Nobody wants to deal with pests but living in a world teeming with bugs, rodents, and other unwanted critters means we have no choice. It is a no-brainer, both environmentally and socially, to try to eliminate pests naturally, using the methods that cause the least harm to the creatures we consider pests.

Ultrasonic pest repellents appear to fit the bill. They don’t use chemicals, so they don’t harm the environment, and they don’t require any insects to be killed or maimed. That means no harm is done to pests you want to keep out of your home. But do these gadgets work?

What Exactly Are Ultrasonic Pest Repellents?

Ultrasonic pest repellers plug into an electrical outlet and, in theory, emit a sound that is not detectable by human ears. The precise frequency varies depending on the manufacturer, but most are above 20,000 Hz, with many exceeding 65,000 Hz. There are now super low-frequency pest repellers, also known as subsonic pest repellers, that emit sounds below 20 Hz.

The frequency is generated continuously when plugged into an outlet and configured according to the device’s instructions. Although effective, pest repellers require careful placement because other animals can hear them. This includes domesticated pets. Furthermore, you want to avoid unintentionally driving pests into your home in search of shelter from your sonic pest repeller.

How Do Ultrasonic Pest Repellers Work?

Pests are supposedly driven away from homes by ultrasonic and subsonic repellers because the noise they emit is too unpleasant for the pests to bear. Instead of approaching the device, they move away from it. Depending on the device’s frequency and the manufacturer, these ultrasonic pest repellers can work in various ways.

When activated, the high frequency of the ultrasonic pest repeller can drive away pests such as:

• Cockroaches
• Mosquitoes
• Bed bugs
• Flies
• Mice and rats

Do Ultrasonic Pest Repellers Work?

After it was discovered in the 1980s that these devices did not effectively prevent or remove pests from homes and gardens, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) charged the manufacturers with false advertising and ordered them to refund customers’ money.

Ultrasonic and subsonic pest repellers may temporarily deter rodents like mice from an area by making an unpleasant noise, but this effect wears off quickly. Mice and other intelligent animals can quickly learn that the noise made by these devices isn’t harmful but is, at worst, annoying, just as many other animals can.

People who have reported positive results from ultrasonic pest repellers frequently purchase them as preventative measures, hoping to keep mice, bats, and roaches out of their homes in the first place. However, these pests don’t always try to gain entry and can’t penetrate well-sealed buildings. While some ultrasonic pest repellers may have a minor short-term effect on some pests, the research is nearly unanimous: ultrasonic pest repellers are not a practical option for pest prevention or eradication.

Conclusion

You don’t have to deal with a pest problem on your own if you don’t know where to start. Instead, contact Vinx Pest Control to speak with a trained pest control professional. Our trained technicians can assist you in identifying the specific pests you’re dealing with, educating you on their behaviors and habits, and developing a comprehensive control and protection plan.