Solar-Powered Pest Control Systems
Solar power technology continues to advance, and it is hoped one day, it will power more devices than coal-driven electricity.
Today’s solar-powered devices are stronger and less likely to fail, making them a viable option for many.
Because humans have invaded the territory of animals and insect creatures, we often struggle with ways to deter these pests so they do not devour our gardens and homes.
Most people do not want to use harmful solutions, like poisons and painful traps, to get rid of pests.
Today, there are better options that are eco-friendly and do not cause harm to pests. Solar-powered pest control is the future, and the future is now.
How Do Solar Powered Pest Control Systems Work?
While there are different types of solar-powered pest control systems, they all have one basic component.
These systems feature a solar panel that absorbs the energy of the sun through its photovoltaic cells.
Conversion
These cells convert the energy of the sun into DC electricity. These devices feature a solar inverter that then converts the DC electricity to AC electricity, which is the same type of electricity we use in our homes.
Solar power pest control systems often feature yard spikes that each have a photovoltaic-celled solar panel and a battery.
As the sun provides energy to the spike, ultrasonic waves are emitted in low-frequency pulses.
Ultrasonic Pulses
The ultrasonic pulses help to deter pests that may enter a garden area or attempt to invade a home.
Most small mammal pests are sensitive to sounds and vibrations in the earth, so they will flee these areas and avoid them.
Power Options
Some solar-powered pest control systems have other power options when sunlight is not plentiful.
These devices can be powered by USB or a backup battery. Some can even be plugged in if there is not sufficient sunlight to power the unit.
What Kind of Pests Can Be Deterred with These Systems?
Almost any animal or insect can become a pest, given the right circumstances.
The formal definition of pest is: “Any animal or insect that becomes an annoyance or attacks food, crops, or livestock.”
The following are some of the pests that can be deterred, using various solar power pest control systems.
- Mice and rats
- Birds
- Gophers
- Groundhogs
- Moles
- Snakes
- Gophers
- Voles
- Rabbits
- Chipmunks
- Squirrels
- Flying insects
- Coyotes
- Foxes
- Wolves
- Deer
- Raccoons
These systems help to deter a wide array of mammal, reptile, and insect pests that can invade gardens and attempt to make their way into homes.
While not all of these creatures pose a threat to humans, gardeners often want to get rid of these pests before they destroy crops or create damage to landscapes.
How Do Solar Powered Pest Control Systems Effect Pests?
Solar-powered pest control systems work in different ways, depending on the type and purpose.
For ground pests, such as moles, snakes, rabbits, groundhogs, etc., the system sends out an ultrasonic sound wave or vibration.
The frequency of these waves surpasses the upper limits of human hearing but is heard clearly by the animal pests.
As the system emits high-frequency sounds, small mammals and reptiles will scurry away quickly because the sounds cause a physiological response known as the audiogenic seizure response.
To put this in layman’s terms, the high-frequency sound disrupts the brain function of the small mammal and causes it to run away as quickly as possible so it can get away from the sound.
Although these devices generally do not cause harm to the pests, they can lead to convulsions and brain hemorrhaging, if the animal continues to stay in the area where the high-frequency waves of sound are being emitted.
Most pests cannot tolerate the sound, so they leave abruptly and avoid the area as long as the solar-powered pest control system is in place.
Types of Systems
Multiple types of solar-powered systems exist for different types of pests. Some of the options include the following.
| Type of Pest | Type of System | How It Works |
| Birds | Solar Perpetual Motion Machine | This device works with a small rotor and sling belt that continuously rotates to scare away birds. |
| Small Ground Mammals | Ultrasonic Solar Spikes | This device emits a high-frequency sound that is audible to small ground mammals and scares them away. |
| Flying Insects | Solar Bug Zapper | This device works by first attracting flying insects with light, and then it zaps them with around 800 volts of electricity. (This is the only solar-powered system that actually kills the unwanted pests.) |
| Large Mammals | Deterrent Light | This device operates by sending a continuous beam of light to drive larger animals away from the yard from the hours of dusk until dawn. |
How Much Do These Systems Cost?
These systems range in price from around $50 and upwards of several hundred, depending on the type.
Most people do not mind the price because these devices pay for themselves by getting rid of unwanted pests and not requiring costly electricity.
While price should not be the main deciding factor, quality systems are going to cost more than cheap knock-offs.
How Are They Installed?
These devices are installed in different ways, depending on the type of device and the pest. The following offers options for installation.
| Device | Installation Options |
| Solar Perpetual Motion | This device can be mounted on boats, fence posts, decks, roofs, and more. It comes with mounting hardware for easy installation. |
| Ultrasonic Solar Spikes | These spikes are simply driven into the ground and spaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions. |
| Solar Bug Zapper | These devices resemble lanterns and are also square. They can be hung by a hook on decks and patios or can be mounted on a post. |
| Deterrent Light | This type of device has a screw hole opening that allows you to mount it just about anywhere, including the sides of a building, on fences, and decks. |
What Is the Lifespan?
