As a homeowner with a beautiful yard, I’ve always been frustrated by deer wandering into my garden and damaging my plants. After some research, I decided to set up a smart deer deterrent system using Hubitat. Here’s how I did it and what I learned along the way.The Problem: Deer frequently enter a specific area of my property, particularly around my garage. I wanted to scare them away without harming them or relying on electric fences, which can be cumbersome and expensive.The Solution: I decided to use a motion-activated security light. The idea was simple: detect deer movement and flash a light to scare them off. However, the challenge was the distance—250 feet from my garage to the driveway, with the light needing to be placed around 150 feet away.What I Needed: - A reliable outdoor motion sensor - A high-powered LED light with flashing capabilities - Hubitat Elevation for automation - Outdoor Wi-Fi AP for connectivity Setting It Up: 1. Motion Sensor Placement: I positioned the motion sensor near the area where deer typically enter. 2. Light Installation: The LED light was mounted on a pole at the 150-foot mark, ensuring optimal coverage. 3. Hubitat Integration: Using Hubitat’s automation rules, I programmed the system to trigger the light whenever motion was detected. Challenges and Learnings: - Connectivity: Initially, I was worried about the distance affecting the Wi-Fi signal. Adding an outdoor Wi-Fi AP helped stabilize the connection. - Light Customization: Finding a light that could flash reliably was tricky. I ended up using a smart LED floodlight with adjustable settings. - Testing: It took a few adjustments to get the sensitivity of the motion sensor just right. Too sensitive, and it would trigger unnecessarily; too slow, and the deer would already be in the garden. The Result: The system has been a game-changer! The flashing light effectively scares the deer away without causing any harm. Plus, it adds an extra layer of security to my property. Tips for Others: - Sensor Placement: Experiment with different locations to find the sweet spot for detection. - Light Selection: Opt for a light with a wide coverage area and adjustable settings. - Automation Rules: Don’t hesitate to tweak your rules for optimal performance. This project has been incredibly rewarding. Not only has it protected my garden, but it’s also given me a deeper appreciation for the flexibility of Hubitat. If you’re facing similar issues, I highly recommend exploring smart deterrent solutions—they might just be the eco-friendly, effective answer you’re looking for!