Motion Activated Sprinklers

You’ve put time, work and love into your garden, planted a flower bed tht you’re wildly proud of (for once), or maybe even planted some fruit trees in the back yard you’ve cared for. The last thing you want is for the local wildlife to come trodding through your yard, eating your plants, and leaving a nasty, smelly ‘tip’ behind as they go!

Depending on where you live, you may deal with things like squirrels and possums, or potentially even roaming herds of deer, or bears descending on your yard!

Not a fan of venison? Want a humane way to show these critters the exit door?

A motion-activated sprinkler may just be the motion-activated garden or landscape tool you’re looking for!

In This Guide – We cover 8 of the best motion-activated sprinklers and share why they are one of the best natural deterrents for wildlife.

What is a motion-activated sprinkler?

Motion-triggered sprinklers are a popular scare pest deterrent, because they are nice mix of motion detection and a sprinkler which will shoot a stream of water when the motion detection area has a trespasser.

Many sprinklers will also have a loud clicking noise when activated.

The most efficient motion-activated sprinkler will incorporate human movement, water, and sound to scare away large wild animals like deer.

The position and sensitivity of the motion sensor will determine the quality of the pest an animal may be.

Key benefits of motion-activated sprinklers to deter pests in your yard

Motion-activated sprinklers are a low-maintenance way to deter animals from your yard and get them out of your yard.

They’re not complicated but they’re effective.

Here are 3 important benefits of using a motion-activated sprinkler in your garden.

1. They are 100% harmless!

With these smart sprinklers, you’re not putting down poison traps or frying yourself on electric fencing.

You’re just giving the offending critter the shock of their life with a little spray of water.

2. Multi-sensory deterrent 

If you want something in your yard that will give an animal an unexpected fright, a motion-activated sprinkler is a great option because it hits all three of their senses with sight, sound, and scent.

This makes the deterrent extremely effective and animals that have encountered it will be less likely to return!

3. These sprinklers can water your yard too

Motion-activated sprinklers have a two-part purpose and can also be used as a standard garden sprinkler.

This makes them a great 2-for-1 investment for taking care of your yard.

Buyer’s guide for motion-activated sprinklers 

Interested in motion-activated sprinklers for your backyard?

Here’s what features and functions you should watch for.

The type of animal the sprinkler targets

Motion activated sprayers can deter all kinds of pests – from birds to bears!

The motion sensors on these sprayers differ in sensitivity, and how high the jet goes.

Most importantly, check the species that the sprayer is supposed to deter, so you will know if it will work on your unwanted visitors!

The level of motion-sensor coverage

Just check the distance and the angle of the motion sensor to make sure you get the coverage you need.

Most sensors can detect animals at 30 feet and the best motion-activated sprinkler will pick up at 40 feet or more. 

Adjustability

Search for a motion-activated sprinkler that you adjust to the appropriate height and aimed at the right angle for your location and target species. 

This increases the sensitivity of the motion sensor if you’re dealing with small animals like squirrels or opossums.

Daytime and nighttime function

Some sprinklers run during day and night with programmable settings, meaning you can schedule when you want your sprinkler to operate.

Water-saving

The best motion-activated sprinklers will conserve water by limiting the amount of time they are active and will only turn on for a few seconds unless you modify the settings of the digital time to water your lawn.

Some of these devices only use a few cups of water a day.

A solar panel to recharge batteries

A solar-powered sprinkler makes sense, as it’s staked out at a location outside all day.

Purchasing a motion-activated sprinkler that utilizes solar-charged batteries saves time on maintenance and the cost of tossing batteries in the trash.

8 of the best motion-activated sprinklers to deter pests naturally

This category of pest deterrent sprinklers has cutting edge technology and features to keep the most stubborn four-legged offenders out of your lawn.

