New tech is changing the way professional pest management companies detect, monitor, and eradicate pests from homes, buildings, businesses, warehouses, orchards, and other locations. Traditional motion sensor cameras, long a mainstay tool for pest professionals, are quickly being replaced by cellular cameras, which offer the same benefits but add in a host of additional advantages.
Cellular Cameras vs. Motion Sensors: Differences to Understand
1. Technology and Functionality
Cellular Cameras: Cellular cameras like the AwareX boast motion sensors and high-definition cameras that capture photos or videos when movement is detected. They then use cellular networks, not Wi-Fi, to send the media to an app or web portal. Pest management pros get instant notifications and view images or video footage that provide immediate insights into pest activity.
Traditional Motion Sensors: Traditional motion sensors detect motion but don’t capture visual data. This limits their ability to help professionals assess a situation and determine what kinds of pests are present, where they are coming from, where they are going, and how many there are.
2. Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts
Cellular Cameras: Cellular cameras let pros monitor pest activity in real-time. Once the camera detects motion, it sends instant notifications, plus images or videos, to an app or desktop portal. This lets pest managers assess infestations at multiple locations in real time, and provides the ability to do so around the clock and from anywhere. This proves useful when monitoring infestations in remote locations, in various locations, and in locations that require constant surveillance such as food processing plants, warehouses, or areas with high pest risk.
Traditional Motion Sensors: While traditional motion sensors can trigger alerts based on movement, they don’t provide real-images or video, making it much more difficult to determine just how bad a situation is. A team member or crew will need to conduct a site visit to verify and understand the cause of the alert.
3. Ease of Installation and Maintenance
Cellular Cameras: Cellular cameras require thoughtful placement to ensure the viewing angles capture pest activity. Because they operate on cellular networks, however, connected to Wi-Fi is not a consideration, and their long battery life means you may be able to go extended periods of time between site visits. If the camera is used outdoors, a solar panel can provide near-continuous power without the need to change or recharge batteries. Once sited, connecting the camera to a cellular network and controlling it through your app or web portal takes a matter of minutes.
Traditional Motion Sensors: Traditional motion sensors may be easier to install but will require more frequent site visits since they do not transmit images or video like cell cameras do. While they may be a better choice for the few locations that do not have a cell signal, they require regular maintenance to assure they’re working correctly, and their limited detection capabilities may require more frequent visits to stay effective.
4. Data Storage and Analysis
Cellular Cameras: Cellular cameras excel in data storage and analysis. Most systems allow users to store images or video footage in the cloud, where they can be accessed and analyzed remotely. This makes it easier to track pest activity over time, spot patterns, and make data-driven decisions about treatment. Some advanced models even come equipped with AI or machine learning to differentiate between pests and false alarms, which can significantly improve the accuracy of monitoring.
Traditional Motion Sensors: Motion sensors rarely provide large onboard storage or the ability to generate advanced analytics. Usually, what you see is what you get—notice that movement was detected. While you may get a log of motion-activated events, you aren’t likely to get a visual record that can be analyzed later.
5. Cost Considerations
Cellular Cameras: Cellular pest detection cameras are likely to cost more up front due to their advanced technology, cellular connectivity, and cloud-based storage. However, in the long run, these cameras will more than pay for themselves thanks to benefits such as real-time monitoring, remote access, and comprehensive data analysis.
Traditional Motion Sensors: Traditional motion sensors typically cost less than cellular cameras and have lower operational costs. They don’t require a data plan or cloud service, making them a budget-friendly option for smaller operations or businesses with fewer monitoring needs. However, because they have limited functionality, staff will need to visit the sensors more often, which will add to costs in the long run. Plus, the lack of data they produce will handicap a pest management business trying to solve problems for its customers.
6. Accuracy and Effectiveness
Cellular Cameras: Cellular cameras are more accurate and effective for pest management since they offer real-time visual evidence of pest activity. Pest control pros can see exactly what animals are present, how many there are, where they are coming from, and where they are headed. This permits more targeted treatment strategies and fully informed decision-making.
Traditional Motion Sensors: While motion sensors detect movement, they do so without the ability to identify what types of pests there are, how many there are, and how they are moving. While pest pros can learn that an animal is present, they won’t be able to craft a plan based on evidence.
For pest control professionals, choosing between these two technologies comes down to the specific needs of the customer and the situation. While motion sensors may be sufficient for some applications, larger facilities or those dealing with persistent infestations may benefit from the added capabilities of cellular cameras.