Are you looking for an effective, humane way to deter cats from your garden? If so, the Pestbye Jet Spray Cat Scarer might be just what you need. This innovative device uses a harmless burst of water to frighten cats away without causing them any harm or discomfort.
It is simple and easy to set up and use, making it a perfect solution for those who want to keep cats away in a safe and reliable way. Read on to find how it performed in my garden.
Currently only available in the UK but you can read my review of a similar device that's sold in both the UK and North America here.
- All cats hate these so results won’t vary
- Ideal for larger lawns or gardens
- No good for confined spaces
- Construction could be better
Pestbye Jet Spray Repeller Review
Some years ago I was chatting to an American gardener on a forum about my cat problem and he told me about a popular product they had over on that side of the pond known as the Hoont Cobra that sprayed a jet of water at animals whenever it detected movement within its range.
It sounded like a great tool but being for the American market I imagined it would cover acres of land rather than your typical English garden so I never went as far as trying to find a UK supplier.
I then found the PestBye jet spray repeller which was made for the UK and ordered one for testing.
Mine arrived and I quickly got it set up easily enough. It comes with a spike so you can put it into the ground and then you simply attach your hose pipe and turn on the water.
The motion detector runs on 4 AA batteries and when it detects movement the sprayer is activated and a jet of water arcs out in front of it covering an adjustable angle.
The blast water lasts about 5 seconds and then it resets itself waiting for the next movement.
It certainly works and cats definitely keep well out of its way. The trouble was that plants moving in the breeze set it off, neighbours cutting the grass or setting up the BBQ set it off (oh how they laughed – not) and the wife set it off putting out the washing.
The other problem with it was that the jet spray repeller is not well made. The sales pitch says it is robust and designed for outdoor use but the one I had soon split where the hose connected.
I had to customise it by doing away with the spike and the section that had the hose connector and attach it at a different point. Then the tube at the bottom split at the first sign of cold weather so I had to scrap that and attach the hose directly to the unit as shown below in the picture.
I then made a new leg for it from wood and screwed it to the side of some decking.
Does PestBye Jet Spray Repeller Work?
I guess for £44 I was expecting something a bit better made and it’s a shame it isn’t ‘robust’ like they claim because yes it really does work. Those critters jumped 6 foot in the air and shot for the nearest exit like they had a lead role in a Tom and Jerry cartoon.
The sensitivity settings are a bit fiddly but if you persevere you can get it set up pretty accurately so that the neighbour doesn’t set it off.
If you do get a Jet Spray Repeller be sure to keep it away from any boundary fences and point it down the garden rather than towards your neighbours garden.
Switch off the water and disconnect the hose so it drains empty if frost is forecast otherwise the device will split all over the place like mine did.
Also, if you are anything like me it might be an idea to stick a note on your back door reminding you to switch it off otherwise you may get more than you bargained for when you head out for a spot of gardening 🙂
Conclusion
In conclusion,the Pestbye Jet Spray Cat Scarer is an ideal solution for homeowners who are looking for a humane yet effective way to deter cats from their gardens. It is simple and easy to set up and its jet spray provides a harmless but unexpected startle to the cats, discouraging them from returning. Plus, its adjustable range and motion sensor allows it to work even during the night and in any weather condition.
However, you will need to put it away for the winter if you want it to last more than a year.
