Quick intro: Night images should be usable, not ghostly. Most fixes are simple placement and cleaning.
IR light bouncing back from a dirty dome, soffit, or nearby wall
Bugs and spiders love warm IR—webs create bright “cotton candy” blobs
Shooting through glass so the IR reflects straight into the lens
Focus shift when the camera switches to night mode (IR‑cut filter moves)
Clean the lens/dome with a microfiber cloth only—no Windex on plastic domes.
Nudge the camera or IR source a few degrees so light doesn’t bounce back.
Don’t mount under a white overhang inches from the dome—add a short sun/rain shield or move the camera forward.
Avoid aiming through windows at night. If you must, disable IR on the camera and add a small visible porch light or external IR outside.
Pro tip: A tiny aim change (even 1–2 inches) can eliminate most IR flare.