Hi everyone, I wanted to share an interesting DIY project I recently completed to solve a common household issue here in Australia. We’ve had a recurring problem with possums trying to make their way into our roof space, which can be both frustrating and damaging to our property. After a few failed attempts, I decided to take matters into my own hands and create a smart possum exit alert system.
The idea came to me during a late-night brainstorming session. I thought, why not repurpose some simple materials and combine them with my existing smart home setup to create a solution that’s both effective and fun? Here’s how I did it:
Materials Needed:
- A small piece of scrap paper
- A piece of string
- Xiaomi door magnet sensor
- Waterproof project box
Setup Process:
- I identified the entry point the possums were using and placed a small piece of scrap paper over the opening. This acts as a makeshift ‘door’ that the possum will push against to exit.
- I attached a piece of string to the paper ball and tied the other end to the Xiaomi door magnet sensor. This creates a simple mechanical trigger mechanism.
- I secured the magnet sensor to a nearby surface inside a waterproof project box to protect it from the elements.
How It Works:
When the possum pushes the paper ball to exit, it pulls the magnet off the sensor, triggering an alert on my smartphone via the SmartThings app. This lets me know exactly when the possum has left, allowing me to seal the entry point permanently without any guesswork.
Why I Love This Solution:
- Cost-Effective: I used materials I already had lying around the house, making this project almost free.
- Low Maintenance: The system is simple enough that it doesn’t require constant monitoring, yet it’s reliable enough to provide accurate alerts.
- Fun Factor: It combines a practical solution with a bit of clever engineering, making it a rewarding project to work on.
I’m really happy with how this turned out. It not only solved a persistent problem but also gave me a chance to get creative with my smart home setup. If anyone has similar issues or is looking for a fun DIY project, I highly recommend giving this a try!
Happy tinkering! 