What is an ultrasonic pest repeller?

An ultrasonic pest repeller is an electronic pest control device that emits a high-pitched sound at a frequency that may cause discomfort to,kill,drive away or incapacitate household pests. Ultrasonic pest control solutions market themselves as easier and safer than more hands-on pest repellents and pest control options. The devices typically get plugged into an electrical outlet. However,some devices are battery-operated for easier use in fields,gardens,sheds and other areas that aren't wired for power. When turned on,the machine emits high-pitched sounds or high-frequency vibrations,which are typically imperceptible to human ears,although some individuals with more sensitive hearing may hear them.

What kind of pests do ultrasonic pest repellers work on?

Most ultrasonic pest repellers claim to drive away a variety of unwanted home and garden visitors,including:cockroaches,mosquitoes,bed bugs,flies,fleas & ticks,silverfish,birds and rats & mice.

Do ultrasonic pest repellers really work?

Despite manufacturers claiming ultrasonic machines affect all these different species,well-constructed research supporting these claims is scant. For instance,a study on how ultrasonic pest repellers affect bed bugs found that bed bug activity did seem to change slightly when the devices were running. However,in the end,there was no statistical difference when compared to not using an ultrasonic pest repeller. Similarly,a 2015 study conducted by the University of Arizona concluded that,although the number of patents for ultrasonic pest repellents had increased over the years,commercially available ultrasonic pest devices were not an effective means of treating pest problems. And even when they do work,the effects are short-lived. For instance,a study of rodent repellent devices for the United States Department of Agriculture and the National Wildlife Research Center found that rodents stopped responding to the ultrasonic sounds after just a few days of exposure. Sometimes,ultrasonic devices don't just fail to chase away pests. They might even have the unintended effect of doing exactly the opposite and making pest problems worse. A study recorded in the Journal of Vector Ecology investigated the impact that ultrasonic pest repellers had on mosquitoes. When turned on,the devices actually increased the rate of mosquito bites by 50 percent. Technically,the behavior of pest species like cockroaches or rodents can be influenced or impacted by certain ultrasonic sounds,especially when administered in a laboratory in a very specific way. But this is a level of technology and application that is not commercially available nor easy to apply in a home and garden setting. While some ultrasonic repellents may have a minor short-term impact on some pests,the research is nearly universal:Ultrasonic pest repellers are not an effective option for preventing or eradicating pests.

How Do Ultrasonic Pest Repellers Work? Are They Effective?

Ultrasonic pest repellers are a popular and innovative DIY solution for rodent control, offering a humane and non-toxic alternative to traditional methods. These devices emit high-frequency sound waves that cannot be heard by humans and most pets but are said to be highly irritating to some pests. As people seek safer and more environmentally friendly pest control options, ultrasonic repellers have gained attention for their ease of use and potential effectiveness, but do ultrasonic pest repellers work?

Before you invest in an (often-pricey) ultrasonic pest control device, make sure you understand the pros and cons of electronic "plug-in pest control." Let’s explore how ultrasonic repellers work, their limitations, and why DIY solutions are not the best option for pest control.

rodents contaminating kitchen

How do ultrasonic repellers work?

An ultrasonic repeller is an electronic device designed to deter pests by emitting high-frequency sound waves. 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.

The devices are primarily marketed to repel rodents such as mice and rats, but some also claim to be effective against a variety of other pests, including insects like cockroaches and mosquitoes. However, ultrasonic rat repellents and other similar devices are ineffective for more severe infestations and do not address the root cause of infestations. Before you spend any money on DIY devices, explore our thorough, professional pest control services.

So, are ultrasonic pest repellers effective?

Ultrasonic pest repellers make a big, bold promise: effortless pest removal with the push of a button. However, these promises are largely empty, which can cause many to wonder, “Do ultrasonic pest repellers work?” The Federal Trade Commission has warned consumers about ultrasonic pest control devices for decades, as manufacturers do not have the scientific evidence to back up their claims of effectiveness.

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. Rodents and other pests can quickly become used to the sound, reducing the long-term effectiveness of ultrasonic repellers.

mouse hiding in wall hole

Are ultrasonic pest repellers safe for pets?

Ultrasonic pest repellers are generally considered safe for most household pets, as the sound waves they emit are above the hearing range of humans, cats, and dogs. Most ultrasonic pest repellers emit sounds above 20 kilohertz (kHz). Rats, mice, hamsters, and other pet rodents can hear sounds up to 90 kHz. Cats can hear up to 60 kHz, and dogs can pick up sounds up to 40 kHz.

Ultrasonic mouse repellers and similar devices may not be suitable for homes with pets with more sensitive hearing, such as hamsters, guinea pigs, etc. These animals can potentially hear the ultrasonic frequencies and may become distressed or uncomfortable. However, there has been no clear research investigating the long-term effects on dogs, cats, and other popular pets. If you’re concerned about how these devices can impact your pets, consult your veterinarian before buying one.

Other pest control options

There's an old adage that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. These words of wisdom apply to ultrasonic pest repellers. DIY solutions cost more in the long run and can even worsen your pest problems. Rats, mice, and many other pests can quickly multiply, making it crucial to resolve infestations before they get worse.

If you're struggling with a pest problem and don't know where to start, you don't have to tackle your pest concerns on your own. Talk to a trained pest control professional at Terminix instead. Our experts can help identify the specific pests you're dealing with, educate you on their behaviors and habits, and create a tailored, comprehensive prevention plan. Schedule an inspection with Terminix today!

Get rodent control

Will an ultrasonic repeller keep pests away?

How do ultrasonic repellers work?

So, are ultrasonic pest repellers effective?

Are ultrasonic pest repellers safe for pets?

Other pest control options

Sign up for deals, updates and a free guide