Though we always say that visible outdoor cameras are a great deterrent to would-be criminals, there are also compelling reasons to hide outdoor security cameras. You’d be much better off displaying a few cameras while keeping others hidden. This way, you’ll have the best of both worlds: a visible deterrent and a secret surveillance system.
But how do you hide outdoor security cameras, especially the wired type? Let’s review some creative ways to hide outdoor security cameras, starting with a few reasons you might want to do so.
Reasons for Hiding Outdoor Security Cameras
Before we go over some reasons, it’s in your best interest to gain some context through: “Outdoor Security Cameras: What You Need to Know.”
We already glazed over the primary reason you’d want to hide an outdoor security camera: discreetly filming intruders in the act.
However, a few other reasons may influence your decision to conceal your cameras. Below are some of them:
1. Preventing Vandalism, Tampering or Theft
Visible outdoor security cameras can be tempting targets for criminals trying to avoid detection and capture. They may try to vandalize, tamper, or even steal your camera to cover their tracks.
Hiding your cameras helps to prevent would-be intruders from disabling them, allowing your surveillance system to continue working without interruption.
2. Maintaining Aesthetics
Let’s face it: outdoor security cameras can disrupt the aesthetic appeal of your home or business. If you’re trying to maintain a particular look or design, visible cameras may not fit in with your overall aesthetic.
You may want the function of outdoor cameras without the obtrusive appearance. In this case, hiding your cameras can maintain the visual appeal of your property while still providing security.
3. Privacy Concerns
While outdoor security cameras are meant to keep intruders out, they may also unintentionally capture footage of your neighbors or passersby. Some people may feel uncomfortable with the idea of being constantly monitored by a visible camera.
Hiding your cameras can help alleviate any privacy concerns and make those around you feel more at ease.
Choosing the Right Camera for Hiding
Outdoor cameras are diverse, coming in countless shapes and sizes. Therefore, some cameras will perform better as hidden outdoor cameras than others. Before we go into examples, go over this post: How to Choose the Best Outdoor Security Camera.
For starters, camera size and design are crucial in their ability to be hidden. Smaller, compact cameras are easier to disguise than larger, bulkier ones. However, mini cameras may not have the same advanced features as larger camera models.
Wireless cameras are the best option for hiding as they have no visible cords or wires that can give away their location. Additionally, some cameras come with skins or covers that can help them blend in with their surroundings. Hiding wired outdoor cameras is still possible, but it’s definitely more challenging.
You also want to consider the camera’s type of housing or cover. Housing affects both visibility and weather resistance. For example, brightly colored cameras may be more noticeable, while cameras with bulky or protruding covers may not blend in well with their surroundings.
You also want to hide a camera that can endure rain, heat, or cold, so look for thermal and water resistance.
Your placement options should also determine the type of camera you use. For example, if you are hiding your camera in a garden or near a tree, a tiny wireless camera may be more suitable than a wired one.
If you can hide a camera that allows for remote viewing and recording, you have greater flexibility in placement and monitoring. It’s especially useful for larger outdoor areas where a single camera may not provide sufficient coverage.
The Best Ways to Hide Outdoor Security Cameras
Some creativity will come in handy as you best understand the layout of your property and potential hiding spots. The following are some creative ways to hide outdoor security cameras.
1. Use Your Landscaping
You’re in luck if your outdoor space is adorned with shrubs, plants, and trees. Use the natural foliage to your advantage by hiding cameras within it.
Shrubs and plants are lush and green, so they can easily conceal greenish cameras. Trees are woody, with barks and branches that make ideal camouflaging spots. Don’t hide them on the lower parts of the tree, as curious passersby or nosy animals may easily spot them.
Of course, you’ll have to ensure that no part of the plant blocks the camera lens. The lens also has to remain facing the area you want to monitor.
Let’s not forget weather conditions, either. The plant’s leaves and flowers may rustle against the camera on windy days. Waterproof cameras will come in handy for this setup.
