Are Ultrasonic Repellents Worth It?

If you’ve ever done a frantic internet search after encountering any of the terrifying little disease carrying critters from the rodent family you have no doubt seen these fancy contraptions called Ultrasonic Repellents. 

Ultrasonic repellents have been around since the 1970’s and what they lack in sophistication they more than make up in their appeal. The idea of plugging in a machine and never seeing another rodent again is an appealing concept no doubt. But do they work? This week we’re going to explore all things Ultrasonic Rodent Repellents and help you make the right choice for your home. 

What is an Ultrasonic Rodent Repellent? 

Ultrasonic rodent repellers have been around for decades and their technology hasn’t improved much since inception. You can pick up one of these from virtually any big box store, home improvement store and of course online. Here is an example of a standard device. 

Ultrasonic rodent repellers are based on the idea that rodents, including bats, communicate via ultrasonic frequency and that by tapping into these frequencies you can repel the critters forcing them to move on to the next home. 

They typically utilize a frequency of anywhere from 30 dB – 140 dB and simply plug into the wall like a scented oil diffuser and hum continuously. Some models will vary the frequency automatically or strobe the sound, the logic being the rodents cannot adjust to the changing frequency and the device will continue to be effective month over month. 

Do they work? 

While the idea of plugging in a fancy ultrasonic sound propeller and never worrying about rodents again is FANTASTIC, unfortunately it may be too good to be true. The sad truth is that these devices do work in the sense that they emit sound frequencies and that rodents can hear these sound frequencies and they may even dislike these sound frequencies. However, and this is a big however, they typically do NOT work as intended. There are a few reasons for this. 

Reason #1: Rodents adapt! Quickly. Rodents may be put off by the sound initially, just like if you flip on the light switch rodents may scatter and hide for cover. But similarly to leaving the light on, as the sound continues to play in the space rodents will quickly realize the sound is not a threat and continue to live their lives. 

Reason #2: The sound does not carry. Another huge problem with these devices is that the sound frequencies cannot pass through walls, objects or even turn corners. This means that you would have to have a device pointed directly at a rodent and nothing in between the device and the rodent in order for it to be effective. 

So unless you’re ready to invest in enough of these to cover every square foot and every angle in your home, they aren’t going to be very effective. 

Reason #3: It cannot get loud enough. At least without harming us. It is true that sound frequencies pointed directly at a rodent at the rate of about 160 dB will kill a rodent in less than a minute. However; rates greater that 110 db are incredibly harmful to humans, babies and pets as well and are banned in several countries for that exact reason. 

The Bottom Line 

If you’re interested in trying a repeller out we cannot stop you from doing so. Please keep in mind, however, that if you have pets, children or ears yourself you should proceed with caution. Models will either feature sounds too low to work (thus wasting your time and money), or too high to be safe (putting you and your family at risk). 

We know that this isn’t what you wanted to hear – the concept seems so promising. But at Kapture Pest Control our goal is to help you live your life pest-free and we simply cannot endorse products or concepts that we have never seen to work. 

Think of it this way. If you were holding a boombox, John Cusask style over your head, and blaring the music as loud as you could, you would probably deter rodents and other humans from getting near you. This would not remain effective for long however as people and critters would get used to your obnoxious habits and move on with their lives. 

If sound were a deterrent there would be no rodents in New York City. And we all know there is no place like New York City when it comes to a thriving rodent population! 

What can you do instead?

So if ultrasonic repellents don’t work, what does? A trained and licensed pest control expert, that’s what. Kapture pest control offers maintenance plans that can continuously treat rodent problems, with methods that actually work, and offer free phone consultations! 

We treat rodents with secure, discrete mechanical traps that instantly and humanely eliminate the rodents on site and then return to clean up and replace the traps at regular intervals, unique to your home’s needs. 

We also utilize bait when necessary for the rodents to consume before falling ill and retreating to their safe place to perish. We come back often to replenish the bait and remove the expired rodents as part of this treatment as well. So you do not have to try your luck with random high-tech sound machines.