The 5 Best Motion Activated Sprinklers – [Reviews & Rankings]

Motion-activated sprinklers, also known as pest deterrent sprinklers, are yard sprinklers that turn on automatically when motion is detected. The best motion activated sprinkler will be highly durable, have a large coverage area, and will feature an easy angle adjustment.

Whether you own a farm or a home garden, you don’t want birds, neighborhood dogs, cats, and other unwanted animals to wreak havoc on your plants. Birds tend to steal fruits and cereal, while cats usually use your garden as their litter box.

Additionally, dogs and wild animals, such as raccoons, can make a real mess of the place. Motion-activated sprinklers deliver a harmless spray of water, effectively and safely repelling animals (Source).

It’s impossible to keep an eye on your yard at all times. Fences don’t provide an effective barrier for flying animals, and large animals end up finding their way through (or under) them.

Pesticides can work in some cases, but why deal with harmful chemicals when you don’t have to? A motion-activated sprinkler is one of the best and safest ways to repel animals without hurting them or the environment (Source).

It’s good to find a motion-activated sprinkler that has a reliable motion detection mechanism, among other top factors. Before buying a motion-activated sprinkler, you should consider its warranty, price, degree of view, range, and water consumption.

In this article, we will examine all the top-rated motion-activated sprinklers. All of the sprinklers in this review will effectively repel pests, whether you need to install many of them to protect a large farm, or you are just trying to keep stray animals out of your home garden.

What is a Motion Activated Sprinkler?

Motion-activated sprinklers are just like traditional sprinklers, except that they turn on when nearby motion is detected. This is what makes them a great extra layer of security for your home.

Especially if you have critters and pests of some sort constantly trampling over your precious green grass, garden, and so on. Using sensors and powerful jets, motion-activated sprinklers do a great job keeping unwanted visitors away.

Do Motion Activated Sprinklers Work?

Motion Activated Sprinklers can go a long way in protecting your lawn or garden from unwanted guests. Instead of having to spend money building a fence or another deterrent system, Motion Activated Sprinklers simply spray water at incoming animals, quickly scaring them off.

Comparing The 5 Best Motion Activated Sprinklers 

1. Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer Motion Activated Sprinkler – Best Overall

If you want to keep those pesky animals away from your garden, the Orbit Garden Enforcer is probably one of the best ways to do it. This motion-activated sprinkler ensures that there aren’t any surprises, as it works perfectly both in the light and dark conditions as well as through all seasons.

One of the best features of this product is intelligent sensing technology that gets the sprinkler working only when there’s a motion. This way, it maximizes battery power and conserves your water alike.

It involves a 120-degree infrared sensor that offers good coverage and ensures that no intruder can break the trap. Furthermore, the sensor comprises both day and night modes and can detect birds and animals from up to 40 feet.

Besides these two modes, there’s also a patrol mode that allows you to set the time to anywhere from one to 30 minutes.

In addition to that, this motion-activated animal repeller boasts a heavy-duty construction as well as a broad base and angle which ensures reasonably good coverage, durability, and longevity. Similarly, it comes with a metal step spike and brass hose connection for stability and strength.

Meanwhile, its battery section is placed right under the sensor. Orbit 62100 is powered by 4 AA alkaline batteries which provide about 7500 activation cycles.

2. Hoont Powerful Outdoor Water Blaster Animal Pest Repeller – The Most Efficient Motion Activated Sprinkler

Here’s another great garden motion detector to keep your lawn free of animals. This product is designed to scare away birds and animals of all sizes by using harmless yet powerful sprinkling.

When the sensor senses any motion within a 30-foot range, the water jet activates and sprays water in approximately five seconds. Additionally, it emits a sound that’ll frighten the rabbits, squirrels, rats, deer, and other animals.

Moreover, its adjustable design lets you select the optimal range and angle. By spraying the water in a 360-degree area, this sprinkler effectively keeps unwanted animals and pests out of your property.

Furthermore, it boasts low water consumption to save your water and keep your energy bill low. It also allows prolonged use by battery conservation.

However, note that this product only comes with a water sprayer, hose connection, and stake; batteries are not included.

3. ScareCrow Motion Activated Animal Repellent – Best Motion Sensor Sprinkler For Large Gardens

If you need to protect an area of 1200 square feet from unwanted creatures, this motion-activated animal repeller is an excellent choice for you. All you need to do is set up the skate and hose connection, and this big water gun will do the rest for you.

