The Borhood 4-pack features a user-friendly screw-top design, which simplifies the assembly process. The top housing is made from mid-grade ABS plastic, while the spike uses a polypropylene blend. This combination is intended to provide a balance of UV resistance and soil penetration capability. These units are designed as a non-toxic alternative to chemical rodenticides, making them a consideration for homes with pets.
Technically, the polycrystalline solar panel requires significant direct UV exposure—ideally more than 6 hours—to maintain the 400Hz pulse throughout the night. The thin-wall construction of the 1.2mm ABS chassis means that these stakes should not be driven into the ground with a hammer; instead, creating a pilot hole first will help prevent the plastic from cracking under pressure.
While the units are designed to handle light splashing, it is best to avoid placing them directly under high-pressure sprinkler heads to maintain the integrity of the solar panel adhesive. The 400Hz to 1000Hz frequency range is most effective against gophers and voles, though the vibrations are less likely to carry through very loose or tilled soil. An audible buzz may be noticed in very quiet environments near the installation site.
Summary: A simple, four-unit entry-level set that is easy to assemble and provides a localized vibratory deterrent for small garden spaces.
For those needing to cover a larger farm or yard area, the 8-pack of groundhog spikes offers greater coverage density.
Check out our full selection of outdoor deterrents in the solar-powered ultrasonic garden stakes category.