Do Electronic Rodent Repellents Really Work?
Just plug it in.
You hear this a lot these days. Plug a device in and then you can sit back and relax while it does the job for you. In today's digital world, we've been indoctrinated to believe that electronic solutions to our age-old problems are all effective.
However, does this also apply to rodent control?
Let's talk about electronic rodent repellents. These "electronic kitties" are easy to find in supermarkets and home improvement stores in the Maryland and Virginia area. They claim to get rid of your rodent problems by simply "plugging it in."
Do these ultrasonic repellents work? Or are their claims too good to be true?
Find out by reading the rest of this article.
The Pitch for Electronic Rodent Repellents
You can read the packaging of so-called electronic bug and rodent repellent devices to get an idea of how they work. Often, the wording is very vague but the common mode of action is the use of ultrasound or high-frequency sounds to repel the pests. It's the modern take of scaring mice in the fields with loud claps and yells.
These repellents are either plugged into an outlet or battery operated. When you turn on the gadget, it will emit ultrasonic waves that are inaudible to humans but can be heard well by rodents.
Supposedly, the sound drives the little critters crazy. The constant noise barrage will annoy, terrify, or confuse the vermin. It prevents them from gathering food, communicating with each other, breeding, and building nests.
At some point, the rats and mice will have had enough. Demoralized, they will flee with tails between their legs, never to bother you again. Congratulations, your home is now rodent-free!
What the Studies Show
The theory is sound (no pun intended), but does an electronic rodent repellent really work? The answer is no, at least not with commercially-available devices.
In a perfect laboratory set-up, high-grade ultrasound generators do have an effect on the behaviors of the animals tested. However, the technology used is several grades higher than what's available for consumers. Also, in these studies, the researchers have not been able to replicate their findings in actual home environments.
A study by the University of Arizona has concluded that commercially-available devices are simply not effective. However, the use of sound as a way to deal with pests may still be viable with further research.
What You May Experience
If you try these ultrasound repellents, this is the likely scenario. You'll notice an immediate effect and it appears that your rodent problems are finally over. Then, after a few days, the menace is back and sometimes, with a vengeance.
The sound may bother them at first. However, rodents are extremely resilient creatures, similar to the American cockroach. Over time, they'll develop a tolerance to the sound.
A video is worth a thousand words. Check out the experience of user "metaspencer" in this YouTube video.
Don't Rely on Gadgets for Pest Control
The FTC has already issued warnings to manufacturers of electronic rodent repellents for false claims. There's not enough evidence that these gadgets can solve your rodent woes.
What you can rely on is the expertise of the professionals who know how to get rid of pests permanently. At Planet Friendly Pest Control, we have your back. Contact us today!