What makes this unique is that when the sprinkler senses an animal’s movement with the help of a sensor lens, it shoots a powerful water jet toward that intruder. The animal will permanently remember that negative experience and avoid visiting this place in the future.

This top-rated motion detector sprinkler can detect different animals such as dogs, cats, deer, rabbits, squirrels, skunks, etc. Moreover, it’s capable of distinguishing small from big intruders.

Above all, the ScareCrow Motion-Activated Animal Repellent works with just one 9V battery which can work for about six months. There’s a low battery indicator that gives you an idea of how much juice is left. Be sure to change the battery frequently in order to keep the jet of water strong all the while.

4. Hoont Cobra Outdoor Water Jet Blaster Animal Pest Repeller – Best For Beginners

With the Hoont Cobra repellant, you will get rid of animals that roam your premises and harm your property. This simple product applies a spray that covers a fairly ample area.

Some of the best features are the 30ft coverage range, 360-degree swivel for great versatility, and the 5-second spraying for water conservation. Additionally, it can detect motions of up to 25-30 feet away. 

Moreover, this garden motion detector only consumes small amounts of water. Hence, it is ideal for those wanting to go green. 

Likewise, it is effortless to install as well; adjusting the pressure and range is also quite easy. Therefore, it’s perfect for beginners.

The device requires 4 AA alkaline batteries to work. Keep in mind that the batteries are not included in the package. 

5. Havahart 5266 Spray Away Motion Activated Sprinkler – The Most Versatile 

The Havahart 5266  is another effective solution for preventing animals and pests from invading your property. For this purpose, it uses 9 sensitivity settings which can detect any motion of up to 35 feet away.

Crafted from heavy-duty materials, this device can withstand extreme temperatures with ease. Therefore, it is suitable for use in harsh weather conditions. Alongside that, once this device has detected an intruder, it will start spraying and defend an area of 1,900 sq. ft.

Another big plus is that it’s very easy to use and set up. After securing the unit with the help of the stake, you only need to attach a garden hose, insert 4 AA batteries, and choose an appropriate sensitivity setting. The day and night and modes are also available.

There is a LED indicator which comes in handy for night mode as well as a low battery indicator that will alert you when the batteries run low.

Most Common Issues People Have with Motion Activated Sprinklers

• Problems with Power: Motion-activated sprinklers can be powered by many different means. Some of the popular options include batteries, electrical power lines, and solar. For the most consistent and portable means of power, using battery-powered motion activated sprinklers is usually a good choice.
• Doesn’t Cover Enough Area: Motion activated sprinklers are designed to cover a certain range of space. Many people don’t do their math right when deciding how many to purchase, and end up with a model that doesn’t cover enough space. It is frustrating to install a new set of sprinklers only to encounter this problem.
• Faulty Sensors: Motion activated sprinklers are also designed to work as a security system, luring unwanted visitors away from your lawn. If the sensors are not able to sense motion from a far enough distance, they can quickly prove to be worthless. Make sure that the detection range and capabilities of the sensors are adequate.

Features of the Best Motion Activated Sprinklers

Most people on the market for motion activated sprinklers want to get things right on the first attempt, and get the best motion activated sprinklers to suit their needs.

In order to help you make an informed decision, here are the features that you need to look for.

Portability & Effortless Use

You probably don’t want to spend hours setting up your new motion activated sprinkler. Understandably so.

This is why you should only consider models which are both portable and easy to install and use. For this reason, we prefer getting motion activated sprinklers which are battery-powered.

Plenty of Protective Coverage

Make sure to spend enough time planning your sprinkler placement by keeping the coverage specifications in mind.

This way, you can ensure that each corner of your space receives the protection that you want. If you spend enough time measuring your area, you will be able to determine how many sprinklers you need, or if just one will provide enough protection.

Adequate Detection Range

There is no sense in having a motion activated sprinkler if it doesn’t detect intruders the moment they are intruding.

Make sure the detection range of the model you choose will be able to reach out to the farthest corners of the space you want to protect to avoid issues with the sensor. For best results, find a product which detects slightly further than the bare minimum range you need.

Sprays Water in the Proper Places

Some motion activated sensors will play in 360 degrees, whereas others will only target certain areas. Depending on your needs, you may prefer either of these options.

