Residents of Houston, Austin, and the surrounding areas are undoubtedly familiar with pests. Numerous critters can scramble around your properties, from cockroaches and mosquitos to rats and mice.

Are you tired of swatting mosquitos or discovering rodent remnants in your home or business? Are you wary of chemical pest-removal treatments?  

If you said “yes” to either of the above questions, you might wonder if ultrasonic pest repellers are a good option for your property. Before investing in these devices, check out the guide below to learn more about them and their effectiveness.

What are ultrasonic pest repellers?

An ultrasonic pest repeller is an electronic device designed to repel, injure, and kill household pests, including rodents and insects. This device emits high-frequency sounds (in most devices, the frequency is greater than 20,000 Hz) that human ears can’t detect. 

How do ultrasonic pest repellers work?

The theory behind ultrasonic pest repellers is that the sound they emit triggers psychological distress in pests. This distress will cause the pests to flee the property without relying on chemicals, traps, or other pest-removal strategies.

Manufacturers of ultrasonic pest repellers claim that they will protect the room in which they’re plugged in (some repellers are also battery-powered, so you can use them in spaces without an open outlet). They say hard, or reflective surfaces like mirrors, cabinets, and countertops increase the repellers’ effectiveness. 

What pests do they target?

The high-frequency sound produced by ultrasonic pest repellers is meant to deter the following pests- 

• Cockroaches
• Mosquitoes
• Bed bugs
• Flies
• Fleas
• Ticks
• Silverfish
• Birds
• Rats
• Mice

You can keep all these pests away by simply plugging devices into your walls or setting battery-operated ones up around your property. Can one device rid your home of so many different types of pests, though?

What does the research say about ultrasonic pest repellers?

Insects, rodents, and other pests can wreak havoc on your home or business, tracking in dirt and grime, spreading disease-causing pathogens, and even causing structural damage. Nobody wants to deal with these problems, and ultrasonic pest repellers may seem like the perfect solution.

Before investing in these devices, consider what the experts say about them and their effectiveness.

FTC charges

Ultrasonic pest repellers have been around for a long time — and people have questioned their effectiveness for just as long. From 1985-1997, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) penalized manufacturers of these devices and charged them with false advertising.

The FTC specifically challenged the following claims made by six companies selling ultrasonic pest repellers- 

• The devices eliminate rodent infestations
• The devices repel insects
• The devices are effective alternatives to conventional pest-control methods
• The devices increase or assist the effectiveness of other pest-control methods
• The devices eliminate fleas on dogs or cats
• Scientific tests prove the products’ effectiveness

After determining that these claims were false, the manufacturers must reimburse customers who purchased the devices.

A few years later, the FTC released a statement saying they had sent warning letters to over 60 manufacturers and sellers of ultrasonic pest-control devices challenging their efficacy claims and demanding that they be supported by scientific evidence.

University of Arizona

Researchers from the University of Arizona reviewed several studies evaluating ultrasonic pest repellers' effectiveness. The results overwhelmingly showed that they are not viable alternatives to other pest control strategies.

For example, the researchers looked at a 1986 study that tested nine devices against the German cockroach. None of the devices elicited any type of response from the cockroaches. A 2007 study also tested ultrasonic devices on German cockroaches and did not notice any behavioral responses.

The university researchers also reviewed a 1969 study that tested ultrasonic devices on rats and mice. This study did show that the pests had a mild aversion to the sound emitted by the device. However, their aversion diminished over time, and they returned to places with reliable food sources.

Kasetsart University and Westmead Hospital

A 2021 study measured the effectiveness of ultrasonic devices against the Australian paralysis tick. The study's results showed that, when exposed to high-frequency sounds, only a smaller number of ticks moved away from the noise.

The researchers concluded that the device did not offer “adequate protection against tick bites.” They also stated that their study backed up other researchers’ conclusions that ultrasonic devices are effective pest management tools.

Alternative pest control options

It seems that ultrasonic pest repellers are not viable solutions for home and business owners looking to get rid of rodents, cockroaches, mosquitos, and other pests.

What should you do instead to keep your home pest-free? The following are some of the most popular and effective options: 

Bait and traps

Often, when pests sneak into your home, it’s because they want access to your food. They want to sneak into your pantry or feast upon the crumbs left behind by your kids.

Although food initially lured the pests into the house, you can use it to your advantage to get them out. Setting traps and baiting pests with food can help you quickly catch them and remove them from your home.

The downside to using bait and traps is that, at some point, you will have to interact with the pest to take it out of the house. If you’re dealing with a severe infestation, bait and traps may also be ineffective. 

Chemical pesticides

Many pesticides contain harsh chemicals that kill pests and deter them from returning to your home. These pesticides can be highly effective and help you start enjoying a pest-free property as soon as possible.

Although many chemical pesticides do work, they can also be dangerous.

Breathing in the fumes left behind by these pesticides can cause respiratory issues, especially in sensitive people. They may also harm your pets, especially if they lick up pesticide residue or chew on something sprayed during the pest removal process.

Botanically based pesticides

Botanically based pesticides are made from plant compounds and are not as harsh as chemical pesticides. However, they’re just as (if not more) effective.

With plant-based treatments, you don’t have to worry about exposing yourself, your kids, or your pets to dangerous chemicals. You can also rest easy knowing you’re using a more eco-friendly solution that protects valuable pollinators (like butterflies) and reduces the number of toxins released into the air.

Bonus tips for pest prevention

The pest control options discussed above are all practical alternatives to ultrasonic pest repellers. However, wouldn’t it be better if you didn’t have to worry about pests and pest removal as often? 

These pest prevention strategies will help you keep your home pest-free long-term:

Eliminate food access

The easier it is for pests to access food, the more likely they will wreak havoc on your home. 

Make sure all the containers in your pantry and cupboards and adequately sealed. Consider storing foods like cereal in glass or plastic containers to prevent rodents from chewing through the cardboard. 

Remember that many pests also love trash. Keep your trash can lids closed at all times, and move outside trash cans or dumpsters away from the building so pests can’t use them to get inside. 

Seal cracks

Cracks in your walls, gaps between doors and door frames, and improperly sealed windows can all serve as openings for pests to enter your home.

Conduct a walk-through of your property and identify all gaps and cracks that pests could be using to get inside. Then, invest in sealing them as quickly as possible. 

Remove easy entrances

In addition to removing cracks and gaps, you should eliminate other easy entrances into your home or business. For example, if you have a wood pile near the property, rodents and insects could use it to get inside more easily.

The same goes for bushes and trees. Trim them regularly, so at least six inches of space exist between them and the side of the building.  

Schedule regular maintenance treatments

Regular pest control treatments help to minimize the likelihood that you’ll experience a severe infestation.

Ongoing maintenance allows pest control professionals to monitor your property for potential issues and eliminate them before they can escalate. Regular treatments can also help you save money and enjoy peace of mind knowing your property is always protected.

Eliminate pests from your property today

Ultrasonic pest repellers are unlikely to produce meaningful pest control benefits for your home or business. The good news, though, is that there are plenty of other, more effective methods to eliminate pests from your property and keep it safe and hygienic.

If you’re looking for a safe, eco-friendly pet control solution, Natran Pest Green Pest Control is here to help. Our expertly trained pest management professionals use botanically based pesticides to treat your home without exposing you and your loved ones to harsh chemicals.

Contact us today to schedule an inspection.