The 9 Best Ultrasonic Pest Repellers
Special Honors
Good Life Guardian A 60-day money-back guarantee gives you plenty of time to ensure the indoor/outdoor Good Life Guardian works to deter your particular pests. A thermal motion sensor means the ultrasonic sounds and predator calls work only when animal invaders are nearby. pestrepellerultimate.com
Editor's Notes
October 21, 2020:
The technology involved in these poison-free repellents is changing fast, and some companies are addressing the problem of pests becoming accustomed to a single-frequency sound. The Cleanrth CR008 remains on our list as a particularly effective model, and we’ve added the Hoont Motion Activated for outdoor use, as well as the Loraffe Plug-in for serious infestations. For homes with ladybug or Asian lady beetle problems, the newly added Okutani Conversion is helpful in sending those bugs back outside where they belong.
July 12, 2019:
While there aren't any scientific studies that prove ultrasonic devices are effective for all bugs and rodents, many parents and pet-owners are willing to give these relatively inexpensive and non-toxic devices a try before resorting to pricey chemicals or inhumane traps that leave dead vermin around the house. The FTC has required companies to “tone back” the promises they make about their devices, but they are legal, safer and cleaner than pesticides and many have used them successfully to eradicate pests. Success often depends on the proper placement of the units and severity of the infestation.
We've included on this list products with a reliable record of success, plus all the indoor models now use a combination of ultrasonic and other types of waves to increase their effectiveness. The Cleanrth CR008 received the highest ranking for its clever “confusion” and “chaos” modes that reduces the likelihood that stubborn rodents will choose to acclimate to the sound rather than leave the house.
October 22, 2018:
Swapped out the JungeTogo Electronic for the newer upgraded model. Expanded offerings to include options suitable for outdoor use and replaced items that have been discontinued.
How Ultrasonic Pest Repellers Work
If you've ever seen evidence of an infestation in your home, then you know how distressing sharing your house with vermin can be.
If you've ever seen evidence of an infestation in your home, then you know how distressing sharing your house with vermin can be. All of your food immediately becomes suspect, and you'll quickly find yourself shaking out your clothes before putting them on just to ensure that you're the only one in them at the time.
Still, if you have pets or children, you may be hesitant to scatter poisons or traps around your home. Also, for many animal lovers, seeing dead bodies in a trap can be hard to stomach. That's why the idea of an ultrasonic pest repeller can be so attractive.
These products emit a constant, high-frequency sound that human ears can't pick up, but that is very distressing to pests. The sounds cause what is known as an audiogenic seizure response, which causes the vermin to flee in any direction (hopefully straight out of your house) to get away from the noise.
The sounds are believed to even be capable of causing death by cerebral hemorrhaging if the animal is unable to get away, so the repellers might not be as humane as you might hope. Also, they could cause distress in pets like gerbils and hamsters, as well, so they're best limited to garages or other areas your furry friends can't access.
The effectiveness of these devices is a matter of some debate, with different users experiencing wildly different results. Still, they're a fairly inexpensive and safe option, so it may be worth giving them a shot before dropping a lot of money on a professional exterminator.
Now, if they could just make some sort of repellent device that would work on my in-laws...
Tips For Using An Ultrasonic Repeller
Like any pest-control product, an ultrasonic repeller will only be effective if used correctly. There's a good chance that many of the people who are disappointed with their results simply failed to use the device properly.
Ideally, you'd place it so that the sound is the first thing they hear when entering your home, which will discourage them from continuing inside.
The first thing you need to do is identify where the pests are gaining access into your home. If they're coming in through the attic and you put the repeller in your garage, you won't accomplish anything. Ideally, you'd place it so that the sound is the first thing they hear when entering your home, which will discourage them from continuing inside. Of course, if you've discovered they're entering through a hole somewhere, patching the hole will be far more effective than any pest control strategy.
It's important to realize that the sound waves these devices emit are easily blocked. Even if you've got one set up in the right room, it won't do any good if it's behind your fridge, washing machine, or anything else that will interfere with the waves. Make sure the device has a clear shot at any intruders.
Studies have shown that some pests can grow accustomed to the noise after a while, so try to find a product that will vary its output. You certainly don't want the vermin to think you were considerate enough to provide them with soothing background music while they perform their dastardly nocturnal deeds.
If you're looking for the very best results, however, you should combine these devices with conventional traps. I realize that defeats the purpose of using them in a humane fashion, but that's the unfortunate reality of the situation. These repellers cause pests to react wildly and scramble around in an attempt to escape the agitation, and unless you use traps, you'll have to simply hope they find their way out the same way they came in.
Tips For Getting Rid Of Vermin
Even if you find that your ultrasonic repeller does a fantastic job of keeping pests out, there's a good chance you'll need to pair it with other strategies to vermin-proof your home.
As I mentioned above, the most important thing you can do is patch up any access points that the intruders can use to get inside. Mice can wiggle their way in through a hole as small as a dime, and all it takes is six inches for a raccoon to declare squatter's rights. Fill in any cracks and crevices, and take the time to look over your insulation while you're at it.
Keep your house clean, and vacuum regularly, so that roaches, ants, and other vermin won't be able to find any food on your floors.
Most pests are drawn to moist areas as well, so look for any water leaks. This includes near air conditioners, humidifiers, and pipes, so check those areas first. This could also help you nip any plumbing problems in the bud before they become full-blown disasters, so make this a habit every month or so.
Next, take a good look at any food sources you may unwittingly leave lying around. Keep your house clean, and vacuum regularly, so that roaches, ants, and other vermin won't be able to find any food on your floors. Invest in some airtight containers for boxed foods like cereal, and be sure to empty your trash cans regularly.
You should also remember that pests will find the places you tend to ignore, so if there's a corner of the garage that you've forgotten about or a pile of old boxes in the attic, it's worth moving things around and taking a peek occasionally. Wear gloves before touching anything, however, and be prepared with an excuse in case the neighbors hear you scream.
Also, if your pets like to get involved in pest control, try to make sure they don't eat anything they catch. Rodents play host to any number of potentially lethal diseases, so you don't want your furry friends dining on them. Keep your pets up-to-date on their shots and flea treatments, as well, but it's better not to let them hunt, if you can help it.