Or, a scarecrow sprinkler which can adjust the angle of coverage. Consider where you will place the sprinkler, and where you want it to spray before deciding which model to buy. You will always be able to find one which perfectly suits your needs.

If you want to drip water directly to the plant roots, consider buying the best soaker hoses.

Customizable Settings

There are many potential settings that you might want to customize. For example, you may want to adjust the sensitivity of the sensor, the angle of coverage, level of water flow, when the device shuts off, and so on. First, consider which settings you would like to adjust, and then find a model which can customize

Things You Must Know Before Buying a Motion Activated Sprinkler

You definitely shouldn’t go blindly into the market when shopping for a motion activated sprinkler.

Some key features and parameters must be considered first. Be sure to understand the functionality of your potential sprinkler and check out the following points.

1. Detection Length

Detection length refers to the maximum distance at which a sprinkler can “notice” an animal or any other creature that moves.

Most models offer a detection range of up to 30 feet. That distance can go up to 40 feet if you have a sprinkler with a top-notch sensor.

While some products offer fixed detection length, others can provide variable lengths. So, you should choose the one that suits the shape and length of your yard or garden.

2. Spray Distance & Protective Coverage

This is the maximum distance that a sprinkler can blast the water jet. The greater the spray distance, the greater the protective coverage is.

Most models let you adjust the spray distance according to your needs. Nevertheless, make sure to measure the area you want to cover before buying a sprinkler.

Bear in mind that a wider sprinkler arc provides a greater area of coverage; however, it delivers a weaker water jet and can’t scare some animals. On the other hand, narrower arcs give more concentrated water jets while covering a smaller area.

3. Sensor

Acting as the eyes of your unit, the motion sensor is one of the most important parts of any motion-activated sprinkler. It can sense any unwanted activity in your territory and get the sprinkler to throw a jet of water to chase away intruders.

The best sensors come with various options. They are capable of recognizing the height and length of any moving things. Additionally, they also allow you to customize sensitivity which helps them distinguish small birds from dogs/cats and adjust the water jet accordingly.

Meanwhile, some motion-activated sprinklers allow you to set the detector position. It is convenient if your main enemies are birds.

4. Water Jet

As far as a water jet is concerned, it’s useful to have different options such as the 360-degree adjustable angle and a 5-second water spraying feature. Alongside that, the jet also needs to be adjustable in terms of strength and thickness.

However, there may be diverse situations. For cats, dogs, and larger animals, the throw is supposed to be powerful enough to frighten them out of your property. It should not be too strong for little birds and light squirrels.

5. Night & Day Modes

Some motion-activated sprinklers, like Orbit 62100 and Havahart 5266, give you an option to switch between day and night operation. That prevents unexpected human visitors from getting sprinkled when entering your yard.

6. Power Supply

There are different types of feedings like electrical circuits, accumulators, and batteries. Users are advised to choose a power supply according to their needs.

However, batteries are the most used when it comes to motion-activated sprinklers since they offer excellent portability.

On the other hand, their downside is that they require recharging from time to time. So, if you’re ready to compromise on the mobility, go for the electricity-based sprinklers.

7. Installation

The best motion activated sprinkler should have the ability to be a do-it-yourself project and be installed with ease.

However, make sure you can be assured that it won’t be turned over or moved out of place easily. To check that, the sprinkler fastener, usually a pin, should be stable and set in place without being loose.

8. Price

Lastly, one should always consider their budget. With certainty, the top-rated motion detector sprinkler would last a long time; while the ordinary and unbranded repellers would have to be replaced every once in a while.

Don’t break the bank if you can’t afford the sprinkler, but do consider the long-term benefits of choosing the best products.

Ready To Buy The Best Motion Activated Sprinkler?

The motion activated sprinklers are meant to save your targeted area — a garden, lawn, backyard, patio, farmland, and the like — from undesirable pests and animals with the help of water jets and flashing lights.

Unlike traps, hazardous chemical repellents, and electric fences, these devices scare the animals and birds without getting them injured. Once a motion sensor sprinkler is installed and adjusted, human intervention is not needed at all.

The top scarecrow sprinklers are extremely sensitive and can detect even tiny creatures like rodents and little birds alongside frightening the bigger animals.

Now that you know the best motion activated sprinklers on the market, pick out one of the above-listed options in accordance with your own requirements.

If you want to irrigate your lawn and garden, consider buying lawn sprinkler heads . Especially in the dry summer months, regular watering is key to keeping the grass growing.