Does Ultrasonic Pest Repellent Work?

The short answer is no: ultrasonic rodent repellents don’t work. Some homeowners have noted a temporary immediate effect, but over time, the rodent problem will come back. Mice and rats are very adaptable, so while the sound may bother them at first, they will eventually get used to it and return to the area.

What are these devices, how are they supposed to work, and what should you use instead? The Terminix Wil-Kil Pest Control team is here with valuable insight into home pest control.

What Are Ultrasonic Pest Repellants?

Ultrasonic pest repellers are small devices that emit high-frequency ultrasonic sound waves intended to be intolerable for rodents. Humans and other animals can’t hear the sound they make; the frequency is too high for human ears to detect. Some of these devices may also claim to repel insects.

These devices are easy to get – you can find ultrasonic pest repellers at home improvement stores and even supermarkets – and are advertised as humane and free of chemical pesticides and traps. However, their claims of effectiveness are highly contested.

Why Don’t Ultrasonic Repellers Work?

The main reason that these devices don’t work is that they don’t address the root cause of the problem. They may scare rodents away temporarily, but they do not solve the overall problem.

One of the more common causes of rodent issues is structural issues, which this product will not help treat. Rodents enter through gaps in the exterior of your home, such as vents, damaged roofing, drain pipes, and cracks in the foundation. They’ll even slip underneath doors.

Rodent Prevention Rips (That Work)

If ultrasonic repellents don’t work, what should you do instead? A combination of preventative treatments and extermination 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 – but harder materials applied by a pest control professional are advised for long-term fixes.

All of these techniques are forms of pest exclusion, which simply means setting up physical barriers that make it harder for rodents to enter the building. Additionally, you should secure food in airtight containers to discourage pests from scrounging in your kitchen.

Contact Terminix Wil-Kil Pest Control for Professional Pest Control

Don’t wait until a rodent problem spirals out of control before you call for help. The Terminix Wil-Kil Pest Control team specializes in proactive pest control that prevents pests from infesting your property in the first place. It’s much easier to prevent an infestation than it is to deal with one already in progress.

Terminix Wil-Kil Pest Control has been providing residential and commercial pest control services since 1924, so we’ve seen it all. We can provide a comprehensive inspection and build a custom treatment plan based on your property’s specific needs.

Give us a call to get started with a free estimate!