Ultrasonic Pest Control ProductsElectronic pest control systems, ultrasonic pest control products and other pest repellers sold at very low prices claim to use high frequency waves to ward off insects, mites, rats, mice and other unwanted pests. The one thing that these products all have in common is that they rarely (if ever) work for roaches, ants, spiders or other bugs. This opinion is shared by the federal government, pest control professionals and countless researchers. There are many companies selling such devices but only a few companies (such as Bird-X) actually manufacture bird control and animal control products that work. There is no credible scientific evidence that shows that these devices have any significant repellent effect. Some of the product manufacturers have been prosecuted by EPA or the Federal Trade commission for making false claims about their ultrasonic, micro vibration, electromagnetic, seismic vibrating pest control systems. University studies (Ballard & Gold, University of Nebraska) have shown that cockroaches are not repelled by ultrasound. A 1990 scientific study (J. Econ. Entomology. 89(6):2306-2309) showed that ultrasonic collars sold to repel fleas on dogs and cats have no effect on fleas. While many manufacturers have dropped their claims of insect control, they still claim that the devices will repel rodents. Dr. Robert Pierce, Wildlife Specialist at the University of Missouri says, "Although mice are easily frightened by strange or unfamiliar noises, they quickly become accustomed to regularly repeated sounds...Ultrasonic sounds, those above the range of human hearing, have very limited use in rodent control because they are directional and do not penetrate behind objects. They also lose their intensity quickly with distance. There is little evidence that sound of any type will drive established mice or rats from buildings." The Armed Forces Pest Management Board has established a policy that "electromagnetic exclusion or control devices, ultrasonic repellent or control devices, and outdoor devices for electrocuting flying insects will not be procured or maintained with public funds" and that personnel should discourage the use of these devices by pointing out their relative ineffectiveness." Testing of ultrasonic devices has shown that about half of the sound energy is gone within 15 feet of the device and any object blocks the sound. (The quad blaster is an ultrasonic unit that will distribute its waves further than others.) So, a mouse hidden behind a couch (for instance) would not be exposed to the ultrasound at all. Manufacturers use this very logic to their advantage. Sonic Technology, maker of the PestChaser says, Ultrasound cannot penetrate any solid surface (walls, floors, ceilings) or travel around corners. This is why you need a PestChaser for each room where you have a rodent problem." Hmmm... For true rodent control or pest control of any kind, use Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) tools that have proven to work safely and thoroughly. At
Professional Pest Control Products, our goal is to help each customer safely
eliminate/prevent/control their particular pests, using minimal amounts of chemicals
(spending as little money as possible) in a manner which is safe for children, pets,
personal property, non-target animals, wildlife and our environment. roaches ants carpenter ants spiders scorpions rats mice grain moths wildlife |