If you have security cameras outside your home, you might be wondering why spiders love to spin cobwebs across camera lenses.

The truth is, spiders don’t actually love your cameras—they love the bugs attracted to the infrared light emitting from your camera. This can be a real issue for homeowners because spider webs not only obstruct visibility, but also trigger false alerts, especially for motion-activated security cameras.

So, what can you do to prevent spider webs, insects and other bugs from affecting your outdoor security cameras? Below, our security experts list seven tips for keeping cameras bug free.

Tips for Keeping Your Security Cameras Bug-Free

There are a variety of ways you can keep spider webs, insects and other bugs off of your home security cameras. Consider the following solutions:

1. Apply lubricants to the outside case of your camera. Cover the body and surrounding area of your camera with a lubricant like Teflon spray, silicon or Vaseline. This will make the camera too slippery for spiders to spin webs on it. Just be sure to cover the lens with a paper towel before applying a thin layer of lubricant.

2. Attach a dryer sheet to the camera. Use a rubber band to attach a dryer sheet to the outside of your camera. The strong smell will keep bugs away.

3. Disable the LED lights. Bugs are attracted to the LED lighting around your camera lens. If your camera allows, turn it off.

4. Loop a flea collar around your camera. Flea collars have been known to keep spiders and other bugs away. Consider attaching one around your camera.

5. Spray bug repellent around cameras. To keep bugs away from your outdoor surveillance camera, use bugs spray or insecticide around the protective housing of the camera. Use this guide for help selecting the right repellent.

6. Sweep camera areas weekly. Regularly clean the camera exterior, housing, enclosures, cover or shield with a soft-bristled brush to remove existing bugs and webs.

7. Use a fan to prevent sider webs. Consider investing in a low-price computer fan to keep spiders and other bugs at a distance. A fan will prevent spiders from building webs around your lenses and will also keep bugs away.

The tips in this post aren’t fail-safe solutions. You may have to repeat them a few times to see results. But, don’t overdo it. Be mindful of pets and young children when spraying pesticides and ensure your cameras have protective housing before applying chemicals and lubricants.

Additionally, if you have any questions regarding camera placement, installation and overall functionality, contact a trusted security expert today.