Flowerpots and garden decorations can provide another means of hiding a camera. Just ensure they are large enough to fit the camera and do not draw too much attention.
2. Use Birdhouses or Other Outdoor Decor
Birdhouses, garden gnomes, and other outdoor decorations that accommodate a small camera can be great hiding spots. You can even paint them to match your surroundings for added camouflage.
Ensure that any part of the decoration doesn’t obstruct the camera lens and that it still has a clear view of the area you want to monitor.
You can also get creative and hide your cameras with other outdoor decor, such as statues or even fake rocks.
3. Install Inside Existing Outdoor Fixtures
Most properties outdoors will have structures like rooflines and eaves, light fixtures, and other objects you can use to hide cameras. These spots are great because they blend in with the existing structure, making them less noticeable.
For example, you can place a small camera inside an outdoor light fixture or within a roof overhang. As long as the camera’s lens isn’t covered or obstructed, it can provide a good view of the surrounding area while remaining hidden.
These outdoor camera installations make it much easier to hide wired cameras than most other options because the existing structure already has a power source. That way, you won’t need to run wires through walls or connect them to an external power supply.
4. Use Mail Boxes, Fence Posts, and Outdoor Furniture
Another clever way to hide outdoor cameras is to use everyday objects commonly found outdoors. For example, you can place a camera inside a mailbox, fence post, or even outdoor furniture like a bench or table.
Just ensure the camera lens has an unobstructed view and the object doesn’t draw too much attention. You want it to blend in naturally with its surroundings, so choose objects commonly found in such areas.
For example, pool areas generally don’t have mailboxes, so this may not be the best option for hiding a camera in that specific location. Instead, you could conceal the camera using a potted plant or a poolside umbrella.
Fake rocks and garden statues aren’t appropriate for all outdoor environments, but they can be effective in certain situations. For example, a fake rock or garden gnome may blend in seamlessly in a backyard or wooded area but would look out of place in a city setting.
5. Go for Wireless Cameras
In addition to choosing clever hiding spots, wireless cameras can make the hiding game easier. Without the need for wires, you have more flexibility in where you can place the camera.
Wireless cameras are also less noticeable and you can easily pass them around as smoke detectors, light bulbs, or common tools. So, hiding wireless CCTVs in plain sight is even easier without drawing attention.
Furthermore, wireless cameras often come with mobile apps that allow you to monitor footage from your phone or other device. It adds an extra layer of convenience while you can keep an eye on your property at all times.
6. Use Camera Camo Skins
Another effective way to hide outdoor security cameras is to use camera camo skins. These are essentially covers that go over the camera, making it blend in with its surroundings.
Camera camo skins come in various designs, such as tree bark, leaves, or even animal patterns. They’re an easy and affordable way to camouflage your camera without physically hiding it.
How to Hide Outdoor Security Camera Wires
If you know how to power outdoor security cameras and still go for wired outdoor security cameras, here are some tips to hide the wires and make them less noticeable:
- Use a conduit: A conduit is a tube or pipe used to protect and conceal electrical wires. You can run the wires through the conduit and paint it to match the color of your house.
- Utilize existing structures: If you have a fence or other outdoor structure, you can run the wires along it to hide them. Just ensure they are securely attached so they don’t get knocked down.
- Use wire clips or ties: These small plastic tools help to secure the wires against walls or other surfaces. They come in different colors and can blend with your home’s exterior.
- Bury the wires: If you’re comfortable digging, you can bury the wires underground. Just be sure to use waterproof wire and dig deep enough so the wires are not visible on the surface.
Tap into the Best of Both Worlds
As we wrap up this post, let’s not forget that one of the best ways to protect your hidden cameras is by having one or multiple cameras visible. You want to dissuade thieves and vandals from even trying to enter your property, so having visible cameras can act as a deterrent.
However, you also want to have hidden cameras for added surveillance and security. By combining both visible and hidden cameras, you can tap into the best of both worlds.
Kentucky Secured has a range of outdoor security cameras, and we also help you customize your security system to suit your needs. Call us today.
