Ultrasonic pest control units advertise that they can help repel mice and rats. Plus, some people find that they also keep away spiders, ants and roaches too.
However, these gadgets almost seem too good to be true. I mean, you just buy a $25 gadget, plug it into your wall and you’re done with all of your rodent problems? No traps, poisons or even effort? Hmm…
It may not be so simple. So, I tested them for myself – to determine the pros and cons.
What I Discovered About Ultrasonic Pest Control Devices:
1. Choose a Reputable Brand
First of all, I found plenty of these ultrasonic pest repellent gadgets under many different well-known brand names like Riddex, Black and Decker and Victor Pest.
You can’t really tell the intensity or power of the waves between the various units. Therefore, I went with a well-known brand name, Bell and Howell. They’ve been around over 100 years.
2. Get Ultrasonic + Electromagnetic Units
Second, I decided to boost my “repelling power” by getting a device that included both ultrasonic and electromagnetic technology.
Ultrasonic waves reflect off surfaces, while electromagnetic energy travels through home wiring. To cover your entire home, you need 1 ultrasonic device for each room or use a single ultrasonic + electromagnetic appliance for every 1,000 square feet to encompass a larger area with fewer units and deter mice.
3. Look for Non-Repetitive Waves
Third, I got a device that featured non-repetitive waves. This way, animals don’t get used to the sound over time. Some cheaper products don’t mention whether they emitted repetitive waves or not, so I just assumed they might be and didn’t buy them.
4. Utilizing Sound to Get Rid of Mice? Use Enough Units
Fourth, I made sure to purchase plenty of units. For my 2,000 square foot 2-story house – this came to a total of 2. (I actually bought 3 – just in case I needed to plug one in the garage too, but I did not end up needing it).
In reviews I read, those who bought only one device didn’t seem to eliminate mice, which makes sense because you aim to cover your whole home, not just parts of it.
5. Don’t Block the Waves
Fifth, Place the repellers for best results; put them on open walls without furniture, avoiding softer surfaces that absorb the sound waves, like behind a sofa. Additionally, position them in the bigger rooms of your house.
6. Place Them Lower on Walls
Sixth, I located the units close to the floor. I read that some people heard clicking sounds from the units every time the LED indicator blinked. From my experience, the sound is barely audible, especially when plugged into a wall outlet near the floor.
7. Choose the Version with Side Outlet (if You Want)
Seventh, I opted for the product with a side outlet. Therefore, I don’t lose a plug space. This feature does cost more, so if you don’t mind giving up a plug space, go for the cheaper version.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
About Ultrasonic Pest Control:
1. How Do Ultrasonic Waves Work to Repel Pests?
Each device puts out high sound frequencies that bounce off hard surfaces and create intense auditory stress for rodents. This discourages them from building nests in the area, so they go elsewhere. The units start repelling immediately once plugged in.
2. How Long Do Pest Repellers Last?
Devices usually last between 3-5 years. Some last longer. As long as the LED indicator light is blinking, the unit still works.
3. Do Ultrasonic Sound Waves Bother Pets?
People often wonder how to get rid of mice in the walls without aggravating their pets at the same time. These systems don’t bother and are safe for dogs and cats. However, it can affect rodent pets like rats, hamsters or guinea pigs.
4. Is Ultrasonic Noise Safe for Humans?
We all aim for safety with the products we use at home. Our surroundings expose us to various ultrasonic noise-producing devices like burglar alarms, humidifiers, inhalers, pest repellents, and workplace machinery.
To safeguard against harm, countries establish health standards for these devices, preventing potential negative impacts and ensuring non-toxic environments. For more information, see this study done in 2013 on how ultrasonic noise impacts humans in the working environment.
5. How Much do Sound Wave Devices Cost to Operate?
According to the Biocontrol Network, ultrasonic pest repeller units typically cost about 20-30 cents per month (less than a penny a day).
6. Do They Inhibit or Interrupt Other Electronic Devices?
Units do not interfere with pacemakers, garage door openers or other electronic equipment.
7. Where to Buy Indoor Ultrasonic Pest Control Devices?
You can easily acquire them online at Amazon. In addition, Lowes, Home Depot and Walmart carry them.
Pros & Cons of Ultrasonic Pest Control Devices:
William D Fitzwater wrote a report titled, “Electromagnetic Repellers – Fact or Fiction?” which was then published by the University of Nebraska. They found a scientific basis for electromagnetic forces influencing mammal behavior, but the data relied on animals in stronger fields than those typically produced by these units.
Although I wouldn’t call these plug repel machines a “scam”, the FTC seems to think many make exaggerated claims as to how effective they are. (See FTC warns about ultrasonic pest-control devices)
Victor Pest recommends using ultrasonic pest control plug-ins in combination with other methods (ie securing access points, using traps, etc..).
