Safe-Home.com

Questions about the safety and advantages of using electric fence chargers or fence energizers

Answer: My knowledge of electric fencing is very limited.

I turned to the Fi-Shock web page where I found a whole list of questions and answers about this subject. The following is taken from their website. All credit is given to that website.

"Q: What is the benefit of electric fencing vs. barbed or woven wire?

A: An electric fence system is a positive alternative to barbed or woven wire for two reasons. First, it is easy to install and maintain while also costing less than barbed or woven wire fencing. Second, it is a safer alternative because animals are trained to stay away from the electric fence and in the case that an animal does lean against the fence, it will not be harmed or push the fence over. With an electric fence, there are also fewer edges and points that may cut the animal and cause harm.

Q: Is electric fencing safe for the animals I am containing?

A: Electric fencing is a safe alternative because animals are trained to stay away from the fence and in the case that an animal does lean against the fence, it will not be harmed or push the fence over.There are also far fewer edges and points that may cut the animal and cause harm.

Q: Will energized fencing interfere with my power lines or phone lines in the ground?

A: They should not cause a problem to power or phone lines. To insure that there is not a problem make sure to locate the grounding system for the fence energizer at least 50 feet away from the grounding system for the phone or underground phone or power lines.

Q: Does energized fencing cost more than conventional fencing?

A: The most costly piece of any fence is the posts. In barbed and woven wire posts need to be set every 12-15 feet; however in High-Tensile fencing posts can be set 30-50 feet apart, which automatically lowers the cost of the fence. Here are some typical costs for various type of fencing options: (cost estimates per foot) Barbed Wire Cost: $.84 per foot Woven Wire Cost: $1.07 per foot High-tensile Cost: $.57 per foot Conventional electric Fence Cost: $.08 per foot

Q: Is there a benefit of using a certain voltage over another when getting an energizer or charger? A: Voltage is the measure of electrical force in a circuit to push the current down a long length of wire. Generally, the higher the output voltage the longer the fence line that can be effectively loaded. Q: Can electric fencing be used to keep certain animals out of an area?

A: Electric fencing can be used for both containing an animal while also deterring predators or nuisance animals from specific areas. Animals will receive a small shock every time they come in contact with the fence no matter which side of the fence they are on.

Q: Do you have fencing systems for horses?

A: Yes, in fact Fi-Shock offers a complete assortment of products for equine fences. By offering a wide array of polytape, polyrope and polywire as well as insulators and energizers, the equine offering is a safer and effective alternative to keep your horses contained.

Q: Will it hurt my children/my pets?

A: NO, electric fencing is the safest form of agricultural fencing. Even though voltages are high, current (Amps) is very low and is generally intermittent or pulsed. Amps are the dangerous part of an electrical charge."

Our thanks to F-Shock for supplying such complete information about electric fencing and energizers. And thank you for your question. Do choose your energizer according to what kind of animal you want to keep in or out.

Examples:

• FI-Shock Havahart Pet Battery Powered Fence Energizer is pet containment or exclusion for dogs, raccoons, skunks, possums, etc. Or use the Fi-Shock Economy Pet Deterrent Electric Fence Kit which includes an energizer and 100 ft of aluminum wire plus the accessories.
• Small Animal Containment such as Sheep, Goats, etc
• FI-SHOCK 20 Mile AC Fence Charger works well to keep larger animals contained or excluded when you have electrical power available. Use for Pigs, Cattle, Horses, Deer, Elk, Etc.

Please visit our website to see the variety of electric, battery powered and solar powered fencers, fence wire and accessories that we sell.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about how to keep birds from perching and leaving bird droppings on my 5th floor balcony.

Answer: We suggest a combination of the Balcony Gard and other bird deterrents. If possible, install the Balcony Gard before the "bird season" in your area. Keeping birds away is easier than getting rid of them once they have built nests or begun to roost.

The Balcony Gard by Bird-X operates on 4 C batteries or on AC current. The strongest settings on ultrasonic would be the LO position, the lowest frequency. Rarely humans can hear this frequency. Having the unit run constantly works best. Otherwise the unit makes repellent sounds only if the bird (or animal, like squirrels) starts the unit by moving past the motion sensor. Coverage is up to 900 square feet in a generally oval pattern: the speaker projects sound on a horizontal plane in one direction. You can adjust the motion sensitivity and the frequency of sound generated.

