And as temperatures begin to drop, spiders and other insects may become more noticeable. In many species, mature male spiders are more active during this period as they search for females and suitable places to shelter. Some larger spiders can even move across or near alarm sensors, potentially triggering a motion detector.

A spider setting off your burglar alarm may sound unusual, but false alarms caused by insects, small animals and other unexpected movement can happen. Besides being frustrating for homeowners, repeated false alarms can create unnecessary calls to monitoring centers and, depending on local rules and the circumstances, could potentially result in monetary charges.

The good news is that a few simple steps can make your home less attractive to spiders while also reducing the chances of unwanted visitors crossing paths with your security system.

Turn Off Unnecessary Outdoor Lights

Outdoor lights can attract flying insects such as moths, flies and mosquitoes. Where there are insects, spiders may eventually follow because they have found a reliable food source.

If you routinely leave exterior lights on throughout the night for security, consider replacing traditional lights with motion-activated lighting. This allows you to maintain visibility when someone approaches while reducing the amount of time your exterior lights remain illuminated.

Another option is to use warmer-colored bulbs, which may be less attractive to some insects than traditional bright white lighting.

You can also reduce the amount of light escaping from indoors by closing blinds or curtains at night, particularly in rooms near doors and windows.

Try a Fresh Citrus Scent

If you enjoy fresh, clean scents, citrus-based cleaning products can be an easy addition to your regular household routine.

Some homeowners also use scents such as peppermint or eucalyptus as part of their spider-deterrent strategy. However, these methods shouldn’t be considered a guaranteed solution. Their effectiveness can vary, and keeping spiders out is generally more successful when scents are combined with physical exclusion and good housekeeping.

Instead of relying exclusively on a spray, concentrate on areas where spiders are most likely to enter or establish webs, such as window frames, doorways, corners and other undisturbed areas. If you use essential oils, follow the product’s safety instructions and keep them away from children and pets when appropriate.

Fill in the Gaps

One of the most effective ways to discourage spiders is also one of the simplest: don’t give them an easy way inside. Spiders can enter through surprisingly small openings. Inspect the areas around exterior doors, windows, utility penetrations, vents and other openings in the exterior of your home.

Pay particular attention to gaps beneath exterior doors, damaged or missing window screens, cracks around window frames, openings around pipes and utility lines, and gaps around garage doors. Installing or replacing door sweeps and weatherstripping can help close gaps underneath and around doors. Damaged screens should also be repaired or replaced.

Don’t forget bathroom windows. Bathrooms can provide the moisture and shelter that attract a variety of insects and spiders. Make sure screens fit properly and that windows close tightly.

Reduce Moisture Around the House

Spiders themselves aren’t necessarily looking for a wet bathroom, but the insects they prey on may be attracted to moisture. That can make damp areas appealing locations for spiders as well.

Check areas such as bathrooms, basements, crawl spaces, laundry rooms and garages for excessive moisture. A few practical steps include: Repairing leaking faucets and pipes, improving bathroom ventilation, and using a dehumidifier in damp areas. A drier environment can help make your home less attractive to many household pests.

Clear Away Spider Webs

Spiderwebs often appear in places that don’t receive much attention. High corners, behind furniture and other dark areas can easily become permanent spider real estate. Removing webs can discourage spiders from settling in an area, while also giving you an opportunity to identify possible entry points.

Use a vacuum or long-handled duster to remove webs from hard-to-reach areas. If you’re moving boxes, furniture or other objects that have been sitting untouched for a long time, wear gloves and exercise caution. Most household spiders are harmless and can actually help control other insects. Still, there is little reason to handle an unknown spider with your bare hands.

Keep Clutter Under Control

Spiders prefer quiet, undisturbed spaces. Unfortunately, storage areas can provide plenty of them. Cardboard boxes, piles of clothing, firewood, unused furniture and stacks of miscellaneous items can all create hiding places for spiders and the insects they feed on.

Whenever possible, keep storage areas organized and elevated from the floor. Plastic storage containers with secure lids can be preferable to piles of open cardboard boxes, particularly in basements, garages and sheds. If you store firewood, keep it outside and elevated from the ground when practical, and avoid stacking it directly against your home’s exterior.

The goal isn’t to create a completely spider-free environment. Instead, you’re reducing the number of sheltered places where pests can establish themselves.

Consider Cedar as Part of Your Home Décor

Cedar is sometimes suggested as a natural spider deterrent because spiders are thought to dislike its scent. While there are plenty of claims about cedar keeping spiders away, the evidence for cedar furniture as a reliable spider-control method is limited.

Still, cedar can be a practical material in certain parts of the home. Cedar storage products, for example, can be useful for closets and other applications where the material is already appropriate.

