automated mosquito repellent at home

[garyyyy_]

I got tired of my plug in mosquito repellent running out every 5 days, so I put it on a cheap smart plug. Now it only runs for an hour at sunrise and sunset.
The result is that one bottle lasts 20 days, and the house doesn't smell like chemicals anymore.

The best part is that my normally tech skeptical grandma saw it and asked if we could use one to automatically turn off the water heater she always forgets!
Has anyone else's simple home automation led to a cool, unexpected solution?

 

[Khalil687]

It's always great when a small tweak provides such a noticeable improvement in quality of life and saves you money. I gotta say getting grandma on board is the real win though!! My own simple, unexpected solution is focused on my garage.. I installed a cheap tilt sensor on the door and integrated it with a simple notification routine. If the door stays open for more than 15 minutes after sunset, I get a loud alert on my phone. That saved me from having another bike stolen!! What kind of water heater does she have? That'll help determine the best smart switch for her!

 

[jgalsw0rthy]

Good job using the smart plug! I put a motion light in the hallway for my dad and now he wants one in the bathroom because it helps him find the light easier.