What comes first to your mind when hearing about trail cameras? Probably it’s the scenery of catching your game into a camera and recording to keep a trail of it. But what if I tell you that you can use it for more than just finding a game, hunting the buck, or doing wildlife photography? Yes, many folks are using trail cameras for their home security lately, and it’s reportedly an excellent option for a surveillance system.
Burglars, vandals, and trespassers are getting smarter every day and finding a way to cheat the visible home security cameras. On the other hand, trail cameras have some unique features that enable them to overrule trespassers. Stick to the article to know the special features you’re getting with a trail camera and how to use a trail camera for security for the security of your home.
Can You Use A Trail Camera For Security?
If you’re used to using your trail camera only for hunting and trail purposes and keeping it away while not hunting, it’s time to rethink. You can use it as a home security camera for your house, farm, or store. These cameras come with extra facilities that a regular home security camera cannot provide.
Although home security cameras have a distinct purpose with both advantages and disadvantages, trail cameras can beat them up in some aspects. You get a much better camouflage with a trail camera that is not available with home security cameras. They don’t get you a black flash to expose the camera to the intruders.
How To Use A Trail Camera For Security?
Using a trail camera as a home security camera can be easy, especially if you’re already in the game. Here is how to use a trail camera for the security of your home and the things you should know about using it most efficiently:
Choose The Right Camera
Setting up a trail camera as your security camera starts with choosing the right trail camera in the first place. You have to consider the camera features extensively, mainly because you’re setting it up for home surveillance. The coverage, video or picture quality, time-stamping, timelapse, and other features make a camera suitable for surveillance. The most important thing to consider has the right sensors in the camera, such as the PIR sensor, motion sensor, thermal sensor, etc.
Storage and battery life matters
You have to consider the camera’s storage capacity and be sure how long the camera can hold up for the captured footage. It is best to get a camera with an expandable storage option to use external memory cards. Lithium-ion technology for the battery is a must, as they are the best option for a more extended backup. It is worth mentioning that bears can smell lithium-ion batteries; thieves cannot. As you’re using it for home security, that doesn’t matter unless you’re also using it for the game.
Consider the connection method
There are wifi-enabled trail cameras if you’re planning on using WiFi for connectivity. However, if you’re planning on using it remotely and don’t have a WiFi facility for it, you can opt-out for cellular trail cameras. These cameras have 4G enabled in them, so there are no problems regarding the speed and live footage.
Mounting the camera with camouflage
You need to mount the camera first to use it, and you need to keep it hidden. Generally, trail cameras themselves come with camouflaged color schemes. If you need more camo to it, consider getting an appropriate camera, give it some shades with leaves, or choose the right tree or wall.
Cover the whole target area
While mounting the camera on sight, you must make sure the lens covers the whole area you’re trying to cover. If the camera cannot cover the area, consider getting multiple cameras to cover the area. However, you should be able to reach it with a ladder or barefoot; it’s all up to you and your preference.
Setup a no flash camera unit
Get a no-flash camera if you’re planning to mount the camera for tressure security and need a complete hidden security eye on the sight. These cameras come with infrared flashes with no visible lights. Most animal species cannot see these lights, and there is no chance for a human to notice that the light is on. The light will activate when it detects a movement on the premises that you want to record.
Where Do You Put Trail Cameras for security purposes?
Different situations, seasons, and places require different setup positions for a trail camera for security. It’s best to cover your house’s entrances as you’re setting it for your home surveillance. You should also be aware of the places with which intruders might penetrate the premises.
Attach the camera to a tree or bush from where you fully view the target place without sacrificing any details. If you need camouflage, match the ambient color and set it accordingly to hide it from the trespassers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most frequently asked questions about using a trail camera for security in a home or resident that you might find interesting:
Do trail cameras need WiFi?
How far can a trail camera take a picture?
How long do trail cameras last?
Final Thought
Using a trail camera as your home security surveillance system can be efficient and more effective. It can get you a higher level of stealth security, which nobody can detect because many options cover it up. It is even more secure, starting with camouflage and a high-end infrared flash system, and delegated sensors.
Setting them up requires extra precautions as you’re mounting it outside, such as considering a sturdy lock mechanism. If you’re interested to know how to use a trail camera for security, and only for home security, video and capturing features are also important.
