One quick search online for pest control alternatives will bring up tons of strange suggestions and devices, such as the ubiquitous ultrasonic pest repeller. Made to allegedly repel rodents and insects with nothing but sound, these machines offer the promise of easy, “natural”, and effective DIY pest control. But is it too good to be true? Or can soundwaves be the answer for household pest invasions?
Before you purchase one of the often-pricy devices, ensure that you educate yourself on the pros and cons of electronic ultrasonic pest repellers. The promises of success when it comes to plug-in ultrasonic pest repellers are proven to be largely empty.
Consumer Reports warns against the usage of all ultrasonic pest repellents, stating that in 2016, the New York Attorney General's Office sent cease and desist letters to two different manufacturers of these devices due to false advertising claims. Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission has been warning consumers about ultrasonic pest control devices for decades, as manufacturers do not have the scientific evidence required to back up their claims of effectiveness.
What are ultrasonic pest repellers?
Ultrasonic pest repellers emit a high-pitched sound at a frequency that the manufacturers claim will either deter, kill or cause discomfort to pests in close proximity to the device. Allegedly, humans cannot detect sounds at the given frequency, so consumers are immune to the noise. The units are plugged into electrical outlets and placed around your home or placed outdoors when battery operated.
What pests do ultrasonic pest repellers kill?
Ultrasonic pest repellers claims can vary, but many say that their product will drive away pests such as cockroaches, mosquitoes, bed bugs, fleas, silverfish, ticks, rodents, birds, and flies.
The makers of ultrasonic pest repellers claim that a wide range of pest species don't like the sounds and vibrations generated by the devices. Instead of putting up with the bothersome noises from the unit, the pests may be deterred from staying around your home and garden and seeking refuge in areas not blanketed by the high-frequency sounds.
There are even more products on the market with similar goals, including “subsonic pest repellers”. These devices are supposed to work in the same way: emitting sounds or vibrations with the goal of eliminating pests.
Before you purchase any products like these, you should educate yourself on the efficacy of ultrasonic pest repellers.
Do ultrasonic pest repellers actually work?
Although manufacturers claim that ultrasonic pest repelling devices work, trustworthy research to support their efficacy is very scant.
For example, one study on the effects of ultrasonic pest repellers on bed bugs found that bed bug activity was altered just slightly while the device was plugged in. However, the study concluded that there was no difference in the amount of activity with the machine turned off or on.
Another study conducted by the University of Arizona in 2015 determined that the number of patents for ultrasonic pest repellers was increasing, but that their usage was not effective in controlling pests.
In the minimal amount of cases where the devices do make a change in pest activity, the effects are incredibly short-lived. One study of rodent repellent devices by the USDA and the National Wildlife Research Center found that rodents stopped responding to ultrasonic sounds altogether, just in a matter of a few days after the devices were turned on.
There are even some cases where the usage of ultrasonic pest repellers makes pest problems even worse. One study recorded in the Journal of Vector Ecology found that the rate of mosquito bites increased by 50% in the presence of an ultrasonic mosquito repeller.
Professional research has proved time and time again that ultrasonic pest repellers do not provide effective pest control. Don’t be fooled by erroneous claims and false testimonials you can find online. Ultrasonic pest repellers may seem fun and unique, but they are a waste of money and effort.
If ultrasonic pest repellers don’t work, what does?
Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. These words of wisdom apply to ultrasonic pest repellers.
There is no substitute for professional pest control. If you are suffering from pest infestations or if you’d like to prevent pests from coming indoors, state-certified pest control professionals are always your best bet. Compared to the rigorous training and qualifications pest control technicians go through, untrustworthy and faulty ultrasonic pest repellers don’t make the cut.
You can trust Cooper Pest Solutions with guaranteed services for pest elimination and prevention needs. Whether you are a homeowner or commercial property owner, Cooper has the customized solution you need.
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