Here are eight of the top motion-activated sprinklers available today:

1. Orbit Yard Enforcer Motion-Activated Sprinkler 

Specifications

• Animals detected: Deer, bobcats, dogs, cats, large birds, skunks, rabbits, raccoons
• Detection range: 40 ft (12.1m) – 120 degree angle
• Power supply: 4x AA batteries
• Dimensions: 10 x 5 x 24.5 in (25.4 cm x 12.7 cm x 62.2 cm)
• Weight: 2.5 lb (0.9 kg)
• Color: black
• Materials: plastic and zinc

Description

The Orbit 62100 motion activated sprinkler is the top product for humanely deterring a large variety of animals and critters from the property.

The Orbit 62100 will reliably blast a strong stream of water at detected animals day and night!

It is super programmable with on-demand activation so it will work only when activated.

You can install the Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer, simply by pushing the stake of the sprinkler into the lawn and connecting it to the hose using the quality brass connection.

This battery powered device has intelligent sensing technology targeting the known pests (instead of trees or breeze) in a range of 40 feet with spray coverage over a 120-degree angle.

The Orbit Yard Enforcer will also work as a common lawn sprinkler which can create a 360-degree spray coverage as well as plenty of programming settings.

Pros

• Choose from 3 detection modes: you can set your motion-activated sprinkler to operate only in the daytime, at night only, or protect your yard for 24 hours per day, providing complete peace of mind that your plants are protected.
• Adjustable spray zone: The Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer works with additional impact sprinklers that can be connected to it through dual flow-through ports on the sprinkler. You can also connect multiple Orbit Yard Enforcers using the dual flow-through ports for wider coverage.

Cons

• Some users have reported leaking.
• Some purchasers reported that the detection was inconsistent.

2. Hoont Cobra Animal Repeller Solar-Powered Motion-Activated Water Blaster

Specifications

• Target Species: deer, birds, dogs, cats, larger birds, skunks, rabbits, raccoons
• Range: 30 feet (9.1 m) with a 120-degree angle
• Power: 2x AA (rechargeable) batteries, integrated solar panel will charge batteries throughout the day.
• Size: 24 in x 44 in x 34 in (61 cm x 112 cm x 86 cm)
• Weight: 2.5 pounds (0.9 kg)
• Color: Dark green
• Materials: plastic

Description

With the cobra-jet sprayer, you can monitor your whole yard 24/7 with its super sensitive PIR sensor that will zero in on trespassers big and small!

This staked motion-activated water sprinkler has an adjustable arc, 30ft spray distance and works in conjunction with a clicking noise as an effective deterrent.

The Hoont Cobra sprayer is battery-powered and has a solar panel to keep the included rechargeable battery charged.

Pros

• Super water efficiency: This water sprayer releases water in 5-seconds of bursts, so you can target animals without wasting water.
• Height adjustable with the standpipe extension: this allows you to target bigger animals.

Cons

• You can’t just use this motion-activated sprinkler at night. But what you could do is put the timer on the hose line that you’re going to attach, and just only let it work at night!

3. Orbit Garden Enforcer Motion Activated Sprinkler

Specifications

• Intended Species: deer, large birds, dogs, cats, opossums, squirrels, skunks, snakes, rabbits, raccoons
• Range: 35 feet (10.66 meters) – 120-degree angle
• Power source: 4x AA batteries (rechargeable), solar panel built-in
• Product size: 35.25 in x 7 in x 6.5 in (81.9 cm x 17.8 cm x 16.5 cm)
• Weight: 5.3 pounds (2.4 kilograms)
• Style: Black
• Material: Metal

Description

If you’ve planted a garden in your yard, you really don’t want raccoons, and other pests, to take your hard work by raiding your beets and tender greens. 

The Garden Enforcer by Orbit will help keep the animals away from your plants by providing up to 24 hours of protection against animals ranging in size from deer to squirrels. 

The device is a motion-activated sprinkler and comes on a convenient tripod and is easily adjustable. The maximum height you can adjust the sprinkler to is 54 inches (137 centimeters) meaning you can protect your corn as it grows. 

It boasts a long battery life, offering at least 7,500 activation cycles before changing batteries.

