In an age where smart home devices promise peace of mind with just a few taps on a phone, it’s easy to think technology alone is enough to keep your second home safe. Motion sensors, indoor cameras, and alerts might catch the big stuff, but they’re no substitute for a trained set of eyes on the ground.

At WatchTower Home Services, we’ve seen firsthand how relying solely on tech can backfire. Here are a few real stories that highlight the limitations of smart systems—and why physical home checks are still a must.

When a Spider Stops the System

A client was relying on their smart home camera to keep watch indoors. Everything seemed fine—until they noticed a long stretch of silence. When we checked the property, we found the culprit: a large spider had made its web right across the camera lens, completely blocking the view. No alerts. No visibility. Just a blind spot for weeks.

What tech missed, our boots-on-the-ground visit caught.

Birds, Screens, and Surprises

Another homeowner received an alert, but it wasn’t from their smart device. It was from us. During a regular inspection, we noticed a section of the exterior screen had been torn open. Upon closer look, it appeared that birds had pecked through it, likely trying to nest inside while the property sat vacant.

Their smart system didn’t catch it, but our detailed check did.

Critters and Chewed Wires

One client had a top-of-the-line home monitoring system in place, and everything was working—until it wasn’t. A few months into their absence, we noticed their security feed had gone down. A closer inspection revealed that an animal had chewed through the system’s wires, knocking out the entire network.

Without our in-person visit, this could’ve gone unnoticed for much longer.

Why Physical Home Checks Matter

Smart devices are great tools—but they’re not foolproof. Dust, pests, weather damage, or simple malfunctions can compromise their effectiveness. Worse, these devices often won’t alert you when they stop working.

That’s where we come in. At WatchTower Home Services, our regular home visits cover what technology can’t. We:

Peace of Mind Requires More Than Wi-Fi

A smart home doesn’t automatically mean a safe home. It takes a combination of modern tools and old-school vigilance to protect your property truly, especially if it's vacant for weeks or months.

If you're away from your Delaware or Maryland beach home, don’t rely on smart tech alone. Let us be your eyes, ears, and boots on the ground.