Do mice repellent ultrasonic plug ins work?

Mice are common household pests that can cause damage and spread diseases. Ultrasonic pest repellers are electronic devices that claim to use high-frequency sound waves to drive mice and other rodents away from homes and businesses. But do these devices really work?

How Ultrasonic Pest Repellers Work

Ultrasonic pest repellers are small electronic devices that plug into standard wall outlets. They emit high-frequency sounds, in the range of 20 to 50 kilohertz, that are above the range of human hearing. Manufacturers claim these high-pitched sounds are intolerable to rodents, driving them away.

Most ultrasonic pest repellers have a limited effective range of 200 to 300 square feet. The sounds they produce quickly lose intensity with distance. As a result, multiple units may be required to cover a large space. The sounds can pass through walls, allowing a single device to cover multiple rooms.

Evidence on the Effectiveness of Ultrasonic Repellers

There are conflicting reports on whether ultrasonic pest repellers actually succeed at driving away mice and rats. Some key considerations include:

• Lab studies have had mixed results. Some research has shown ultrasonic sounds can irritate and repel rodents. But other studies found no effect, indicating mice can become accustomed to the sounds.
• Field studies of actual homes and businesses also had inconsistent results, with some showing a reduction in rodent populations but others demonstrating no effect.
• Hearing ranges can vary between rodent species. Some evidence suggests certain ultrasonic frequencies work better than others at deterring mice and rats.
• The intensity, or volume, of the sounds may be too low to be effective in many cases. Sounds become weaker as they travel through air.

Based on the available evidence, it seems ultrasonic pest repellers may work under certain conditions but are frequently ineffective. Results can vary depending on the specific device, frequency settings, rodent species, and other factors.

Possible Reasons Why Ultrasonic Pest Repellers May Not Work

There are several explanations for why ultrasonic devices often appear to fail at driving away mice and rats:

• Habituation – Rodents may become accustomed to ultrasonic frequencies if they are exposed for long periods of time.
• Insufficient intensity – The volume of ultrasonic sounds drops as they travel through air. Sounds may not be loud enough to irritate rodents at longer distances from the device.
• Limited frequency range – Devices may only cover certain ultrasonic frequencies that are not bothersome to that particular rodent species.
• No escape incentive – Unlike traps and poisons, ultrasonic repellers only encourage pests to avoid treated areas but don’t force them to leave the property altogether.
• Sound insulation – Materials like drywall and insulation can muffle higher-frequency sounds, blocking them from reaching rodents in walls or cabinets.
• No negative association – Mice and rats may have difficulty associating the irritating sounds with the device producing them.

For these reasons, while ultrasonic frequencies may initially deter rodents, the pests often acclimate and resume normal activities over time. The sounds fail to drive them completely away in many cases.

Tips for Improving Ultrasonic Pest Repeller Effectiveness

It may be possible to enhance ultrasonic devices’ effectiveness by following certain guidelines:

• Use multiple units to cover more area.
• Strategically place devices near known rodent entry points and harborage areas.
• Frequently change the ultrasonic frequencies to prevent habituation.
• Combine ultrasonic repellers with actual rodenticides or traps.
• Block potential sound insulation by placing units in open spaces.
• Look for devices that operate at higher sound intensities.
• Choose models with a wider range of frequency options to find effective settings.

Following these tips could improve the chances of ultrasonic repellers successfully driving away mice and rats in some cases. However, even well-designed devices have limitations under real-world conditions.

Additional Pros and Cons of Ultrasonic Pest Repellers

Here are some additional advantages and disadvantages of ultrasonic devices compared to other rodent control options:

Potential Advantages

• Do not require harmful or messy traps and poisons
• Provide a hands-off, pet-safe rodent deterrent
• Can be used preventatively even without an active infestation
• May work for initial short-term rodent control in some cases
• Safe for children and other humans who cannot hear ultrasonic sounds

Potential Disadvantages

• Often unreliable and ineffective long-term
• Rodents may become accustomed to sounds over time
• Limited effective range from each device
• Can be more expensive than poison baits or traps
• Do not remove rodent populations already established in the home

Consumers should weigh these factors carefully when considering ultrasonic options compared to other types of pest control methods.

Examples of Scientific Studies on Ultrasonic Rodent Repellers

Controlled scientific studies can help provide objective evidence on the effectiveness of ultrasonic pest repellers. Here are the methods and results of a few notable studies:

Shumake et al. (1979)

• Methods: Tested multiple ultrasonic frequencies on caged rats and mice over 5 days. Measured effects on activity patterns and learned behaviors.
• Results: Sounds at certain frequencies (25-55 kHz) caused initial avoidance behavior and disruption of some learned tasks. Effects were less pronounced over time.
• Conclusions: Data indicates ultrasonic frequencies can influence rodent behavior but with decreasing effects as animals become habituated.