As long as you are purchasing a high-quality device that is sealed correctly to ensure water cannot leak inside, a solar-powered pest control system should last at least a decade or more.
Cheaper systems may stop working in a short amount of time or may not work at all. Remember that you do get what you pay for.
Do These Systems Require Maintenance?
These systems do require a small amount of maintenance. Taking care of the maintenance will ensure the system continues to work, to effectively remove unwanted pests from your property.
| Type of System | Required Maintenance |
| Solar Perpetual Motion Machine | You will need to clean the sling so that it does not become bogged down with dirt, which can impact its performance. You will also need to remove any dirt and debris from the solar panel, so it can absorb energy effectively. |
| Ultrasonic Solar Spikes | These are easy to maintain and only require you to keep the solar panel free of dirt and debris. They can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. |
| Solar Bug Zapper | As bugs are electrocuted, they fall out of the bottom of the zapper. Sometimes, they do accumulate on the grid. From time to time, you will need to spray the grid with a hose to remove the stuck-on bugs. You will also need to keep the solar panel clean. Make sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for the best results. |
| Deterrent Lights | These devices need very little maintenance. Make sure the light beam area is clean, so the light shines brightly. You will also need to keep the solar panel clean. |
The main focus of any maintenance is simply making sure the devices are clean. The solar panels need to be kept clean, so nothing is blocking the absorption of the sun’s energy.
How Do These Systems Compare to Conventional Pest Control?
Some pests are easier to control than others. For instance, if a property is overrun with mosquitoes, a pest control professional can come out and spray. It is more difficult to get rid of larger pests or those that burrow underground.
These systems are more effective in some ways and less effective in others. Conventional pest control often cannot offer sound solutions for some pests. Ultrasonic stakes can deter animals that conventional methods cannot.
What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Solar Powered Pest Control Systems?
As with anything, there are both pros and cons to installing solar-powered pest control systems.
It is important to weigh the bad with the good, so you can determine if these systems are worth the investment of time and money.
Pros:
- These systems are easy to install.
- Because they run off of solar energy, they are free to operate.
- Depending on the type, they can be installed just about anywhere.
- They are effective at keeping pests away and do not harm humans or pets.
- There is very little maintenance involved.
- These systems are weather-proof.
Cons:
- Some cheap systems lack power and may not work on all pests. (Choose the best system to avoid this problem.)
- These systems need backup power in case the sun is not shining. (Choose a system that offers power backups.)
- They do require cleaning, but the process is not difficult or time-consuming.
What to Look for in a Solar Power Pest Control System?
When shopping for a solar power pest control system, there are some things to keep in mind. Ensuring you choose the right system to install will help to keep unwanted pests at bay.
Function and Power
The level of power offered by the pest control system is an important consideration. When choosing ground spikes, you will need to make sure they have a frequency of at least 400Hz.
Zappers need to supply 800 volts of electricity. Light deterrents should offer an alternating flashing light pattern so animals do not grow accustomed to the lights.
Back-Up Power
Because the sun does not shine brightly every day in some areas, it is important to choose a system that offers backup power sources.
Some systems can switch to electricity automatically or manually. Others can be charged using a USB cable.
Ease of Use
Solar power pest control systems should be very easy to use. Once installed, you should not have to worry about them, except to perform maintenance cleaning from time to time.
It is important to carry out careful research, to determine if the device will be a good fit for your needs.
Durability
It is important to research the materials of the system to ensure they are waterproof, weatherproof, and durable. The casing should be tightly sealed and the solar panel should be mounted and unmovable.
Rating
Carrying out due research is an important duty of consumers. Manufacturers will say anything to get a sale, so you must learn as much as possible about the product and the company that makes it.
Make sure to read reviews carefully. If a product has a lot of bad reviews, it would be wise to choose another product. The more you know, the better equipped you will be to make a solid purchase.
FAQ About Solar Power Pest Control Systems
Are solar-powered pest systems sound audible to humans?
While the high-frequency sounds of most solar power pest control systems are not audible to humans, some systems emit a slight buzzing sound. Some are louder. Read the reviews to ensure you are choosing one that is not loud.
Will these systems bother pets?
While some pets have more sensitivities than others, generally speaking, these devices do not cause any upset to domesticated animals. If your pet is bothered, discontinue use immediately.
What is the deterrent range of these systems?
The range of these systems vary. Some can cover ¼ mile while others only cover a few feet. That is why it is so important to choose a powerful system.
Conclusion
Are pests driving you crazy? If unwanted pests are eating your garden, destroying your landscape, and becoming a danger to your family and pets, a solar power pest control system will help.
These devices are easy to install and work seamlessly, without the need for constant maintenance.
