Sprinkler Scares Away Critters

One of the most common questions readers ask us is how to get rid of the neighbor’s cat or the itinerant squirrel that makes a mess of the most well-tended garden.

We have suggested store-bought remedies laced with pepper and recommended homemade solutions to discourage these pesky critters, but animal lovers tell us they are looking for the most humane way to protect their plants.

If you’ve tried everything and still have problems, you may want to check out the Scarecrow motion-activated sprinkler from Contech Electronics.

The device attaches to a standard garden hose and detects the movement or body heat of the intruder and releases a powerful jet of water for three seconds. If the animal returns, it gets sprayed again. The Scarecrow releases about two cups of water per activation and can detect animals as small as squirrels. You can adjust the spray distance as well as the spray vs. jet water pattern.

There’s only one problem: You have to remember to approach the device from behind and turn it off so you can work in the garden without getting drenched.

It sells for $129 and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and two-year limited warranty. For product or buying information, call (800) 767-8658.