Ultrasonic Pest Control

Just about every DIY pest control website praises the benefits of ultrasonic pest control.

But does this natural method of getting rid of pests (including rodents, insects, and other critters you don’t want in and around your home) actually work? 

In this quick guide to using high tech pest control, we will tell you everything you need to know.

What Is Ultrasonic Pest Control?

Pest control devices, also known as ultrasonic repellers, are devices that emit high-frequency noises that are designed to injure, repel, or even kill common household pests. 

There are plenty of reasons why you might consider using these devices.

Left unfettered, insects and rodents can cause significant amounts of damage to your home and landscaping.

They can also carry a variety of diseases, including hantavirus, salmonella, and e.Coli. 

Plus, they’re just gross to have around! 

Supposedly, ultrasonic pest control devices can be used to kill pests in a natural, chemical-free way. 

How Do Ultrasonic Pest Control Devices Work?

Ultrasonic pest control devices use sound to keep pests away.

Although the technology is relatively new, the concept behind these devices is not. 

In fact, in ancient China, farmers used sensory-repellent devices (which were operated mechanically) to keep pests out of buildings and crops. 

To use an ultrasonic pest control device - which produces sound frequencies beyond the level of your own human hearing - you will plug it into your electrical outlet.

The device will emit a high-frequency sound that disturbs and disrupts pests. 

It causes a unique physiological response in pets known as “audiogenic seizure response.”

The pests will either run away or suffer from symptoms like convulsions or cerebral hemorrhage.

Ideally, rodents and insects will run away as the devices prevent them from gathering food, building nests, breeding, or (perhaps most destructive) communicating with other pests that your home is a great place to set up shop. 

This response is believed to be exhibited by a variety of pests, including rats, squirrels, mice, mosquitoes, bed bugs, wasps, and fleas. 

Many people like the idea of using ultrasonic pest control devices in their home.

They are silent to humans and reduce the need to rely on poisons, traps, and other dangerous (often inhumane) methods of pest control. 

Pest control devices are small and come in both corded and cordless varieties.

You can often purchase them in multi-packs, since the range only goes so far.

Usually, it’s recommended that you install one device per room for the best results, as the ultrasonic noise does not usually travel through the walls

Ultrasonic Pest Control - Which Pests Does It Prevent?

In general, ultrasonic pest control devices can be found for just about any kind of pest.

However, the results are mixed when it comes to which ones actually work well, and you’ll want to pick a device that is listed for the specific kind of pest with which you are struggling.

Ultrasonic devices are believed to be the most effective for pests like crickets and fleas.

When it comes to cockroaches, yellow jackets, ants, and spiders, the impacts are marginal at best.

However, most studies reiterate the fact that the scale of the pest problem as well as the brand of the device will impact its ultimate effectiveness, too.

Does Ultrasonic Pest Control Work?

The jury is still out on whether ultrasonic pest control devices work.

While plenty of homeowners allege that these devices can repel insects like crickets, others have shown that certain pests, like cockroaches, spiders, and ants, are undeterred. 

In fact, some studies show that as soon as these creatures become used to the sound, it has no effect on them.

Many will run upon first hearing the noise, but when they realize that it’s harmless, will come right back. 

Unfortunately, ultrasonic pest control devices don’t seem to penetrate through hard surfaces, either.

That means that obstructions like furniture and walls may render your efforts at pest control completely useless.

Furthermore, there is some evidence that the sound can interfere with devices like hearing aids and security alarm systems.

Some people also report that the noises cause harm to small pets like guinea pigs and hamsters - which makes sense, since these animals are technically rodents. 

Luckily, ultrasonic pest control devices don’t seem to have much of an effect on humans, dogs, or cats.

This is despite the fact that dogs and cats can hear in the ultrasonic range.

Nevertheless, lots of people report having a great deal of success with these devices - so they’re worth a try if you are on the hunt for a more natural solution to your pest control problem.

Just do your research and put the device in a spot where it won’t be blocked by furniture or walls. 

Finding A Good Ultrasonic Pest Control Device

Although there still needs to be some more solid research on whether ultrasonic pest control devices really work, the best way to really know whether this kind of technology will work is to try one out for yourself. 

Make sure you research multiple brands and select a product with a solid reputation and positive customer reviews.

Read all labels carefully, too, as some devices are designed to work only with certain kinds of pests.

You’ll want to consider how much space you have to cover to figure out how many devices you need, too. 

There are other factors to take into consideration, too.

For example, some devices are equipped with long cords while others are meant to be plugged in. 

No matter what kind of device you select, it may be wise to pick one that comes with a purchase guarantee or a warranty or some kind.

That way, you can send the product back if it is not what you had in mind to meet your needs. 

No single strategy works universally well for all kinds of pests  - but with a little bit of research, experimentation, and patience, you’ll find something that can get the job done for you.

Perhaps it won’t be an ultrasonic pest control device that saves the day, but it’s definitely worth a try.