Ultrasonic pest repellers are highly appealing because they are believed to prevent rodents from entering your property without the use of chemical pesticides or inhumane traps. The fact that ultrasonic pest repellers are easily found in supermarkets and home improvement stores makes it even more appealing for homeowners.

The Evidence Behind Ultrasonic Pest Repellers

Unfortunately, the evidence that backs up these nifty devices are questionable. Ultrasonic pest repellers have never been proven to be effective, but let’s examine the theory anyway.

Ultrasonic sound waves have a frequency higher than what a human ear can detect. The high frequency is irritating to pesky critters and repels them from the source of the noise. In actuality, some animals seem to get used to the noise and others don’t seem bothered by it at all.

Some studies have shown that ultrasonic sound can be fatal to certain species by increasing their body temperature or cause auditory-induced seizures. So the humane aspect of these devices are also inaccurate. These findings, however, have never been replicated in actual homes.

Studies done on commercially available ultrasonic devices are often lacking a controlled situation. They cannot prove that the decrease in pest infestation is in fact due to the ultrasonic sound. So the claim that these devices are “safe” and humane are probably correct. They are both safe for humans and pests alike. An academic paper on this subject from University of Arizona goes into detail on this. (Ref: https://repository.arizona.edu/handle/10150/581456)

So do ultrasonic pest repellent devices work?

Simply put, no. Some reports claim that the problem improved at first, but over time the rodent problem will continue.

Mice are intelligent, resilient, and adaptable creatures. So while the sound may bother them at first, they will grow accustomed to it or find an alternative route.

In addition, pest infestations are usually caused by infrastructure issues such as gaps or holes in the foundation of the building. Therefore, it is difficult to cover all the entry points that would prevent the issue in the first place.

That is why many experts recommend that people stay away from purchasing ultrasonic pest repellers. They are temporary fixes at best and completely ineffective in solving the problem. Opt for longer term solutions by contacting a pest control company or researching other methods.

Rodent Prevention Tips

Prevention is key to eliminating rodents in your home. Here a few tried and trusted prevention tips that will keep those pesky critters away:

• Use door sweeps to block gaps where rodents can slide underneath.
• Keep potential hiding places far from your home’s entrances.
• Look for homes in the exterior of your home, especially where cables or pipes enter your home.
• Take a close look at any potential entry points into your attached garage and from the garage into your home. We find this to be a very common entry point.
• Declutter your home and clean your space regularly.

Contact Edmonton Exterminators

Leave your pest problems to the experts. For three generations, we’ve helped families and businesses in Alberta since 1979. Give us a call or contact us online and we will get rid of your pest problems for good.