While the idea of using high-frequency sound to deter pests is intriguing, studies have consistently shown that these devices have limited to no impact on most pests, including rodents and insects.
In summary, ultrasonic pest repellers emit high-frequency sounds that manufacturers claim reduce household pest infestation, but laboratory tests have shown that the majority of such devices do not work as advertised, in violation of FTC guidelines.
Do ultrasonic rodent repellents really work? The short answer is no, ultrasonic rodent repellents don't work.
In a room with mostly hard surfaces, like a kitchen, ultrasound will "bounce" around giving coverage that is more effective. The ideal placement would be one that allows the sound waves to cross in front of an entrance way.
Do Ultrasonic Pest Repellers Actually Work? The consensus among pest experts is that ultrasonic devices should not be fully relied upon to fix pest problems at home. “From my experience, ultrasonic repellents aren't enough when you're dealing with an infestation,” Liakopoulos says.
The smells of some plants, such as eucalyptus, wormwood and mint, are unattractive to rodents. Sound-based repellents are capable of emitting sound at a register too high for humans to recognize.
3. Sonic Repellents. Ultrasonic devices are claimed to emit high-frequency sounds that are too high for humans to hear but are just the right frequency to drive pests, including mosquitoes, away. The trouble is, there's no proof that they work.
A little more about ultrasounds
They are directional, so they do not pass through walls. They bounce off hard surfaces and fill the room with sound pressure. A single device can protect up to 46 m2. As they do not pass through walls, you may need to use more than one device.
Do ultrasonic pest repellers affect Wi-Fi or household devices? We also get asked about the impact of these devices on other household items. While electric pest repellers do not affect Wi-Fi, they have been documented to interfere with telephone quality and reception of both landlines and cell phones.
Customers say the Victor Scent Away Natural Rodent Repeller packs are easy to use and have a pleasant mint scent. While some users report success in deterring mice, many others found the product ineffective, with rodents often ignoring the packs or even chewing through them.
While cats and dogs can hear the ultrasonic waves, the ultrasonic repeller do not generally harm or distress them. The sound being emitted would have to be rather loud to affect an animal as large as a cat or dog.
To discourage mice, remove all food sources by storing grains, pet food, and other dry goods in metal containers. Make sure mice won't find nesting material by storing all soft, fluffy material like fabric, rugs and blankets in heavy plastic or metal boxes.
These sound waves are typically above the range of human hearing, making them inaudible to people but disturbing to certain pests. These repellers claim to create an environment that pests find uncomfortable, encouraging them to leave the area or avoid it altogether.
Plants that deter rats
Rats don't like certain scents that we humans may enjoy. So planting to deter rats is an effective, natural and safe way to deter rats from your garden. Mint, onions and garlic along with sage are all effective as is fennel.
But rodents seem to learn to avoid the mechanisms used. Mice quickly become accustomed to regularly repeated sounds.
On pregnant patients, ultrasound might be acceptable to use on a shoulder or limb, but I would not use it anywhere near the trunk of the body.” Experts also advise that ultrasound should not be used over a malignant tumor as ultrasound may increase the size of the tumor and may even cause metastases.
Ultrasonic devices cannot penetrate into or behind cupboards, drawers, wardrobes, furniture or walls where pests actually nest and breed. To effectively control insect and vermin activity by an ultrasonic device you would require one unit per room including one unit in the roof cavity to effectively control a home.
However, there's no way to prove these pests weren't eliminated through other environmental factors like a natural predator or a neighbor setting traps. Studies have shown time and time again that there is no strong evidence to suggest that ultrasonic pest repellers are effective.
Yes: DEET. A repellent with DEET tells mosquitos to buzz off loud and clear. You'll need one with at least 20% DEET to protect your skin for several hours at a time, although more than 50% doesn't work any better (kids should use 10%-30%).
While peppermint oils repel mice, their effectiveness as a standalone solution for mouse infestations is limited. Many user experiences indicate that these pesky critters may grow accustomed to the smell over time, reducing its rodent-repellent impact.
Some common disadvantages of conventional ultrasonic sensors include limited testing distance, inaccurate readings, and inflexible scanning methods.
Thus when some studies show that pest infestations do decrease, they have no way of proving that it was a result of the ultrasonic sound. For these reasons, researchers strongly advise against buying into these devices. There is simply not enough evidence.
Plug-In Pest Free's electromagnetic devices give you a genuine Pest Free home. Rodents are driven out of nesting spots in in wall and ceiling cavities. Ultrasonic devices will only stop pests if they are within a direct line of sight of the device.