Product test
Testing the Thermacell E55, a mosquito repeller that actually works
by Martin Jungfer
Using a sprinkler to combat cat faeces
13/4/2026
Translation: Elicia Payne
Pictures: Philipp Rüegg
Our garden’s a litter tray. The Gardigo water-based animal repellent is designed to change that.
20 piles of poop had to be scooped up after the last snowmelt. For the neighbourhood cats, our garden’s a little slice of paradise. And I’ve had enough of it. My kids toy shovel and I are sick and tired of it. Getting the animals used to a litter tray is probably just as hard as getting a Boomer to pee while sitting down. We need to find another solution.
But I love cats – the bigger and fluffier, the better. After I moved out of my parents’ house – and thus away from my four-legged furballs – I started to notice that I was allergic to animal dander. My wife has it even worse. That’s why we can’t get our own kitty – the quickest form of cat deterrent. Since spur flowers – also known as «get lost» plants – are about as effective as gentle persuasion, and since ultrasonic devices emit annoying sounds, I’m going to try using water.
Release the water!
Gardigo’s water-based animal deterrent combines a lawn sprinkler and a motion sensor. I stick the device into the ground near the crime scene, insert two AA batteries, and connect the garden hose. That’s it. The device is now ready and will start spraying as soon as something moves. Thanks to the solar panel, the batteries charge themselves, and during my several-week test period, I never had to recharge them.
I use two clamps to set the range of motion for the spray head – between 60 and 100 degrees. A small dial on the top of the device controls the spray range, which is about two to ten metres. I can also adjust the sensor’s sensitivity. The explanation in the instructions, with its various animal examples, is more confusing than helpful. The sensor’s less sensitive at level 1 than at level 9. Since the sensor makes an audible click when triggered, it’s easy to test which setting works best at which distance.
The device is reliable and the spray’s surprisingly powerful. I set the water spray range to just a few metres – that’s enough to scare the cats without hitting passing cars.
Since dogs prefer different spots for doing their business, I use two devices. I place one by the berry bushes and one next to the hedge, which the cats usually sneak through.
No one and nothing is safe
My fears were pretty much immediately confirmed: the device doesn’t just go off when it detects cats, but pretty much anything that moves. Although the infrared sensor reacts to heat, that could also be a tree branch, a car or anything else that heats up quickly in the sun.
Things get more complicated when the sensor detects people. That’s the key issue with this water device. Mid-summer my kids might think it’s fun to feel a cool breeze when they step into the garden. On cool spring or fall days, however, not so much. You can’t use the device in freezing temperatures anyway. I hope I’ll have trained the cats by then.
To avoid constantly turning the water on and off, I’m getting an irrigation controller. This way, the water only runs in the evenings and in the mornings – just before the kids have to leave the house.
The timer isn’t the only accessory included with the purchase. You need at least two garden hoses for two devices – preferably a third one, if you don’t want to have to plug the hose in and unplug it every time you water the garden. Plus you need two hose connectors. That’s the only way the timer can control the water supply so that you can use a hose for other things at the same time. But this quickly doubles the purchase price.
It’s worth it to me – as long as the system works. So far, it looks that way. Since I installed the device, I’ve only had to clean up some faeces once – and that was exactly where the kids had been playing with the hose and turned off the water. Although the devices are turned off during the day, they’re enough of a deterrent. Unlike with an ultrasound machine, I don’t have to listen to that annoying beeping. Some of our customers have complained of leaky connections, but I didn’t have any issues with this.
In a nutshell
Not perfect, but it does the job
Ever since the two Gardigo water-based animal repellents have been guarding our garden against four-legged poopers, I haven’t had to pick up any more faeces. I haven’t seen any active attempts to evade being caught yet, but the devices seem to be working. I’ll see how sustainable this all is by winter at the latest, when I have to turn off the water because of the freezing risk.
The devices can be installed in just a few minutes and are easy to adjust. All you need is a water connection and some sunlight. However, since they don’t have a built-in timer function, it’s worth investing in an irrigation controller. After all, this cat repellent can’t distinguish between humans and animals.
You also need to factor any connectors and hoses in to the end price. Still, if it means I can use my garden again without having to constantly look out for cat poop, it’s definitely worth it.
Pro
- Works
- Quick to install
- Adjustable range, angle, and sensor sensitivity
- No need for electricity thanks to the solar panel
Contra
- No timer
- Doesn’t just detect animals
Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chAs a child, I wasn't allowed to have any consoles. It was only with the arrival of the family's 486 PC that the magical world of gaming opened up to me. Today, I'm overcompensating accordingly. Only a lack of time and money prevents me from trying out every game there is and decorating my shelf with rare retro consoles.
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