Pros

• Smart sensor accuracy: the Orbit Garden Enforce detects animals and pests in an area of up to 1600 square feet. Intelligent sensing technology means that this motion-activated sprinkler can tell the difference between a tree or another object from an animal, reducing energy and water usage.
• The sensor head can be angled: the line of sight of the sensor head can be adjusted by angling the head up or down to allow targeting larger or smaller species.

Cons

• Some purchasers had problems with tripods that broke easily. 

4. Aqua Joe AJYP100 Patrol Motion-Activated Sprinkler 

Specifications

• Target Species: Deer, large birds, dogs, cats, opossums, squirrels, geese, skunks, rabbits, raccoons.
• Range: 33 to 39 ft (10 to 12 meters) – 120-degree angle.
• Power: Built-in solar panel; rechargeable batteries.
• Dimensions: 9.5 in x 3.7 in x 9.9 in (24.1 cm x 9.4 cm x 25.1 cm).
• Weight: 2.27 lbs (1.02 kg).  
• Color: Blue.
• Material: Metal. 

Description 

This smart blue pest deterrent gives you a blast of water that will give your backyard the edge it needs by providing up to 5700 square feet of coverage for intruding animals to flee.

Stake this bright blue motion-activated sprinkler in your lawn or garden, and keep your land protected from critters including rats, skunks and groundhogs.

Powering your sprinkler is a cinch because the solar panel will keep it alert day and night.

The sprinkler is fully adjustable, providing 360 degrees of rotation and allowing you to program the distance and spray pattern.

You can choose from three modes to select large, medium, or small targets animals.

Pros

• Dependable motion sensor: this detects animals of all shapes and sizes that will allow you to safely secure your yard.
• Solar-powered sprinkler: this sprinkler will be self-sufficient when you recharge it all day in the sunshine.

Cons

• Customers have said that this motion-activated sprinkler sometimes doesn’t see smaller animals. You might have to buy a male-to-female adapter to connect your standard garden hose to the sprinkler’s connector threading.

5. Acesunny Solar Animal repelling Sprinkler

Specifications

• Species to be affected: deer, larger birds, dog, cat, squirrels, skun, rabbits, raccoons
• Coverage range: 30 ft maximum(9.1m) with 120-degree angle
• Power source: built-in solar panel with rechargeable batteries
• Dimensions: 7.4 in. x 3.1 in. x 25.2 in. ( 18.7 cm x 7.8 cm x 63.7 cm
• Weight: 1.5 lb (0.66 kg)
• Color: black and yellow
• Material: ABS plastic.

Description

This clever little sprinkler is an inexpensive way to protect your lawn and garden from unwanted pests.

It’s got a solar panel with a rechargeable battery, so it’s ready to go immediately.

The motion sensor has a 120 degree angle and the sprinkler sprays a jet of water that can hit animals up to 30 feet away.

Simply stake it in an area you have identified for protection and connect at your hose using the standard quick connect coupling.

This sprinkler can also be set to operate at 10, 20, or 30 minutes.

Pros

• Buyers are happy with the sensor-activated sprinkler operation.
• This motion-activated sprinkler can also be functioned manually as a standard sprinkler in a full 360-degree arc.

Cons

• It has black and yellow stickers, which seems redundant for the deterrent use.

6. Havahart Critter Ridder Motion Activated Animal Repellent Sprinkler 

Specifications

• The things you’re wanting to repel: deer, big birds, chipmunks, groundhogs, house cat, squirrels, skunk, rabbits, raccoon
• How far it expels them (range): 60 ft (18.2 m) – 120 degree cone
• Power: 2x AA battery
• Size: 2.6 in x 6.5 in x 22.25 in (6.6 cm x 16.5 cm x 56.5 cm)
• Weight: 1.39 lbs (0.63 kg)
• Color: green
• Material: plastic, metal

Description

The Critter Ridder Motion-Activated Animal Repellent by Havahart is a potent repellent to countless animals and pests.

The camo green color means that the short sharp bursts of water come at animals straight out of nowhere, even the most brazen four-legged trespassers will evacuate immediately.

With a detection range of 100 feet, you can be assured your entire yard footprint is covered. If your lawn needs some watering, you could use it as a regular sprinkler. 

