So you want to monitor the exterior of your home, but you don’t want people to know they’re on camera? There’s an easy solution for that–hidden outdoor security cameras. Sure, leaving a camera out in the open can immediately grab the attention of unwanted guests, but concealing a camera reduces the odds of a burglar tampering with your device.
Prime hiding techniques include sticking your camera in a birdhouse, a fake rock or within camouflage skins to help your camera naturally blend into its outdoor environment. But not all hiding spots are created equal. Some block your camera’s field of vision or damage the camera itself.
Considering how useful it is to use surveillance cameras to deter burglars, it wouldn’t hurt to take a minute to review where they shouldn’t be. Continue reading to learn about the five worst places you can install your outdoor security cameras.
1. Close to a Nest or Tree Branch
It makes sense that a homeowner would want to install their security cameras on a tree. Most trees are tall enough to permit a wide range for viewing important activity around the house. Another benefit is that most houses have trees at the front of their property, making it easy to quickly detect unwanted visitors and take action before they even make it to the front door.
However, trees also have branches with leaves that are surrounded by other branches with leaves. This foliage can get in the way of your camera’s field of view, making it difficult to distinguish faces and objects. And if you can’t see who broke into your home or trespassed on your property, then what purpose is your camera really serving?
Additionally, the tree you decide to mount your hidden outdoor security cameras on might also be where the neighborhood bird lays its nest. The mud, twigs and leaves hanging from the nest can create a barrier from your camera’s field of vision.
2. On Eaves that are Too High or Too Low
Avoid installing your outdoor security cameras on your home’s eaves (or on your roof for that matter). Eaves, otherwise known as the tips of your home’s roof, are usually too high above the ground to provide a clear visual of the movement happening around your home. So before lugging the ladder out from the attic, remember that cameras installed over 10 feet high do a poor job of recording faces; and cameras installed lower than 8 feet are within reach for the wrong people to grab and tamper with.
3. Behind a Window
It’s easy to understand why a homeowner would want to install a security camera behind a window–especially a window at the front of a house.
A burglar is likely to scope the windows to see if anyone’s home; or they’ll use a window to break into your property. But if they see a security camera, they may get scared and retreat. And if they don’t get scared and decide to break your window, well, you’ll have the footage on camera.
Unfortunately, depending on the security camera you use, a window can work against your device. For example, cameras with IR lights will reflect off your window’s glass and back into your camera. This will leave you with an unpleasant glare that blocks out important footage.
4. Facing the Sun
Few objects benefit from getting too much sunlight. This includes your security cameras.
Therefore, keep your security camera from directly facing the sun. The sunlight makes it difficult for the camera to capture your subject. While facing the sun, the camera’s field of vision will become silhouettes, casting a black shadow around your subject. This happens because, like us humans, it’s hard for a camera to see past a sun’s glare.
Additionally, if your security camera isn’t weather resistant, then too much sunlight can damage the device.
5. Far From The Front of Your Home
What do a front door, garage door and first floor window each have in common? Aside from being unique points of entry, they’re also usually found at the front of a home. What’s another fun fact? Burglars like to use these to enter a home.
Therefore, we encourage you to keep your hidden outdoor security cameras as close to the front of your home as possible. That way your camera can record and keep track of who’s coming and going at all times.
Looking For the Right Outdoor Security Cameras?
Now that you know where to keep your security cameras outdoors, it’s time to make sure you’re monitoring with the right equipment. It doesn’t matter how well you’ve hidden your camera, if the equipment is low-quality it will be difficult to protect your home. With Protect America you have access to best-in-class outdoor cameras with night-vision, 1080p HD recording and weather resistance that offers complete exterior protection. Another huge benefit to using Protect America is that you’re investing in a home security system that goes beyond just a camera.
When you join our family, you’ll get to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from having a professionally monitored system that’s ready to keep your home and loved ones protected at all hours of the day. If you’re ready to start monitoring your home with a company that’s been protecting families for over 25 years, then contact us today for a free quote.
The post The 5 Worst Places to Install Hidden Outdoor Security Cameras appeared first on Protect America Blog.
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