More than one unit may be required. Getting rid of birds is more effective if you use the Balcony Gard plus other deterrents such as bird netting and a visual repeller like Bird-X Holographic Bird Tape or Tanglefoot Bird Repeller Ribbon,2 inch X 100 ft or bouncing ball repellers like the Terror Eyes Moving Eye Holographic Bird Repeller Ball.,

Point the Balcony Gard away from dogs or cats: outward is the best choice. The Balcony Gard operates at 15,000 to 25,000 vibrations per minute, Usual coverage is 50 feet forward and 30 feet wide at the higher frequency. At the lower frequency, this increases up to 80 feet forward by 50 feet wide.

You'll know it is operating when the red light is in during continuous AC use or when the red light comes on when something passes in front of the unit. The unit should make a chirping sound when turned on. Batteries last about a month on the MS or motion sensor mode.

The warranty is 6 months from the ship date. Weatherproof – casing is designed to withstand outdoor use (rain cover included)

Thank you for your question.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about Havahart cage traps to catch nuisance animals like raccoons,

Answer:The main differences among the Havahart traps are the physical size, the number of doors and whether the cage collapses. So base your choice on size of the animal, your comfort with one or two door release systems and storage space.

These are the main types of live catch traps by Havahart, a Woodstream Company

• Havahart 2-Door Spring Loaded Raccoon Cage Trap Model 1045. This has two doors so you can release the animal/animals without worrying about being attacked through the door opening. It measures 32 inches long.
• Havahart 42 Inch Long Large Raccoon Trap.Model 1050 is longer, two spring loaded doors and comes assembled.
• Havahart One-Door Groundhog & Raccoon Trap Model 1079. This has only one door, comes assembled and measures 32 inches long.
• Havahart Easy Set Raccoon Live Cage Trap Model 1085 is marketed as easiest to set and easiest to release as far as letting the wild animal go free.Lever is ideally positioned for releasing animal - stand behind trap to open trap door and set animal free.
• Havahart Large Collapsible Easy Set Raccoon Trap Model 1092 One handed set – One handed release and collapses for easy storage.

Any of these live catch traps would work. The last two traps are easy set-easy reliease. Choose according to price and size of the animal. If it is a really large raccoon get the 42 inch trap.

The best baits for raccoons are

◊ Fish, fresh or canned
◊ Honey or sugar covered vegetables
◊ Smoked fish
◊ Watermelon
◊ Sweet corn
◊ Cooked fatty meat
◊ Crisp bacon
◊ Marshmallows are a favorite!

Good luck! Thanks for your question.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about the Fi-Shock Economy Pet Deterrent Electric Fence Kit

Question: "I am calling because I have a problem with the neighborhood cats. As many as 5 or 6 at a time come into my yard, dig up the flower beds and use the yard as their litter box. These are not feral cats but ones that the owners let run loose. Public services were cut back here due to the economy. Animal control tells me it is my problem. Please tell me how this works. I have tried the organic repellents you spread on the ground but these have to be re-applied regularly due to the rain." Thanks, Debbie

Answer:  In Coralville, IA, the laws are that cats are not allowed to run loose. (One of our cats was actually from a litter born under our house in April 2010. We didn't know they were there until a neighbor told us. Animal control got the Mom and my Jack socialized the kittens and found them homes.) In our city, animal control comes and sets traps.

This electric fence is a deterrent for dogs, raccoons, possums and other animals that are not jumpers. As we talked, I learned that you have never owned a cat. This low voltage fence plugs into a standard outlet, works continuously, and can protect up to about 100 linear feet of area. The problem is that cats can easily jump over a fence. In fact, our Siamese cat once jumped 9 feet from a standing position and landed on the top of a cupboard. And the cats easily jump over the tall expandable dog gates we use to keep the dogs out of the living room and dining room. Our two cats are de-clawed house cats and never run loose outside.

