serious world issues!
Dec 27th, 2007, 04:30 AM
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Nyama,
Robyn's book - are you referring to "backseat safari"? i read it at Zib - they have a copy of it.
RE the Peter Allison book - i just took a look at it for you. As you know, it's a book of short stories regarding his days as a guide. Check out the chapter "The great mouse plague" page 17 and also, the story of the honey badger - "pets"
Hari
Robyn's book - are you referring to "backseat safari"? i read it at Zib - they have a copy of it.
RE the Peter Allison book - i just took a look at it for you. As you know, it's a book of short stories regarding his days as a guide. Check out the chapter "The great mouse plague" page 17 and also, the story of the honey badger - "pets"
Hari
Dec 27th, 2007, 05:15 AM
#12
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My uneducated guess is that there may be less mice going into African tents than there are in other so called civilized areas. I would think that they would be a tasty treat for preditors who may keep the mice population down to a degree. Although, if you bring food into your tent, you're asking for company.
Same as sandi, I get at least a few mice each winter in my house. My kitties toss them them around for sport until I escort them out.... no big deal.
I'm jaded enough at this point, that unless they literally walk across my head while I'm sleeping (it's happened), I no longer get too alarmed.
Now if I wake up to a lion in my tent who's licking his chops and holding salt and pepper shakers and bits of curry...............
Same as sandi, I get at least a few mice each winter in my house. My kitties toss them them around for sport until I escort them out.... no big deal.
I'm jaded enough at this point, that unless they literally walk across my head while I'm sleeping (it's happened), I no longer get too alarmed.
Now if I wake up to a lion in my tent who's licking his chops and holding salt and pepper shakers and bits of curry...............
Dec 27th, 2007, 05:37 AM
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cybor -
Do you want to loan me your kitties? Even a litter box with the scent would send the mice next door.
As to across the chest... happened when we were up at Desert Rose in '06. Not me, but my friend was leisurely reading in her cottage before retiring and sure enough... right across her chest. Startled for a moment, but the book never left her hands and the little critter went on its way. No big deal!
Do you want to loan me your kitties? Even a litter box with the scent would send the mice next door.
As to across the chest... happened when we were up at Desert Rose in '06. Not me, but my friend was leisurely reading in her cottage before retiring and sure enough... right across her chest. Startled for a moment, but the book never left her hands and the little critter went on its way. No big deal!
Dec 27th, 2007, 05:46 AM
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To me a mouse in the tent would be a big plus. The best thing I’ve had was a genet. Bats in the bathroom are good as well.
I’d speak up if someone tried to kill a mouse in my tent, but I’m afraid of looking hysterical if I complain about the mass killing of insects. Though next time I see Doom I’ll hide it somewhere.
I’d speak up if someone tried to kill a mouse in my tent, but I’m afraid of looking hysterical if I complain about the mass killing of insects. Though next time I see Doom I’ll hide it somewhere.
Dec 27th, 2007, 05:50 AM
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Hey Sandi
I am glad you mentioned those sticky traps. Those are the worst possible. I am a person who is fairly 'hard' when it comes to animals suffering. By that I mean that I am able to put a suffering animal out of it's misery. I have seen a mouse (it was actually two together) stuck in the trap. The one had started to chew it's leg off but it's head got stuck as well. I had to kill these two. I tried to pull the one off (stupidly) and the stuff is so strong that the skin started to pull away. I ended up using a hammer and nail to kill the two mice as it was the quickest way at the time.
I know this is very graphic and disturbing but if I can save a couple of mice suffering simply by a future guest reading it (that may have complained in future leading to rattex etc)I am happy....
Long live the mice (and spring trap)
I am glad you mentioned those sticky traps. Those are the worst possible. I am a person who is fairly 'hard' when it comes to animals suffering. By that I mean that I am able to put a suffering animal out of it's misery. I have seen a mouse (it was actually two together) stuck in the trap. The one had started to chew it's leg off but it's head got stuck as well. I had to kill these two. I tried to pull the one off (stupidly) and the stuff is so strong that the skin started to pull away. I ended up using a hammer and nail to kill the two mice as it was the quickest way at the time.
I know this is very graphic and disturbing but if I can save a couple of mice suffering simply by a future guest reading it (that may have complained in future leading to rattex etc)I am happy....
Long live the mice (and spring trap)
Dec 27th, 2007, 05:51 AM
#17
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I guess I would make a poor guest for your camp because I don't like mice in the tent either. Where I live if you have mice then you'll attract the critters which eat the mice, which here means rattlesnakes.
So I'm guessing poisonous snakes can come in thru the hole in the tent wall that the mice just chewed, right? Maybe once a guest has a mamba or small cobra in the tent at night chasing mice you won't find it so amusing?
Bill
So I'm guessing poisonous snakes can come in thru the hole in the tent wall that the mice just chewed, right? Maybe once a guest has a mamba or small cobra in the tent at night chasing mice you won't find it so amusing?
Bill
Dec 27th, 2007, 06:00 AM
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Bill H,
Where is PB when you need him?
Seriously, though, what are the odds of having a mouse lured snake come into in the tent?
Most likely, the same as having a pirate with a feather cap climb in your window at the Ritz.
Me, I'm not going to lose any sleep.
Where is PB when you need him?
Seriously, though, what are the odds of having a mouse lured snake come into in the tent?
Most likely, the same as having a pirate with a feather cap climb in your window at the Ritz.
Me, I'm not going to lose any sleep.
Dec 27th, 2007, 06:11 AM
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I don't use the stikcy mouse traps but I have looked at them. FYI, on the instructions they state once the mouse is caught you take the mouse to a remote area and pour a little mineral oil where the mouse is trapped. The mineral oil breaks down the glue and the mouse is freed, alive.
Dec 27th, 2007, 06:30 AM
#20
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Hey Bobcaat
Thanks for the info. Don't really have mineral oil in camps?(mot sure what it is). Nice it was on that brands instructions though. It does'nt help when they chew themselves though.
Hey Bill
In over 10 years in the bush I have never had a guest have a snake in their tent. (I have never had malaria though either so maybe I am just really lucky). I have had guests complaining about glowing tents, ghosts and baboons breaking in at night but I am sure that is the Larium - I did still inspect as a manager should!
Thanks for the info. Don't really have mineral oil in camps?(mot sure what it is). Nice it was on that brands instructions though. It does'nt help when they chew themselves though.
Hey Bill
In over 10 years in the bush I have never had a guest have a snake in their tent. (I have never had malaria though either so maybe I am just really lucky). I have had guests complaining about glowing tents, ghosts and baboons breaking in at night but I am sure that is the Larium - I did still inspect as a manager should!
