How to stop a drone from spying through my window?

Seeking Advice
1

We live on the top floor of an apartment in Los Angeles, and yesterday a small drone flew up to one of our high windows and looked into our living room.

The problem is that the window is positioned high up and doesn’t have blinds, making it hard to block the view without a ladder.

Our area has had some break-ins, but we’re lucky to be high enough that climbing up to our balcony isn’t easy. Unfortunately, some neighbors weren’t as lucky.

What are the best ways to stop drones from looking into our apartment (besides shooting them down)? Any ideas would be appreciated!

2

You could try electronic shades, roll-up shades, or window film that turns opaque when powered. If none of that works, a strong flashlight or something to block the camera might help.

3

This is why I love the look of modern apartments but wouldn’t want to live in one. High windows you can’t cover or clean and light fixtures you need a scaffold to reach.

4

There are apps that scan drone IDs, like Dronetag. If the drone has Remote ID (which is now required), you might be able to find out where it took off from and report it to the FAA or local police.

5

Tyree said:
There are apps that scan drone IDs, like Dronetag. If the drone has Remote ID (which is now required), you might be able to find out where it took off from and report it to the FAA or local police.

I’ve tried a few of these drone tracking apps, and honestly, most don’t seem to work. They rely on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth signals, and not all drones broadcast that information.

6

You can get adhesive privacy window film that lets light in but blocks visibility. If you can borrow a ladder, that might be the easiest solution.

7

A powerful tactical flashlight aimed directly at the drone’s camera will blind it. A laser pointer would work too, but be careful—pointing lasers at aircraft, including drones, can be illegal.

8

Dolph said:
A powerful tactical flashlight aimed directly at the drone’s camera will blind it. A laser pointer would work too, but be careful—pointing lasers at aircraft, including drones, can be illegal.

Yeah, using a laser is illegal, so I wouldn’t recommend that.

9

If it gets close enough, wasp spray has a long range and could disrupt it.

10

Could you string fishing line around the outside of the window? It might make it harder for the drone to get close.

11

Dronetag just released a portable Remote ID scanner called the RIDER. It can detect drones within a 3-mile radius and shows their location. You can save detections and report them to authorities.

12

Brendan said:
Dronetag just released a portable Remote ID scanner called the RIDER. It can detect drones within a 3-mile radius and shows their location. You can save detections and report them to authorities.

Can you share a link? I couldn’t find it.

13

@Sarahkey
Here you go: Dronetag RIDER – Portable Remote ID Receiver for Drone Detection & Airspace Monitoring

Just googled ‘Dronetag Rider.’

14

Legally, your best bet is to record the drone and report it.

Try to get footage of where it takes off or lands. Many places have laws against drones flying too close to residential buildings.

Also, file a complaint with your landlord and property management in writing. They may already have security cameras that could help track it.

For now, look into temporary blinds or window films to block the view.

15

If it’s flying that close, could you use a fishing rod to snag the rotors? Just one or two casts could do the trick. If the owner comes looking for it, just act like you have no idea what happened.