Watch the Critter Ridder Motion-Activated Animal Repellent in action:

Pros

Low water usage: this sprinkler uses only a couple of cups of water/potential nuisance animal per day

Variable level of sensitivity: 4 levels to choose from depending on the nuisance animal you wish to deal with.

Cons

Requires 2 AA batteries (not included with the sprinkler). If battery changes are going to be an issue or hassle for you then a solar charging sprinkler might be more appropriate.

7. Black + Decker Solar/Powered Deterrent

Specifications

• Target Species: Deer, Large Birds, Chipmunks, Groundhogs, Cats, Squirrels, Skunks, Foxes, Bears, Raccoons
• Range: 30 feet (9.1m) – 120º angle
• Power: 2X rechargeable AA batteries with integrated solar panel
• Dimensions: 10 in x 2 in x 2.7 in (25.4cm x 5cm x 12.2cm)
• Weight: 2.5 lb (0.9 kg)
• Colour: Black
• Material: Metal

Description

Black and Decker is a trustworthy and reliable name, so their solar-powered motion activated sprinkler is an excellent purchase for affordable, long-term protection against nuisance animals and pests in your yard.

The motion-activated sprinkler can be set up fast and easy because of the quick fit connection which connects to a standard hose. The metal stake is sturdy and is easily placed wherever you want to protect.

After that, you just have to leave it and let it run as the solar panel charges the rechargeable batteries.

You can use this sprinkler to protect up to 1000 square feet of yard space with a spray distance of up to 30-feet. You can also use it as a typical sprinkler with full 360-degree coverage.

Pros

• The water and energy usage is super-efficient: this sprinkler ejects a 5-second blast that is more than enough to get your trespassers off their ass.
• Solid and dependable construction: The exterior and parts of this sprinkler are quality material and durable.

Cons

The range and coverage of this sprinkler are less than some of the sprinklers we have featured. 

8. Abco Tech Motion Activated Water Jet Animal Repeller

Specifications

• Target species: deer, large birds, chipmunks, foxes, bears, raccoons,
• Range: 30 feet (9.1 meters) – 120-degree angle
• Power: 2x AA 
• Dimensions: 5 x 4.5 x 9 (12 cm x 11 cm x 22.9 cm)
• Weight: 1.52 pounds (0.69 kilograms)
• Colour: Dark green
• Material:  Metal

Description

This compact motion activated sprinkler is an efficient device for humanely deterring pests from your yard.

The powerful motion sensor instantly sprays water when any creature comes within 30 feet of the sprinkler. 

You can count on the Abco Tech animal repeller to work 24 hours a day to keep pests out, whether the sprinkler is functioning efficiently during the day or at night.

The sprinkler uses the energy of two AA batteries, and uses very minimal energy and water yelling at pests. The sprinkler has a setting to spray water for a limited amount of time, in this case, five seconds would likely be just enough time to send a fox or raccoon on its way. 

You can set this motion-activated sprinkler’s sensitivity to target the critters that are a problem. 

Pros

• Quality materials and fabrication: This is a high-quality, motion-activated sprinkler with durable metal parts.

Cons

• Some reviewers have reported that this repeller can leak.

Frequently asked questions for motion-activated sprinklers

Where should motion-activated sprinklers be located?

You can figure out where to put the sprinkler in your yard by checking the damage and possible access points introduced by animals.

Just remember, these sprinklers can cover a lot of ground, so stake yours directing toward the entry point or area of damage.

How do I set up my motion-activated sprinkler?

Now that you’ve marked your territory, you can customize the sprinkler to focus specifically on that problem racoon or deer by changing the sensitivity level on the motion sensor. 

You can also adjust the detection angle of your sprinkler to get the right line in the field of view. 

You can then also adjust the duration and range of the spray, and any day or nocturnal settings. 

Rounding up

As you can tell, motion-activated sprinklers are an ingenious solution for getting pests out of your yard.

We think it’s time to retire your scarecrow and install a few of these sprinklers on your lawn. Those neighborhood cats won’t know what to think!