For quite some time ultrasonic sound devices have claimed to be the answer to every homeowner’s dream. The products are sold based on the promise that emitting high frequency sound waves will scare cockroaches, rodents and other pest out of your home once the’re plugged in. However, there’s not a lot of science to back that up. Before you run out and stock up on these devices here’s a few things you need to know.
How It Works
Humans have been using sound to scare away pests for quite some time. Ancient Chinese civilizations were some of the first people to use sensory repellent devices because of how simple and safe these methods can be. On early Chinese farms it was common to find mechanically operated repellent devices powered by wind and water that generated movement, vibrations and sounds to scare away rodents and other small animals.
Modern sound devices mimic these old practices, but with much more sophisticated technology. When plugged into an electrical outlet these devices emit high-frequency sounds that are suppose to cause a physiological response in pest that confuses, disorients and disrupts them. This type of pest control is popular and enticing to homeowners because these sounds don’t register to human ears, and employing these methods also means that traps and sprays are no longer necessary. The sense of variety is also appealing too. These devices can be bought at a number of different frequencies and promise to deter several different types of pests.
So How Effective Are They?
An overwhelming number of studies have found that ultrasonic pest devices aren’t as effective as they claim to be. Many trials have discovered that in certain cases rodents are initially frightened by the noise, but over time they become adjusted to the sound. The devices fail to make any real impact on cockroaches, ants and spiders, but sometimes are effective at repelling crickets.
The sounds emitted by these devices may not have an impact on pests, however, they may bother the pets that live in your home. For tiny indoor animals or rodent pets like rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters the sound may be distressing and cause them to feel uneasy. Most cats and dogs can also hear these noises, but most studies have found they aren’t negatively affected by the sounds.
All insecticides and mainstream pest control products are monitored by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. This means before these products are allowed to hit the market, a board of professionals must evaluate whether or not a companies claims about their product are in fact true. However, the EPA doesn’t monitor ultrasonic pest control devices, so the companies that sell these products don’t have to prove anything. For the most part, these manufacturers can claim anything they want without having to verify their claims.
Smarter Alternatives
There’s a load of methods that have been proven to be effective at repelling pests from most homes and gardens. One of the best ways to repel rodents is to ensure that your home and yard are less appealing to them. Removing any clutter or trash lying around the home can do this. Cleaning or sealing any food sources will make it hard for pests to sustain themselves around your house. Also removing any overgrown vegetation can clear your yard of potential den sites for any pests or rodents. Speaking with a professional can help you avoid dealing with pests or unwanted creatures in and around your home.
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