We all know that the best rodent problem is the one that never happened, right? Sure we can buy mouse traps and try to alleviate the symptoms, but that won’t help prevent them in the first place. For this reason, ultrasonic rodent repellents are highly appealing to homeowners for the proclaimed ability to repel rodents from overstaying their welcome. They’re also easy to obtain – you can find them at a variety of home improvement stores and supermarkets.

While these all sound like major pluses, how effective are ultrasonic rodent repellent devices? And how do they work? Here’s the breakdown.

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How ultrasonic rodent repellents work:

Ultrasonic rodent repellents are small devices that emit high-frequency sound waves that are claimed intolerable to rodents. Humans and pets, however, cannot hear them. It is advised to use these devices in key areas where you have seen a mouse or other rodent, or where you have seen signs of one (droppings, track marks, etc.). To the mouse, the frequencies will sound like a loud jackhammer. This isn’t just insufferable to rodents, but the product claims to repel insects as well.

So, do ultrasonic rodent repellents really work?

The short answer is no, ultrasonic rodent repellents don’t work. Some homeowners have noted an immediate effect at first, but over time the rodent problem will continue to persist. Mice are fairly resilient and adaptable, so while the sound may bother them at first, eventually they will grow accustomed to it or find an alternative route. The frequency of most also don’t travel very far from the device, usually about 10-20 feet.

The real reason you may have a rodent problem has to do with structural issues, which this product alone will not help treat. Rodents are often invited indoors through gaps in the exterior of your home such as vents, damaged roofing, drain pipes, cracks in the foundation and even slipping underneath doors.

Rodent Prevention Tips

Even though ultrasonic rodent repellents ultimately don’t prevent rodents, prevention is key to eliminating rodents in your home. Here are a few reliable prevention methods:

  • Use door sweeps to limit rodents’ ability to slide underneath.
  • Keep potential hiding places (firewood, outdoor furniture, etc.) far from your home’s entrances.
  • Cover vents with mesh to block entrances.
  • Look for holes in the exterior of your home, especially where cables or pipes enter your home. Some of these spots are large enough for mice to sneak through. A good, quick fix is steel wool or caulking these areas.

Contact Wil-Kil for Effective Rodent Control

If your rodent problem continues to persist, call in an expert. Wil-Kil has been providing residential and commercial pest control services since 1924, so we’ve seen it all. We can help identify places you may have overlooked, and reinforce prevention and treatment methods with exclusion. Give us a call or contact us online for an inspection and plan of action.

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