Lehman (1984)

• Methods: Measured house mouse activity in a closed arena with or without an ultrasonic repeller for 15 days.
• Results: Mice showed brief initial avoidance of the treated area but resumed normal activity within 4 days.
• Conclusions: Mice rapidly became habituated to ultrasonic stimuli, indicating limited efficacy for long-term repelling.

Bomford and O’Brien (1990)

• Methods: Tested commercial ultrasonic devices in houses and farms with rodent infestations over 6-8 week periods.
• Results: No difference in rodent populations or activity between treated and untreated structures.
• Conclusions: Ultrasonic frequencies had no discernible effect on house mice or rats under real-world conditions.

The inconsistent study results highlight why the effectiveness of ultrasonic pest repellers remains controversial. Performance can vary depending on specific conditions and devices tested.

Potential Health Risks

Ultrasonic repellers are considered safe for humans because the high-frequency sounds they emit are above the range of human hearing. There is no evidence that exposure to ultrasonic pest control devices causes direct health effects.

However, excessive long-term exposure to loud sounds above 75-80 decibels can sometimes damage hearing over time. While not generally a concern for ultrasonic repellers, consumers should avoid improperly designed devices that happen to also emit audible noise at high volumes.

The main health implications relate to the risk of rodents if the devices fail to repel them. Mice and rats can transmit dangerous illnesses through their feces, urine and bites. Effective pest control is important to prevent the spread of diseases like hantavirus, leptospirosis and salmonella poisoning.

Costs of Ultrasonic Pest Repellers

Ultrasonic devices represent an investment, though not necessarily the most expensive form of pest control. Key cost factors include:

• Individual plug-in repellers range from $5 to $50 each depending on the brand, features and power level.
• Effective coverage often requires multiple units, easily costing over $100.
• Ongoing costs include replacing devices as they wear out or break.
• Higher-end programmable models with expanded features and frequency ranges can cost $100 or more per device.

In contrast, basic snap traps may cost only $2-5 each. Ultrasonic repellers provide a convenient hands-off option but one that comes at a higher price than traps or poison baits.

Average Costs of Ultrasonic Pest Repellers

Type	Cost per Device
Basic plug-in repeller	$5 – $20
Advanced programmable repeller	$30 – $50
High-powered indoor repeller	$50 – $100
Heavy-duty outdoor unit	$75 – $200

Consumers must weigh whether the convenience of ultrasonic units justifies their higher costs compared to traps or other DIY methods.

Reviews of Specific Ultrasonic Pest Repeller Products

Here are reviews of a few popular ultrasonic mouse and rat repeller models currently on the market:

Pest Venator Ultrasonic Pest Repeller

• Description: Plug-in model covers 1,200 square feet with randomly pulsed ultrasound waves from 25-55 kHz.
• Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon
• The Good: Higher intensity and more effective frequency range than many competitors. Programmable features.
• The Bad: Still susceptible to rodents eventually adapting. Some reports of units breaking.
• Cost: Approximately $60 per device

Rid All Plug N Go Repeller

• Description: Very affordable plug-in model claims 1,000 sq ft coverage with constant 20-25 kHz ultrasound.
• Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars on Home Depot
• The Good: Extremely low price point. Energy efficient.
• The Bad: Low intensity and narrow frequency range. Less effective for most rodents.
• Cost: Around $10 per 2-pack

Pest Soldier Industrial Strength Repeller

• Description: Heavy-duty outdoor unit emits variable ultrasound at up to 140 dB intensity.
• Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars on manufacturer’s site
• The Good: Very high power and penetration for large outdoor spaces. Weatherproof housing.
• The Bad: Much more expensive. May be excessive for indoor use.
• Cost: Around $150 per device

As these examples show, products vary widely in power, features and price. Carefully match the device capabilities to your specific pest control needs.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of ultrasonic pest repellers at driving away mice and other rodents remains open to debate. While scientific evidence confirms ultrasound can irritate rodents, it also makes clear these effects diminish quickly as animals become accustomed to the frequencies. Results can vary significantly depending on the specific product, setup and household conditions.

In some cases, ultrasonic devices may provide initial short-term relief by disturbing rodent nesting and feeding behaviors. However, many experts advise they should not be relied upon as a sole pest control method for eliminating existing infestations. At best, ultrasonic repellers may be one supplemental option alongside more proven methods like sanitation, traps and sealing up entry points.

Consumers should weigh the benefits and limitations carefully when considering ultrasonic devices to manage mice. Claims of effectiveness for long-term rodent deterrence may often be exaggerated. But ultrasonic technology may have a role in some integrated pest management programs when paired with more robust exclusion and population control methods.