Keep Spiders Away: Protecting Surveillance Cameras From Webby Invaders

Spiders are not attracted to surveillance cameras, but rather their placement and what is on them, usually their food. Bugs and insects are drawn to the infrared light emitted by cameras, and spiders follow in search of prey. Spiders and their webs can obstruct visibility and trigger false alarms for motion-activated security cameras. To prevent spiders from crawling on cameras, you can use scents they dislike, such as peppermint and citrus, or dryer sheets. You can also make the camera slippery with lubricants like Vaseline or Teflon spray, or turn off the LED lights. For a more tech-based solution, you can adjust the motion sensor settings to reduce false alerts.

How to keep spiders away from surveillance cameras

Use scents like peppermint and citrus to deter spiders

To keep spiders away from your surveillance cameras, you can use scents like peppermint and citrus. Spiders are repelled by certain strong scents, and these include peppermint and citrus.

To use this method effectively, you can follow these steps:

• Obtain peppermint or citrus oil.
• Place a few drops of the oil on a piece of fabric.
• Attach the fabric to the camera, ensuring it does not obstruct the lens.
• Alternatively, you can spray the oils around the cameras, being careful to avoid the lens.
• Reapply the oils regularly, as the scent will fade over time.

By using this method, you can deter spiders from approaching your cameras without causing them any harm. This is a simple, cost-effective solution that can help keep your camera footage clear and your security system functioning optimally.

Use bug repellent to eliminate their food source

Surveillance cameras are often placed in locations that are sheltered from the environment or emit light, which attracts bugs and insects. Spiders, in turn, are drawn to these places because they provide a good source of food.

One way to keep spiders away from your cameras is to eliminate their food source by using bug repellent. Here are some tips to help you do that:

• Choose a repellent that is specifically designed to deter bugs and insects. You can find these products at your local hardware store or garden centre. Look for something that is safe to use outdoors and won't damage the camera or its housing.
• Apply the bug repellent regularly, following the manufacturer's instructions. Reapply after it rains or if you notice that the repellent is no longer effective.
• Consider using a natural bug repellent, such as essential oils. Spiders are known to dislike certain smells, including peppermint and citrus. A few drops of peppermint or citrus oil can be placed on a fabric and attached to the camera. You can also use a spray bottle to apply these oils around the camera, being careful to avoid the lens and any cables.
• Combine bug repellent with other methods to create a spider-free zone. For example, you could use a lubricant like Vaseline or silicone spray to make it harder for spiders to crawl on the camera, and then apply bug repellent to the surrounding area.
• If you are using a separate IR light to attract bugs away from the camera, make sure it is placed at a distance from the camera. This will help prevent spiders from building webs on the camera itself.

Make the camera harder to grip by applying Vaseline or silicone spray

Make the Camera Harder to Grip with Vaseline or Silicone Spray

One way to prevent spiders from crawling on your surveillance cameras is to make the camera harder to grip. This can be done by applying a thin layer of Vaseline or silicone spray to the outside case of your camera. This will make the surface too slippery for spiders to crawl on or spin their webs.

Before applying the lubricant, be sure to cover the camera lens with a paper towel or something similar to protect it from getting smeared. Also, make sure to warn anyone who handles the cameras after you so they don't accidentally smear or remove the lubricant or get it on the lens.

In addition to Vaseline, other lubricants such as Teflon spray can also be used. It is important to note that this method may need to be repeated a few times to see results and that it should be used in conjunction with other methods to create an environment that spiders and their prey do not want to go near.

Turn off the LEDs as lights attract bugs

Surveillance cameras are often placed outside, where they are susceptible to cobwebs and insects. Spiders are drawn to the placement of the cameras and the presence of their prey. Bugs are attracted to the infrared light that security cameras emit.

One way to prevent spiders from crawling on your surveillance cameras is to turn off the LEDs. The light from the LEDs attracts bugs, which in turn attracts spiders. By turning off the LEDs, you can reduce the number of bugs around your camera, making it less appealing to spiders.

It is important to note that not all cameras have LEDs or the ability to turn them off. Additionally, there are other methods to deter spiders, such as using scents they dislike or making the camera surface harder to climb. However, turning off the LEDs is a simple and effective way to reduce the number of bugs and spiders on your surveillance cameras.

It is also worth mentioning that bugs are only attracted to lights they can easily see. If the light bulb is covered or dim, bugs are less likely to notice it. This is something to consider when placing your surveillance cameras or choosing a location to turn off the LEDs.

Use a separate IR emitter to keep spiders away from the camera

Using a separate IR emitter is a great way to keep spiders away from your surveillance cameras. The reason spiders are attracted to security cameras is because of the infrared light they emit, which attracts insects—a tasty treat for spiders. By disabling the on-board IR LEDs and using an external IR lamp, you can move the source of infrared light away from the camera, causing the spiders to move elsewhere.

There are a few different types of IR LED lamps to choose from. The more common type has IR LEDs arranged in a ring and tends to be cheaper and more durable. However, they usually have a narrow beam angle of around 60 degrees and are not weatherproof. The less common type is the EXIR LED lamp, which has a wider beam angle of 90 degrees and is IP65 weather-rated.

When using an external IR lamp, you can place it inside your house, shining through a window. This way, the spiders and insects can see the light, but they can't get to it. This is a great way to keep your camera lens clear of spider webs and maintain clear surveillance footage.

It's worth noting that this method may not be practical for everyone, as it requires the ability to disable the IR lights on your camera. Additionally, there is currently no easy way to have the camera automatically turn on the IR emitter. However, some IR emitters have light sensors that can turn them on within 10 minutes of the camera turning on.

Frequently asked questions