The Promise of Ultrasonic Pest Repellents
A pest infestation is one of the most common and frequent problems every homeowner will face eventually. You'll find the market filled with pest repellents and endless DIY methods. Popular among these are ultrasonic pest repellents — devices that claim to eliminate all sorts of pests from your home. Their easy installation and chemical-free nature make them attractive to consumers. But are these repellers actually as effective as they claim to be?
Their effectiveness has been disputed by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and numerous testing labs.
The Theory Behind Ultrasonic Pest Repellents
The maximum audible sound for humans is 20,000 Hertz. Ultrasonic sound waves have a frequency higher than this upper audible limit. Although humans can't hear ultrasonic sound waves, pests and other insects are able to hear them clearly.
The idea behind ultrasonic pest control devices is to emit high-frequency sounds at a level that irritates pests enough to force them to leave. These devices are about the size of a cell phone charger that you plug into an electrical socket. The logic is that sound waves will disrupt pests from building nests, breeding, and communicating — making it unbearable for them to live in that area.
Ultrasonic waves are claimed to cause audiogenic seizures in bugs, potentially causing convulsions, non-directional running, and disorientation in pests.
Do Ultrasonic Pest Repellents Really Work?
Several studies have been conducted to determine the efficiency of ultrasonic pest repellents. The results so far have been mixed:
- Research conducted by Kansas State University in 2002 established that some devices were effective in repelling small insects like crickets.
- When it came to controlling cockroaches, those same devices were found to be slightly effective.
- However, these same devices completely failed to deter pests like ants and spiders.
- Some rodents were found to be reasonably disturbed by ultrasonic sound, but the effects wore off in a few days even after constant exposure.
- Further studies showed that pests soon realize the noise is harmless and quickly adapt to it.
Safety Concerns
The excessive use of ultrasonic sound waves has raised some safety concerns:
- They can interfere with burglar alarm systems
- They can disturb the clarity of phone conversations
- They can block hearing aids
- They can be irritating and bothersome for pet rodents such as hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits
The Bottom Line
The theory behind ultrasonic devices may sound impressive, but these have been proven to be barely effective. If they are effective at all, it's only for a short period. The FTC sent warning letters to manufacturers in 2001 to prove their claims with scientific evidence.
For long-term and fully effective treatment, it is always recommended to go with a professional pest exterminator. They can thoroughly inspect your entire home, identify the type of pest you are dealing with, and devise a customized program targeting your specific pest problem. Call Rest Easy Pest Control at 888-927-9842 for reliable pest control solutions.