Do Ultrasonic Pest Repellers Actually Work?

It sounds like the perfect solution: plug a small device into the wall, and invisible sound waves drive all the pests away. No traps, no poisons, no mess. But do ultrasonic pest repellers actually work?

The Short Answer

No, not reliably. While the concept is scientifically plausible, decades of testing by the FTC and independent researchers have shown that ultrasonic devices have little to no long-term effect on rodents or insects.

How They Are Supposed to Work

These devices emit high-frequency sound waves (above 20,000 Hz) that are inaudible to humans but can be heard by rodents and insects. The theory is that this sound is so annoying or painful that pests will leave the area to escape it.

Why They Fail

• Habituation: Animals are adaptable. Just as you might get used to living near a train track, mice quickly realize the noise isn't a threat and ignore it.
• Physics of Sound: Ultrasonic waves are short and weak. They cannot penetrate walls or furniture. A device plugged in behind a sofa won't even reach the rest of the room, let alone the inside of your walls where mice nest.
• Survival Instinct: The drive for food and shelter is stronger than the annoyance of a noise. If your home is warm and has food, a little noise won't drive a starving mouse out into the cold.

What Actually Works?

Save your money on gimmicks and invest in proven methods:

1. Exclusion: Physically sealing the holes they use to get in.
2. Sanitation: Removing food sources.
3. Trapping: Physically removing the population.