The options I suggest are:

1. Get cat traps from the animal control officer or your local humane society. Trap the cats and take them to the shelter. Tuna fish works well. Then the owners have to deal with paying to get their animals back and perhaps will keep them indoors.
2. Buy your own stray cat trap like this one from Havahart. Catch and take them to the shelter
3. OR some better ideas, i.e. electronic repellers that are battery operated and/or AC operated.

These products emit ultrasounds that cats do not like. (The Yardgard has multiple adjustments; the Koolatron repeller is set only for cats and dogs. ) Set up two of them up in your backyard where you say the cats go and keep the cats out without trapping them. (Of course then they are your other neighbors' problems. You can just send them along to Safe Home Products just as our customers do when they use mole chaser stakes and drive the moles next door!)

First, the Yardgard. This Yardgard has settings to deter about any animal and birds, too. Run it on AC or use the battery mode. With cats, I recommend the AC, continuous on, mode rather than the motion activated mode as cats are swift running. Mount it at the cats' head level. With the yard you have, two is definitely the lower limit of units you need. These units last for years and years without maintenance. Just make sure they are not in standing water. If you should have a squirrel problem in your attic, rats in attic, garage or crawl space, a deer problem, etc, you can adjust this unit to handle those animal pests as well.

Best results: Mount at animal's head level.  Low (sonic) settings may be audible to humans with good high frequency hearing. If this occurs, select a higher frequency. Note: Birds may be repelled by some frequencies of the Yardgard depending upon the height at which it is mounted.

Yard Guard Technical specifications:

• Dimensions: 6.75" x 5.25" x 3.5"
• Weight: 1 pound (shipping weight 2 pounds)
• Coverage: 4,000 sq. ft. (278.7 sq. meters)
• Frequency range: 15,000 - 25,000 Hz (adjustable)
• Sound pressure: 90 dB at 3 feet
• Electricity costs: Less than $0.25 per month
• Working current: <200 mA
• Power: 4 "C" batteries or AC adapter (included).
• Weather proof.
• Motion sensor activation: 35 x 70 feet
• Pattern: Oval pattern of sound is about 50 ft. wide at the widest and extends about 80 feet out. The lower the sound frequency, the wider the coverage.
• Dial positions: Dogs and cats, skunks, opossums, armadillos, raccoons, deer, insects, rodents and bats.
• In CONT AC ONLY mode: Continuous operation using AC power.
• Power Light: Red light behind clear lens activates when motion sensor is activated. Note: if left on continuous one, this red power light is on continuously.
• Compliance: EPA establishment No. 058480-TWN-001. CE marked.
• YardGard includes: Mountable plastic unit, 110vAC power adapter (with 6 ft cord), and extension wire cord (63 ft).
• Continuous or motion-sensor modes.
• Multiple sonic and ultrasonic settings.
• 6 month limited manufacturer's warranty.
• Outdoor use recommended. Use indoors only in rarely occupied areas.

Second, the Catstop. The Catstop is made especially to keep cats away. We also sell a 120VAC adapter for the Catstop so you don't have to be concerned about a dead battery. (With the traffic you've had in your yard, the adapter would be a good idea.) The unit includes a 50 ft cord.

CatStop Highlights:

• Ultra sound based concept: Safe, effective cat pest control without chemicals, visually objectionable barriers or shock.
• Infrared detection range: 80 degrees across a 20 ft distance in front of the device.
• Passive ultrasonic detector: Operates unattended. Activates when movement is detected.
• Operates 24/7: CatStop protects day and night for up to 6 months (or 4900+ activations) on one 9 volt battery.
• Silently creates a temporary sound 'barrier': Works where fences are not allowed or are impractical. Keeps neighborhood cats from violating your space without drawing attention to your efforts.
• Simple Installation: Easily extend coverage with additional CatStops.
• Power supply: 9V battery (not included).
• Output: 124 dB.
• Sensor warm up time = 40-60 seconds when battery is first inserted.When you activate the unit, the red light will come on for 3 seconds, and then turn off.  It takes approximately 8 seconds for it to re-charge between activation
• Operational time when activated = 3 seconds.
• Delay between activations: about 8 seconds.
• Output frequency: sweeping from 21-25 kHz.
• Fully water resistant.
• 2 year warranty from manufacturer

A third option is the Koolatron Outdoor Cat and Dog Repeller with AC Adapter As the Catstop, this Koolatron Repeller has ultrasonic frequencies that bother but do not harm cats. This unit also works for dogs.

