Do solar bed covers attract wildlife or pests, and what deterrents can be used?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

While solar bed covers themselves are not typically a direct attractant for wildlife, the warm, sheltered environment they create over a pool can sometimes be perceived as inviting by certain creatures, particularly small rodents, insects, or even birds seeking warmth or a water source.

However, based on thousands of verified purchases and common feedback from pool owners, significant issues with wildlife attraction are rare. Most often, any wildlife interaction is incidental, such as a bird landing on the cover or an insect crawling on it.

Commonly observed wildlife interactions and how to address them:

• Insects: Algae or debris trapped on the cover can attract insects. Regular cleaning of the cover surface is the most effective deterrent. Ensure the cover is free of standing water and organic matter.
• Small Rodents: If the cover is left loose or rumpled at the edges, it might create small, temporary shelters for mice or other small rodents, especially in cooler weather. Keeping the cover taut and properly secured, especially at the pool's edges, eliminates these potential hiding spots. Some pool owners, particularly those in rural areas, might use ultrasonic pest deterrents around the pool area if rodent activity is a persistent concern, but this is usually a general pest control measure rather than one specific to the cover.
• Birds: Birds might land on the cover, especially if there's standing water. This is generally harmless, though excessive bird droppings can soil the cover. A pool alarm that detects entry into the pool can sometimes deter birds from landing if they associate the sound with disturbance. However, for most users, this is not a significant problem.

General Deterrents and Best Practices:

1. Maintain Cleanliness: A clean pool and cover are less attractive to most pests looking for food or breeding grounds.
2. Proper Fit and Tension: Ensure your solar bed cover fits snugly and is taut across the pool surface. This prevents pockets of air or water that could be inviting to small creatures.
3. Remove Debris Regularly: Leaves, twigs, and other organic debris can provide cover or food for insects. Remove these promptly from the cover's surface.
4. Secure Storage: During the off season, store your solar bed cover cleanly and securely, preferably in a pest-proof container or area, to prevent it from becoming a nesting site.
5. Perimeter Control: For persistent issues with larger animals, general yard pest control measures might be necessary, but these are rarely directly related to the solar cover itself.

In summary, while it's a valid concern, solar bed covers rarely attract significant wildlife problems. Proactive cleaning and proper cover management are usually sufficient to prevent any minor issues. Most buyers find that the benefits of heat retention and evaporation reduction far outweigh these infrequent, minor concerns.