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Bird Issues on Outdoor Security Camera
Imagine this: an incident occurs on your property. Your family asks to see outdoor security camera footage to find the culprit. Unfortunately, the only suspects caught are birds blocking and nesting on your camera. Birds can also cause false detections on the sensor, making your camera less efficient. To prevent this, you should know how to keep birds off your outdoor security camera.
In this article, I'll share some tips and other helpful information on how to keep birds off your outdoor security camera.
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How to Keep Birds Off Outdoor Security Camera?
Bird photo bombing of the outdoor security camera is nothing new. This problem is often recurring and invasive in areas with high numbers of swifts and pigeons. Many households and businesses have dealt with this problem.
Also, birds tend to nest on outdoor security cameras because of the structural support the cameras provide. In addition, some outdoor security cameras are installed in the corners of eaves where birds tend to nest.
Most birds won't perch on an outdoor security camera because its surface is too smooth. However, they like to nest on the camera. If you don't check your camera often, you'll be surprised how your outdoor security camera has turned into a spy camera in a bird's nest.
It is suggested that birds may see its reflection on the camera lens cap. This will cause the bird to see the reflection as an enemy. It can cause pecking and severe damage to the device.
Besides birds, outdoor security cameras are also attractive to flies, moths, and other insects because of their light. It is vital to seek a permanent solution to ensure your outdoor security camera serves its purpose.
Here's what you could do if you're frustrated with birds in an outdoor security camera:
Hanging Shiny Deterrents
Shiny deterrents are a great option if you're looking for the easiest way to keep birds away from your outdoor security camera. You can buy twisted reflective sticks that can hang on the camera's side. A shiny tape is also a good option.
However, you should place these deterrents carefully. You should avoid reflections that spoil your outdoor security camera's field of view. After installing the deterrent, you should check to see if it interferes with the camera's field of view, especially with regard to false detections.
Shiny deterrents should be used in conjunction with other solutions for the best results. Sometimes birds can overcome reflections and still infest your outdoor security cameras.
Apply Bird Repellent Gel
Another option you can use is an anti-bird gel. This will prevent birds from roosting and nesting in your outdoor security camera.
I recommend wrapping the security camera housing with plastic wrap. That way, the deterrent gel doesn't get into the circuit. It also makes cleaning your camera easier, as the gel deterrent attracts dust and grime.
Bird deterrent gel will not harm birds. However, it can get into their feathers. You should consider other methods here if your area has many protected birds.
Make Homemade Bird Spray
While commercially available bird repellants, you can also make them at home. Kitchen supplies like vinegar and paprika can be diluted as a deterrent spray. You can apply it to the area around your security camera.
Other homeowners use apple cider vinegar. However, make sure these ingredients are not toxic or harmful to animals. Anything with a bad smell will help keep birds away.
Clean Your Outdoor Security Camera Weekly
Cleaning and checking your outdoor security camera every week is essential to prevent birds from nesting in them. Even a glance before heading out every day can help. This way, you can chase them away before they start nesting.
You could also hire a security camera maintenance provider regularly. The maintenance can check the condition of your outdoor security camera in case you are concerned about damage from birds. Maintenance providers sometimes contact animal control specialists to help remove nests from outdoor security cameras.
Using Lubricant on the Camera Housing
Lubricants like Teflon spray or petroleum jelly are an excellent alternative to bird-repellent gels. Apply it to the surrounding area and on the camera body. The texture of the lubricant is too slippery for the birds to build their nests.
Make sure to cover the lens with a tissue before applying the lubricant. The lubricants are sticky, and accidentally putting them into the camera lens is a hassle. Not easy to remove and takes extra time to clean up
Note that most security cameras are tilted downwards. Excess lubricant can slip through and clog the lens. Plus, all you need is a thin coat of lube, so there's no need to mess around with the camera.
Set up Bird Feeders at a Distance
Another trick homeowners use setting up bird feeders and aviaries at a distance. Here's to hoping the bird ignores your camera and aims at the feeder instead. This practice may or may not work, depending on where you are, but it doesn't hurt to try.
It's important to discuss this with your neighbors before you set it up. Bird feeders attract a lot of fliers, which also translates into noise and bird droppings.
You could try the other methods listed here if feeders are not helping birds away from your outdoor security camera.
Use the Siren
One of the useful ways to keep birds away is to scare them away with loud noises. You can set actions to trigger sirens. If positioned correctly, the siren will trigger the moment the birds start flying toward the camera. The sudden loud noise will surely startle the most robust bird in your yard.
In addition to the typical siren sound, you can program it with predator audio. Siren sound will make deterrents more effective, especially if you're not home to fend off pesky birds.
The potential downside here is that your neighbors may not like the noise.
Place an Electrified Track around Outdoor Security Camera
Another option you can try is electrified rails. This includes a flexible rubber material with a conductor in the middle. You can put it around your security camera. If the bird perches or touches the conductor, it will receive a corrective shock.
Note that the electrified tracks for repelling birds will not kill poultry. It only emits enough warning static charge to send the bird away.
Use Ultrasonic Deterrence
Many homeowners admit that they use ultrasonic deterrents to keep birds away from their outdoor security cameras. Remember, ultrasonic deterrents use short sound waves that cannot pass through walls. It's best to mount it near or near the camera for the best protection.
However, ultrasonic deterrents can also irritate pets. This is a small caveat, but this won't be a problem if you don't have any household pets.
You can check more details about how to choose a pet-friendly security camera.
Consult an Animal Control Specialist
Finally, you can consult an animal control expert on what to do with pesky birds on an outdoor security camera. It's also a good move if there's already a nest blocking your cam. In this way, you are not exposed to potential dangers and the risk of breaking the law.
Most places have an animal control agency where residents can request such a thing. Firefighters are also trained to perform such tasks, especially if you suspect birds can be dangerous to handle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do birds attack outdoor security cameras?
A: While there have been some reports of birds attacking outdoor surveillance cameras, there is no solid evidence that they did so on purpose. If you notice birds attacking and pecking at your camera, you should consider moving it to a new location. Due to its appearance and location, birds may mistake your camera for prey.
Q: Should you hide your outdoor security camera to avoid birds?
A: While hiding your outdoor security camera can avoid pesky birds, it also defeats its purpose. It is also important to install a security camera in visible areas to deter burglars. Otherwise, your camera will be a spy camera and won't drive thieves away.
Q: What home remedies can keep birds away?
A: Diluted vinegar and chili peppers can effectively repel birds. However, spraying it into an outdoor security camera can blur the screen. You can still apply this solution, but use it with caution. If birds are still blocking your security camera, you could try the other tips listed above.
Q: Can birds damage your outdoor security camera?
A: Birds could damage your outdoor security camera, especially if they peck repeatedly. Also, bird droppings can corrode the camera's circuitry over time. Whether or not birds will damage it, it's best to keep them out of the way for a clear view.
Q: Is it illegal to kill birds to block outdoor security cameras?
A: Federal law has strict rules on killing protected species. It is illegal to eliminate these birds whether or not they are blocking your outdoor security camera. You must call an animal control specialist if you don't know what to do with your poultry situation.
Conclusions
Knowing how to keep birds off outdoor security cameras will keep you out of trouble. It will ensure that your camera effectively covers your property. You can try many methods at home. Always aim for non-violent and safe practices. You could always call an animal control specialist for help when in doubt.
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