"There are a lot of squirrels and birds on this property."

[Laura2592]

Recent guest feedback on a 4 location rating. 

Yes, yes there are.

Are you asking me to do something about this? Pointing out something you think I didn't notice?

[Colleen253]

@Laura2592 "Better suited to a concrete jungle?"

[Sarah977]

@Laura2592  Where are they from, that there aren't any squirrels and birds? Those animals are even seen in the city.

You sure do get some doozies. Perhaps you should send guests a multiple choice questionnaire regarding what they think a rural property might be like, as part of your vetting process.

When staying at this property, you are likely to see:

A. Skyscrapers

B. Classic car parades

C. Birds, squirrels and raccoons

D. Palm trees

E. Political protest rallies

🙂

[Laura2592]

@Sarah977  What activities are you likely to partake in when visiting this cottage?

A. Sitting on the porch watching the sunset.

B. Roping and branding a steer.

C. Swimming in the pool.

D. Skydiving

E. Calling room service.

[Mark116]

@Laura2592  My brain cannot process this feedback.  You're saying when you asked the guest why they gave a 4 for location the answer was 'lots of squirrels and birds'?  Did this person have a phobia?  Wouldn't that normally be a cool thing...birds, squirrels, wildlife?  Isn't that why one would choose a rural-ish location?  You really do attract a lot of 'different' guests.  

[Laura2592]

@Mark116 beats the heck out of me. They didn't say that this was an issue (though as it was feedback it was obviously.) They didn't say "you need to have pest control out here for these squirrels and birds." Just that there was a lot of them. Nice, Captain Obvious. 

They both make noise. Squirrels bark when something threatens their nests. Its not the most pleasant sound and we do have a lot that do this every time they see the dog. Birds sing. So maybe that disturbed them? Who the heck knows.

[Debra300]

@Laura2592,

I've received similar feedback of the obvious.  Something like,  "It's a very nice place, but it's in the woods.".  Hrmmm, I guess this listing photo wasn't enough of a hint for them or anyone else to see the surroundings???  

[Laura2592]

@Debra300 I honestly wonder what guests DO look at when they book! Not the listing. Not the house rules. Not even all the pictures. So how are they making these decisions?

[Emiel1]

@Laura2592 

Bird to squirrel:

"Did you also heard from Laura the Airbnb guests were complaining about us ? "

[Laura2592]

@Emiel1 awww. Who could possibly complain about such cute creatures??

[Autumn11]

I can't stand when they give low ratings for location, like YOUR THE ONE WHO CHOSE THIS LOCATION!! It's ridiculous

[Laura2592]

@Autumn11 especially since I go into detail to say what sorts of creatures live on or pass through our property.

I think "location" is thinly veiled classism or racism. I have neighbors further down the road (not close to our place but a dog walk away) who are hoarders and not white. I have a suspicion that both those factors contribute to the occasional ding. And the squirrels take the blame.

[Stephanie1933]

@Autumn11 agreed! So ludicrous smh.  

[Brian2036]

@Laura2592 

The guest might be a lobbyist for Monsanto.

They’re still promoting “Silent Spring.”

[Helen427]

@Laura2592, How about messaging them back and asking for clarification what their feedback is really about?

Despite the fact they gave you a 4 for Location, the feedback may be nothing to do with the location.

Go on message them for your own peace of mind!

You are blessed to be amongst nature.

Btw, I found a family of Earwigs this week out in my garden, cheeky critters they are.