There’s certainly no need to replace your entire living room just because you saw a spider. Instead, think of cedar as one possible component of a broader pest-prevention strategy rather than a guaranteed solution.

If you repeatedly experience unexplained alarms, contact your security provider so the system can be inspected and the cause identified. It may also be worth reviewing the placement and settings of motion sensors with a qualified security professional. Avoid making changes to security equipment yourself if doing so could compromise your home’s protection. After all, it might just be a spider setting off your burglar alarm. 

The post Is a Spider Setting off Your Burglar Alarm? appeared first on VinTech Systems.

About our Client

Alice and Friends is a vegan restaurant that offers Asian-inspired dishes, specialty drinks, and house-made desserts in the Chicago area since 2001. In 2015, they installed a VinTech alarm system and indoor and outdoor security cameras. Their outdoor security cameras are registered with the City’s OEMC Program. This allows the Chicago Police Department access to public security cameras and collect evidence to solve crimes.

The night of the incident, Alice and Friends’ outdoor security cameras captured the suspects walking in the alley. The first suspect was slim-build and wore fitted black jeans, a dark-colored hoodie, and light-colored sneakers. The second suspect was medium-build and wore washed jeans, a dark jacket, and white and black sneakers. They were both seen approaching the back door of the business and forcing it open.

As soon as the door was opened, video footage displayed the burglar alarm going off and the suspects running away immediately.

The local alarm monitoring company called our client to confirm it wasn’t a false alarm. They dispatched police right away and law enforcement was able to verify that only one door was damaged.

The next day, police accessed the outdoor cameras to view footage.  At the same time, VinTech’s technical support team worked with Alice and Friends’ owner to review their indoor cameras.  They assisted in saving a copy of the incident’s footage and suggested cloud storage as an add-on service.

String of Business Burglaries in the Chicago Area

Alice and Friends’ incident is only one among a string of business burglaries that are increasing in the Chicago area. Suspects have switched their attention to restaurants, bakeries, and stores because of the possibility of finding cash or small devices that can be easily carried.

Since most businesses now receive payment with credit cards and other forms of e-payments, this means that burglars are willing to break-in and cause property damage over small amounts of cash.

All the meanwhile, small business owners can get stuck with costly repairs or lengthy insurance claims.

How can Burglar Alarms Reduce Property Damage?

A burglar alarm reduces property damage to businesses by preventing or deterring a break in. In the case of Alice and Friends, it prevented further damage to the restaurant and equipment by causing the burglars to panic.

In the aftermath of the incident, our client decided to add cloud storage service. With cloud storage, footage from their cameras is automatically saved to the cloud. This gives them peace of mind that even when physical equipment is destroyed or taken, footage is still stored.  In case an incident happens again, footage will be automatically stored and can be accessed anytime.

How to Choose the Best Security System for your Business

Because there isn’t a one-size fits all solution, the security provider you choose should be an expert in anticipating your unique needs.  Ask for a site survey where you can discuss how to best protect your property and potential challenges.

When securing a restaurant or small business, you are not only protecting your team but also potentially saving thousands of dollars by preventing damage to your property or equipment.

The post Alice & Friends Vegan Kitchen Avoids Theft with VinTech Alarm System appeared first on VinTech Systems.

Their hopes are that this policy:

• Saves patrol resources and money
• Allows police to respond to more important crimes.
• Eliminates a special service to a small part of the community.
• Ends public service that created private company profits.

However, research concludes that there are no facts supporting neither this policy of its outcome.

Research

Researchers at the University North Carolina Charlotte found that alarm systems are a proven method of protecting life and property. They say that the alarms’ effectiveness based on false alarms is misleading. In fact, studies showed that the false burglar alarm rate is lower than the standard alarm. This is because an accepted standard alarm rate is .5. This means that police responds to a false alarm one time every two years. Nonetheless, in Los Angeles, the alarm rate measures at .4. This means that on average, they have one police response every three years. Furthermore, the alarm rate is calculated by dividing the number of alarm calls into the total number of secured properties. What did they find? Alarm calls only contributed to 1% of all distress calls coming in.

Alarms & Public Safety

One of the main concerns was public safety. Officials concluded that eliminating police response to false alarms would not be a good move. On the contrary, it could “produced empirical evidence that this would have a negative impact on public safety.” Thankfully, the policy did not get approved.

Conclusion

Intrusion alarms have been found to improve public safety. They are effective not just in your property but for the whole community. Rutgers University concluded that “communities that have electronic security systems installed and monitored have a measurable positive impact on public safety.” It also found that this umbrella of enhanced protection extended beyond the protected property and homes or businesses benefited from their neighbor’s alarm system. The Rutgers study also showed that crime was not displaced or moved from the protected property to another part of the community.

The post When Does a False Burglar Alarm become a Problem? appeared first on VinTech Systems.