One way that you can repel mice from your home is by using sound-based technology. Do you struggle with a mouse problem? Here’s what you should know about mouse repellent sounds.
Ultrasonic devices emit a high-frequency pitch that is supposed to repel mice, keeping them away from your living space. But do they really work? And are they safe for people and pets? Let’s take a closer look…
What are Mouse Repellent Sounds?
A mouse repeller produces a high-frequency tone that bothers small rodents. Humans typically can’t hear these noises because they are typically too high. However, mice can hear them. The concept behind the repelling mechanism is that mice don’t like it, causing them to exit your home and build a nest elsewhere.
How Do Ultrasonic Devices Work to Repel Rodents?
Mouse repellers emit high-frequency sound waves outside of what humans can detect, typically between 20,000 and 60,000 Hertz. It is believed that mice find the sound unpleasant, therefore causing them to avoid the area where they notice the audible tone.
Are Mouse Repeller Sounds Effective at Getting Rid of Mice?
While some people report seeing results, others discover that the plug-ins have no bearing on their mouse problem. Furthermore, mouse repellers may not affect all varieties of rodents. Plus, large infestations for some reason are less impacted.
See this 8-point checklist when buying an ultrasonic pest repeller.
On top of that, you need to install units properly in order for them to emit signals. For example, you don’t want to plug an ultrasonic repeller behind furniture, because the frequency waves can just be absorbed by furnishings. Thus, they become less effective or not worthwhile at all.
What Frequency Do These Units Use? Are They Safe for Humans & Pets?
As I mentioned above, ultrasonic devices designed to repel rodents typically project sounds between 20,000 and 60,000 Hertz. Although humans can’t hear these frequencies, mice can.
And yes, the sounds are generally considered safe for humans because they are outside our audible range. However, people with hearing impairments may detect the potentially annoying sound.
Repellent sounds are considered safe for pets as well. However, read the user guide prior to implementing any device, since different units and brands vary.
Do I Need to Use Multiple Mouse Repeller Devices in My Home?
If you use these devices, you’ll find them more powerful when you install more than one and place them in multiple locations. This strategy gives your residence more expansive coverage, and plug-in units are really affordable.
How Long to Use Repellers? Do Mice Get Used to the Sound?
Mouse repellents don’t have a set amount of usage time for them to be effective. For example, some people say that they get results within a few days, while it takes longer for others.
Plus, some don’t see a difference at all. I actually moved the units around my house before I achieved the best results, and this turned out to be the garage where the rodents were entering.
Note: Some evidence suggests that mice may become accustomed to the sound emitted by mouse repeller devices over time, thus making the devices less effective. To avoid this, try to move the plug-ins to various positions throughout your house every few weeks or months. (This may have been what happened in my situation.)
Do All Mouse Repelling Devices Work the Same Way?
No, not all mouse repeller sounds work identically. Some units emit a single frequency, while others produce a range of frequencies. Plus, some contraptions combine ultrasonic with electromagnetic technology for greater effectiveness (this is what I personally use).
Ultimately, the decision to use a mouse repeller is up to you. While these freestanding gadgets may help in some situations, they don’t offer a guaranteed solution to a mouse infestation. In my personal experience, ultrasonic waves can work when properly installed and when you don’t already have a city or mice crawling in your walls.
Read the instructions and use the devices in conjunction with other pest control methods, ie. sealing up entry points and getting rid of any clutter habits you have.
