If you rely on ultrasonic pest control devices, you may be sharing your bread with unwanted guests
Chances are, you've seen commercials or advertisements for ultrasonic pest control devices that promise to discourage mice and other pests from the home. But if you have mice or other pests, you may want to reconsider these devices. Experts have found that ultrasonic and other electronic pest control devices are a waste of money. Does this Spark an idea?
How Ultrasonic Pest Control Devices Claim to Work
Ultrasonic pest control devices emit high frequency sound waves, which manufacturers claim repel rodents such as mice, bats and birds, in addition to pests such as roaches, fleas and other insects.
These devices either plug into electrical outlets or use batteries to emit the high-frequency sound waves that these devices claim work as a pest repellent. While these ultrasonic waves are imperceptible to human ears, they supposedly can be heard by rodents and pests, who are made uncomfortable by the sounds.
Another recent entry into the electric pest control device market is the "sub-sonic" pest repellent, which, according to manufacturers, works by plugging one or several devices into electrical outlets, which emit high-frequency sound waves through the house's wiring. Like ultrasonic devices, these "sub-sonic" devices also claim that the sound waves they emit are bothersome to pests.
Why Ultrasonic Pest Control Devices Do Not Work
On two occasions, the Federal Trade Commission has taken steps to prevent manufacturers of ultrasonic pest control devices from making claims that the devices do indeed repel pests.
The FTC website states that "Prior FTC complaints alleged that any reaction by rodents to ultrasound would be temporary at best because rodents become accustomed to ultrasound and will return to their nesting or feeding areas even in the presence of an ultrasonic device. Furthermore, previous FTC complaints alleged that ultrasound devices do not control insects."
Furthermore, according to the Washington State University Extension, most rodents hear on the same sound frequencies as humans--which means that if you cannot hear the sound waves or are not bothered by them, neither are most rodents or other pests. In fact, according to Extension Bulletin EB1663, "Ultrasonics and recently subsonics have been tested extensively in the laboratory and field. These devices don't work. Animals placed in cages next to the devices continue to live normal lives. If they are paired with the opposite sex, the researcher soon has more mouths to feed."
Alternatives to Ultrasonic Pest Removal
Spending money to prevent mice and other pets from infiltrating the home is more effective than spending money on ultrasonic pest repellents. To prevent mice and other pests from entering the home, seal crevices and cracks around the house. Anything larger than 1/4 inch is big enough for a mouse to enter. Trim weeds and other vegetation around the home that attract mice. If you do see evidence that mice have entered the home, use traps or glueboards to catch and remove them.
Tags: control devices, sound waves, mice other, other pests, pest control