As a security camera system owner, you may have noticed that after a while your outdoor security cameras are covered in spider webs or other dead insects. The pests will cover your camera lens and obstruct the camera’s view.
Spider webs not only block the view of the camera, but they can also cause false alerts for motion-activated cameras. Imagining getting a motion alert in the middle of the night from one of the cameras, only to find out that a spider triggered the alarm. Here we will offer a few solutions and tips regarding this issue.
Why are spiders attracted to your CCTV security cameras?
First of all, spiders don’t love cameras. They love bugs. And because of the camera lights, bugs love your cameras. Many nocturnal bugs like moths use the light of the moon and stars to navigate and are also attracted to infrared light. The same infrared light that your cameras use to illuminate things outside at night.
As long as the infrared LEDs are enabled on your camera, you are going to have problems with attracting bugs, and therefore, the spiders that eat them.
Couple that with most cameras being sheltered under eaves from the rain with handy places to attach a web, and you’ve got a comfortable place for a spider to set up her camp.
How to get rid of spiders on your securit cameras
With a variety of ways to keep insects off of your security cameras, we’ve gathered a list of the most effective ways to keep your cameras insect and spider web-free. Basic idea is to keep the flying insects away or prevent the spiders from building their webs on your camera’s lens.
Disable the IR on your CCTV cameras
This method definitely works. By moving the source of IR light away from the camera, the flying insects and hence the spiders move the base from the camera lens to the external IR lamp. Most IP cameras will let you disable the on-board IR black. But the IR is very important for the cameras, how will the camera see at night?
Well, there’s a solution for that: you can mount an external illuminator a couple of feet away. A high-quality unit is going to do even a better job and keep the spiders away from your CCTV camera.
Use bug sprays or insect repellents
You can use a bug spray or insecticide around your camera to help prevent bugs and spider webs on your outdoor camera. We recommend this product: Repel 100 Insect Repellent, Pump Spray, Single Bottle. (it works, however you need to reapply once in a while).
Meanwhile, some natural insect repellents could also help keep spiders from making cobwebs on the exterior camera, for example, citrus, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint.
Make your cameras slippery
Another great way to keep bugs away from your camera is to make it difficult for them to land and stay on the camera. Make your camera slippery using lubricants such as silicon, Vaseline, or Teflon spray. Items we recommend: Pure Petroleum Jelly or Equate 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly.
Just make sure to keep it off of your lens. You can use a paper towel to cover it while you spray it. Or, use a brush or rag to rub it on the camera. Another recommendation that will hang around for longer and is cheap is Vaseline.
The flea collars
Even though they’re made for fleas, they also work for spiders. This is an easy trick to do. You get a flea, tick collar, and loop it around your CCTV camera. You may get some nice surprises.
Static-free
This method is for those who really want to get rid of spiders without harming them. You simply attach a drier sheet around the cameras as the strong smell keeps at a distance the bugs.
You may also use a rubber band to hold it on so it’s easier for you to know when it’s time to change it. The rubber band breaks when it’s time to change it.
Regularly clean your cameras
In addition to protecting your cameras from spiders and bugs, you should also regularly clean your cameras with a soft brush, removing existing bugs and webs from the housing, camera exterior, shield, or cover.
The tips in this post aren’t fail-safe solutions. You may have to repeat them a few times to see results. But, don’t overdo it. Be mindful of pets and young children when spraying pesticides and ensure your cameras have protective housing before applying chemicals and lubricants.