Cat and Dog Repeller Features :

• Built-in focusing cone: Focuses sound for greater effective distance.
• Passive Infra Red (PIR) motion sensor: located behind the front frosted white housing.
• Test button: ultrasonic function is confirmed when button pushed as sound is lowered to an audible level.
• Compact unobtrusive design: green color
• Durable ABS housing: shock proof, can withstand harsh outdoor weather conditions.
• Waterproof to IPX4 standard: international standard that means the Lentek Cat and Dog Repeller is protected against damage from the elements.
• Perfect for yards, gardens, flowerbeds, near garbage, etc.,
• Swivel motion mounting bracket: allows easy and quick range direction changes.
• Wall Mounting Bracket: Adjustable angle allows for 180 degree direction adjustment.
  

Cat and Dog Repeller Specifications :

• Advanced ultrasonic sirens:
  • Ultrasonic sound: 80 to 115dB
  • Frequency sweep: 18 kHz to 24 kHz
  • Duration of ultrasonic bursts: 5 seconds.
• Cone range: 70 degree cone range for primary ultrasonic coverage area.
• Distance range: Up to 85 feet.
• Power on LED lights: confirms unit is active and on when lit.
• Wall mount bracket: install on wall or any vertical surface with two long screws (included). Attach unit connector to mounted bracket using bolt and nut provided.
• Power: Two (2) 9V batteries (not included)
• Battery life: approximately 2000 sound releases.
• Optional AC adapter: included. Adapter must be kept in a dry location if used as main power supply. Use only outdoor rated extension cords that accept the Cat and Dog Repeller plug. Keep all cords away from heat, oil and sharp edges. Always keep the connection between the ultrasonic repeller and the extension cord dry. Unplug before cleaning the animal repeller.
• Caution: Use outdoors only. Do not place near human ears or use in confined spaces or allow use by children.
• Warranty: 1 Year manufacturer warranty.
• Manufacturer: Lentek, Division of Koolatron

Our customers have had great success with all the electronic devices. It is rare to have a return IF the units are installed correctly and in sufficient quantity. Remember that ultrasound is more like light than audible sound: best results are line-of-sight, ultrasounc stops at hard objects and can bounce back and is absorbed by soft objects like bushes and flowers.

Good luck and thanks for your inquiry.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about the Contech Yellow Jacket and Wasp Trap

Answer:  Yes, we recommend that you place the Contech yellow jacket trap in the corners of your yard to draw them away from your deck. The wasp trap has no poison chemicals. Yellow jackets looks like bees but live underground and are aggressive. If you know where the yellow jackets are nesting, put these bait trap close and lure these insects into the trap unless those nests are near your deck.

Among the traps Safe Home currently sells:

• Original Waspinator Wasp and Yellow Jacket Repeller This trap fools the wasps and yellow jackets into believing the yard has already been invaded! Puffed out, it looks like a wasp nest. So there are no traps at all, just a safe, repellent! There is another style of trap that is decorative and works quite well.
• Beehive Style Wasp Trap. The Beehive trap uses a mixture of sugar and water.
• Oak Stump Slim Jar Yellow Jacket Trap which lures wasps and yellow jackets into it but allows some to leave to lure their friends and relatives to the sweet treat inside.
• Gadjit - Wasp Trap Black which converts a soda bottle into a trap.
• Spring Star Yellow Jacket Lures can be used to re-bait many kinds of yellow jacket and wasp traps including the Oak Stump brand.
• Victor Yellow Jacket Trap Poison Free with Bait which is a twin pack of traps to hang from trees or stakes away from where people congregate.
• Victor Poison Free Yellow Jacket Bag Trap. This is a bag trap that is baited. Fill with water and hang.
• Yellow Jacket Replacement Bait

• Eliminates wasps and yellow jackets without harmful chemicals - 100% pesticide free.
• Easy to use and re-use.
• Catches up to 75% more wasps than comparable traps.
• Uses proven attractant technology developed by a leading supplier of pest management products for the US Forest Service and US Department of Agriculture.
• Not designed for the catching or removal of paper wasps.
• Includes one bait and one lure (lasts for two weeks - wasp trap refills available.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 3.5" diameter.

