The Rat Flasher - Adventures with Roofspace Vermin : Trial Results

Results

Night     Result

1              Reduced activity but at least one critter still present.
                Appeared to move along a "sheltered" recess.
                Noticed again shortly thereafter active in an area the strobe was blocked by air conditioner .

2              One instance of brief activity noticed by wife. Dark part of roofspace

3              No activity noticed

4.             No activity noticed

5              Brief activity noticed in southwest corner of roof

Yellow dot : approx position of Rat flasher

White arrow : direction of flash

Conclusion:

A suitable strobe light appears to deter rats from entering an area. One "Rat Flasher" does a good job but 300m2 of roof space is a big ask. I am surprised that it worked as well as it did.

 

Description of Rat Flasher prototype:

Powered by a single 26700 LiFePO4 battery.

STM8S003 running STM8 eForth which allowed timing parameters to be quickly updated.

 2 x 3W White CoB leds facing in same direction, about 180 degree coverage

Leds dissipating 3.5 Watts 

Yes, it's very bright and annoying. 

I was recharging every day but every second day would suffice.

Next Step

Double the number of leds and orientate for 360 degree coverage

Adjust circuit for additional leds and revise PCB

Bigger battery!