Accessories

Keep birds away from pool!
First, I recommend checking all the reviews--it takes time but they're very useful to decide whether this will help in your situation and give great fine-tuning tips.

My problem is birds making a mess around my pool--worst during a few weeks after opening each season until I make it clear they aren't welcome. I have a lot of trees and lanscaping nearby so it was a real challenge. I've tried all sorts of anti-bird strategies and last year found that "patrolling" with squirts from my long range hose would train them to stay away after a few weeks but the process was (obviously) a real pain.

I spent untold hours researching solutions. Most of the bird repellant products were questionable in terms of efficacy (e.g. balloons with scary faces) and some were horribly expensive (like $500 to $1000 in some cases!!) and came with clear warnings that they were not guarateed and non-returnable!

Anyway, the water concept seemed useful so I decided to give it a try. After a few weeks, it seems to have worked wonderfully well!! Almost no mess around the coping and only some random contributions from fly-overs. Big improvement and I'm not running out like a demented fireman trying to put out flames in the sky!

My suggestion for installation is to consider using shims to steady and adjust the unit---many commented that it's hard to keep stable and it does have a lot of force exerted on the unit during water blasts. I inserted the installation spoke in the ground and used 3 shims to secure it and to adjust for the angle/trajectory that works best (much easier to reposition shims than to remove and resettle the installation spoke in order to fine-tune direction of spray). I also attached a cut-off unit to the supply hose that makes it easy to turn off where and when you want to deactivate the sprayer without getting to the dial on the unit (which would give you a pretty good blast if you can't approach directly from the rear).

So, if you're battling the nasty dirty birds, I'd say give it a try. Heavens knows I've tried many things and with this sprayer, so far so good!

Contech Electronics Scarecrow Motion-Activated Sprinkler #CRO101/CRO102

Awesome product **Read this if your problem is Deer!!!!**
First off I would tell anyone that this product truly works. If you have any hesitation, my review along with all the others should be proof enough.

I purchased the Scarecrow Sprinkler last year after coming back from vacation to find a brand new shade garden I had planted completely decimated by local deer. We have a family of about 8 deer that I try to keep away, but my neighbors have other agendas. They "feed" the deer with corn which attracts them and frustrates me more and more [if Contech invents a neighbor deterrent, please let me know ;) ]

After mourning the $500+ I lost in plants and shrubs, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I started with "deer-b-gone" or some sort of "organic" deer repellant. It washes away, isn't cheap, smells bad and flat out doesn't work.

I then came across the Scarecrow and decided to give it the old "college try". Well folks, IT WORKS. No more deer, but uh-oh a flaw. Just like others, you have to remember that the Scarecrow is there or "BAM" YOU WILL GET HIT WITH A BLAST OF WATER. It has gotten me, my kids, my wife, a landscaper, our exterminator and one of our neighbors.

LADIES and GENTS..I have the solution to this problem!!!!!
What I realized is that the deer only do their dirty work from dusk to dawn. I thought what if I can get my sprinkler to only work during those hours and shut off during the day. Then I researched to see if there was a water timer that allowed for extended watering times. Say hello to this Orbit timer from Amazon.com Orbit Lawn & Garden Hose Digital Watering Timer And Valve #62001to use in conjunction with the sprinkler. It has completely flexible functions that allow the water to only turn on from say 8 pm to 8 am. It only turns on the water flow to the sprinkler. It will only use the water if the sprinkler motion sensor is set off so no wasted water. At 8 am, the timer turns off the water flow and NO ACCIDENTAL MIDDAY SHOWERS!! Then it kicks back on at 8 pm for another night of protection. These are the times I used but I may need to adjust a bit since I do sometimes make early or late strolls through my garden. You can set to whatever times you need to have it on and off based on your own situation.

So there you have it. Use this product in conjunction with a flexible timer and you get the benefit of excellent deer/pest protection while avoiding many of the minor flaws mentioned in other reviews.

Love the Scarecrow Sprinkler!
Excellent product - works as advertised by keeping critters out of your garden. Easy assembly, sturdy components and Amazon has the best price.
You will need to use teflon tape at the connections or it will leak, but any handyman has a roll of that around. I have three of these on duty and the flowers are doing well.

So far, so good!
We've had the Scarecrow in the yard for about a week now, and no sign of the neighborhood cat - coincidence or 5 stars for the scarecrow...
I know it works as evidenced by the occasional residual water on the deck - otherwise it makes no noise.
It is smaller than I expected, but it is very sensitive motion and sprays quite a distance. It's fun to watch the forgetful husband wander into the yard...

Sure works
Scarecrow works as advertised, all most too good! Scares animals away as well as humans not smart enough to avoid the sensors. I know. Wet and not too smart!