Thank you for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Koolatron Cat and Dog Repeller, Battery Powered and the Koolatron Cat and Dog Repeller with AC Adapter

Answer: I discussed this with my Koolatron rep at length. Heavy traffic and salt spray combine, he feels, to make this unit ineffective. He suggested a fence to discourage dogs from squatting. He reminded me that dogs tend to urinate where other dogs do. Also pet owners may be quite unhappy if their dogs cannot walk on the other side of the street.

My own recommendation, if you can do this, would be to install a low voltage above ground electric fence such as the Fi-Shock Economy Pet Deterrent Electric Fence Kit. Perhaps this could be discretely mounted in front of or just above behind a border type fence, preferably a UV stabilized PVC plastic fence.  The Koolatron Cat and Dog Repeller is better suited for backyard or side yard use or for a very deep front yard where it can be mounted to shoot the ultrasound, if activated, across the yard from the side.

These are the reasons not to use the Koolatron unit in your front yard or back yard near the ocean:

• The Koolatron CD-01 or CD-02 will activate every time that a person, animal or vehicle passes. That means the battery life will be short. Battery Life is determined by how many times the motion sensor picks up motion and triggers the ultrasound. Two batteries should last up to 2000 ultrasonic bursts, Of course, we humans won't hear the sound.
• A salt spray environment will cause corrosion of screws and perhaps the inside as well over time.
• The effective distance of the unit pointed toward the street is up to 85 ft in a 70 degree arc so folks across the street may also trip the alarm. Plus dogs across the street will be effected to their owners' chagrin.

If you don't want to put a "flower bed" type PVC fence in place then use the above ground low voltage electric fence alone. This is a single wire strung between PVS fence poles. The Fi-Shock™ economy pet deterrent kit trains pets and or keeps unwanted critters away. This product can be used to break your pets' bad habits and keep them fenced in. The electric fence delivers a mild shock, deterring animals from the area. It plugs into a standard 110 volt outlet and delivers continuous output.

The Fi-Shock electric fence kit includes the charger, 10-23” PVC fence poles, 1-22” ground rod, 100’ of aluminum wire, 50 cotter pins for fastening wire and 1 ground clamp. It is easy to install and has a 1 year limited warranty. Unless the dog/dogs jump over the fence, your yard will be protected from urine damage.

Thank you for your question.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about octenol for Mosquito Magnet Traps.

Answer: Octenol increases your catch rate significantly when used with your Mosquito Magnet traps. Octenol is a naturally occurring by-product that comes from plants and some animals. Studies have shown that Octenol, when combined with carbon dioxide produced by Mosquito Magnet traps (not included), is very attractive to many different biting insects .  We recommend Octenol as an alternative to Lurex 3N for customers located in the northern United States. Use in Mosquito Magnet Defender, Mosquito Magnet Liberty, and Mosquito Magnet Liberty Plus.

Octenol - General Facts:

    * What is it? Octenol is an EPA registered secondary attractant that mimics human breath.  It is used in Mosquito Magnet® traps to attract biting insects including mosquitoes and no-see-ums.  Made in the U.S.A.
    * What are the active ingredients:? 1-Octen-3-ol, 55.15%, Other ingredients 44.85%. Each cartridge contains 1660 mg of Octenol.
    * Why should I use it along with the Mosquito Magnet® trap? Mosquito Magnet Octenol vs. CO2:The attractant Octenol increases your catch rates up to 10 times!  Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance; they may transmit diseases that are a serious health threat to people and pets.  It will lure biting insects to the Mosquito Magnet® trap and away from you and your family.
    * What Does It Attract? Octenol attracts most mosquito species, including salt marsh mosquitoes, as well as no-see-ums and black flies.  The insects are attracted by the Octenol and are drawn to the Mosquito Magnet® trap where they are captured, then dehydrate and die.
    * Which Mosquito Lure is Right for my Area? Those who live on the coast or Northern regions of the U.S. should use Octenol to attract mosquitoes, no-see-ums and black flies.There have been recent spottings of the Asian Tiger mosquito in Northern regions.  If you have tried Octenol and are still getting bit, try Lurex 3 ™
    * How Often Should The Cartridge Be Replaced? The Octenol cartridge should be replaced every 21 days. After 21 days of use, the cartridge appears the same; however, it will no longer be effective as the octenol will have been released.The catch rate will be reduced if the attractant is not changed

I hope this answers your question. Remember that Lurex is recommended for Use Lurex with all Mosquito Magnet traps if you live in the Southern USA. Mosquitoes are a nuisance and may also transmit diseases that pose serious health risks to people and pets. Lurex 3N is specifically designed for users who have the Asian Tiger Mosquito. It's most effective in southern USA states. This product simulates human sweat to attract mosquitoes which helps you to increase your catch rates.

What is Lurex3™ Mosquito Attractant? Lurex3™ is a patent-pending mosquito attractant that mimics naturally occurring human skin scents or odors known to attract mosquitoes.  This EPA-registered product is the only attractant developed for the Asian Tiger Mosquito.  It has been designed for use with all Mosquito Magnet® Traps. Made in the U.S.A.

What is in Lurex3? There are two active ingredients In the Lurex component the active ingredients includes lactic acid, 35.40%. In the  Ammonium Bicarbonate component,  Ammonium Bicarbonate  is 74.63%.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about controlling mosquitoes with mosquito traps.

Answer: Propane mosquito traps all work basically the same. The heat and moisture generated by the trap mimics the attractants of a perspiring human body i.e. carbon dioxide (CO2), moisture and body temperature (thermal imaging. The color, shape and airflow through the trap plus an additional attractant, octenol in the case of the Koolatron units also draws mosquitoes to the trap. Octenol can be hung from the other units as well. The best time to start a trap is when the first mosquito eggs are hatching. The goal is to capture the females before they reproduce again. Draining water from ponds or low lying areas or adding mosquito preventatives helps as female mosquitoes return to lay their eggs. The women wants the blood, not the males!

There are three kinds of larger traps sold by Safe Home Products. The all electric trap, the propane and electric which requires electricity to run the fan and the all propane.

Woodstream propane mosquito traps use no electrical power other than batteries, replaceable or rechargeable. Koolatron traps include all three types.

The propane only traps have the advantage that you can move them downwind from your outdoor play areas. All that we sell protect up to about 1 acre except the electric one which is about 1/2 acre.

The Mosquito Magnet Executive Mosquito Trap by Woodstream has a patented Counterflow™ Technology that lures, captures and controls mosquitoes. This is a sophisticated unit with Smart Technology: 5 different user-friendly setting options plus 4 fuel savings modes to reduce propane use. The Mosquito Magnet® Executive can automatically start-up/power-down by itself using a rechargeable battery when the temperature reading is above or below 50° degrees. And you'll know when the battery is low, the propane is out or even when the propane nozzle is clogged. The self-contained mosquito net is rigid for better performance of the mosquito trap.

The Mosquito Magnet Independence Mosquito Trap by Woodstream also uses the Mosquito Magnet® patented Counterflow™ Technology and uses 4 C cells. Silent, odorless. Dual-tone color design is proven to attract more mosquitoes.

The Koolatron Mosquito Trap Guardian PRO-Summer Bonus Kit is offered only through June 17, 2010. Then the price increases significantly. Until then, the propane tank cover and extra octenol attractant are also included. This propane only trap, like the Woodstream traps, has a one year warranty. It uses no batteries, only propane.This is a more basic trap: change the propane tank about every 4 weeks, check at 3 weeks.

The Lentek Mosquito Trap Guardian MK12FE requires electricity to run the fan plus propane. This is the least expensive of the propane type units and works quite well although placement is limited by available electricity.

The 20 lb. propane tank and gas for all tanks must be purchased separately. Too hazardous to ship!

Thanks for your question. If you have questions about which one might best meet your needs, please email sales@safehomeproducts.com.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Deer Off II products by Havahart.

Answer: New and improved Deer Off formulas (sometimes called DeerOff II) are liquids plus OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) listed® and compliant for use in organic gardening. Both are also EPA Registered for direct use on plants, bulbs, flowers and trees. Deer Off contains putrescent eggs solids (4.63%), garlic (.001%) and capsaicin (.001%). The concentrate is the most economical to use. Ideal for repelling deer,squirrels and rabbits. Weather-resistant formula lasts up to 90 days. Deer Off is made from natural and food based ingredients and proven effective by a Rutgers University study. Available in concentrate or ready-to-use battery operated sprayers which can be refilled. Deer Off is more powerful than Deer Off® with 4 times more putrescent egg, 1.5 times garlic and 1.5 times more capsaicin. Capsaicin is what makes chili peppers hot!

To protect your garden/landscaping, Havahart recommends beginning use of the Deer Off or Deer Off II immediately after shrubs, etc. are installed. Unless rainfall is excessive, results should last about 90 days. To supplement the organic compounds, consider adding Yardgard or Deergard ultrasonic repellers around the perimeter of your yard at varying heights for deer, rabbits, etc.

Thanks for your questions.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about the Nite-Guard Animal Control Light.

Answer: The Nite-Guard Solar is a new addition to animal control products. Solar powered, each Nite-Guard light flashes a red light on and off from dusk to dawn. Scientific research shows that night animals flee when they see the red flashing light as they fear they have been discovered or are being watched. This completely weatherproof animal pest repeller works best if used in multiples of at least 4 units. Otherwise the animal most likely will enter your yard or property from a direction away from the flashing red.  Each light mounts to flash in only one direction with an approximate 30 degree angle of sight as one moves right or left away from it. This is why multiple units are needed and spacing between lights is needed as well.

If mounted high, the light can be seen for a long distance, depending on the lay of the land. A flat, open area with four Nite Guards placed at 10’ for owls will protect an area 1/2 mile in each direction. Even at 3 feet off the ground a range of several hundred yards' protection is common. A night predator stops the instant he sees the flash. So mount lights according to what you want to keep away. Deer will respond to higher lights than bobcats, raccoons, etc.

For small predators, these are the manufacturer's installation instructions:

For predators like raccoon, opossum and skunk; put lights approximately 25 feet apart, around your entire perimeter (all four sides of the area) and place them eye level to the predators approximately 10-12 inches off the ground. If the area has sides longer than 50 feet, more lights should be used on each side. Face lights outward from protected area.

For deer, these are the installation instructions:

1. Four Nite Guard lights placed on a single stake 4 feet high, each light facing a different direction. Moving the Nite Guard lights and stake every 7 to 10 days is absolutely critical as it breaks the pattern that deer may get used to. You do not have to move them far, 20 or 30 feet is fine, more is better. If you do not move the post with the lights around the deer will begin to “pattern” them in the exact position night after night, thusly losing fear of the flash.

NOTE: Deer are perhaps the most destructive nocturnal animal in modern times, they are also the most intelligent. Deer are very hard to deter from an area and, with the exception of the Nite Guard, will ignore most attempts to stop them from getting at the food that they want. The also act differently than a predator type animal and so we need to approach the placement of the lights differently.

2. You could also use a perimeter type placement against deer, placing lights 100 feet apart and approx. 4 feet high. Again, you will need to move the lights around every 3-10 days to break the pattern. Suggestion: Use the Nite Guard in conjunction with some of the other “weapons” they may already have in their “arsenal” against deer. Most people with deer problems are very well away of the deer’s intelligence and know that they get used to things easily. Use the Nite Guard lights along with some type of “repellant spray”. The deer then will not only “see” the predator (the flash of the light), but they will also “smell” the predator. This can be a very powerful deterrent for those deer that seem impossible to repel. You will be able to outsmart deer and protect your gardens and crops with the Nite Guards!

Some suggestions about deer deterent sprays or granules are: Deer Scram , a granular repellent; Deer Away spray for deer and squirrels by Havahart and Deer Off Deer and Rabbit Spray by Havahart. All three use natural scent repellents.

This is a solar powered unit that is completely weatherproof. Daylight as well as direct sunlight can power the battery. Best results are when the solar panel is mounted to capture the most light.

Thank you for your questions.

Sincerely,

Barbara