Do ultrasonic pest control devices work? Ultrasonic machines are sold over the counter and there are a lot of claims made with them. Stoy Hedges, an entomologist and Director of Technical Services at Terminix...
Stoy Hedges, an entomologist and Director of Technical Services at Terminix International has this to say on the topic of ultrasonic devices for pest control, "Ultrasonic machines are sold over the counter and there are a lot of claims made with them. I have seen a number of research papers that have been published in scientific Entomology journals. Ultrasonic machines use sound waves that insects and pests particularly don't like. Businesses who manufacture them, say this makes the pests leave. Our research shows that this truly does not happen, at least the research papers that I have seen."
More indicative of problems with ultrasonic pest control devices is the large number of companies the Federal Trade Commission has labeled as making false or misleading claims about their ultrasonic products. A glimpse at the organization's website, www.ftc.gov, reveals problems going back to the early 1990's with companies claiming something the FTC says they just can't back up; effectiveness in ridding homes of any pests with the products.
Apparently, in order for them to truly be effective, the sound waves would have to be up to a level where humans and other animals would be negatively affected as well. Also, the way the devices emit the sound waves is highly ineffective, not being able to go into corners and crevices, creating large areas of sound-wave free zones. Most research has shown that if pests or rodents are chased away at all, it is only for a few days at the most. Then they are right back where they were before the ultrasonic pest device was used.
In May 2001, the Federal Trade Commission actually sent 60 retailers and manufacturers warning letters about making false claims about how well the products work. Between 1985 and 1997 the FTC brought legal action against six companies for making "unsubstantiated claims" about the effectiveness of their ultrasonic devices in controlling rodents and insects.
According to the FTC website, "Prior FTC complaints alleged that any reaction by rodents to ultrasound would be temporary at best because rodents become accustomed to ultrasound and will return to their nesting or feeding areas even in the presence of an ultrasonic device. Furthermore, previous FTC complaints alleged that ultrasound devices do not control insects."
Leonard R. Askham is a former Washington State University Associate Professor and Associate Research Scientist and has written an article on ultrasonic devices for the Washington State University Extension website. The article is titled, "Ultrasonic and Subsonic Pest Control Devices." In the article, Askham states, "Most insects and animals hear or feel the same range of frequencies that we do. If a sound or frequency doesn't bother us, it is doubtful that it will bother pests. Testing has also shown that the sounds don't carry far. About half the energy is gone in 15 feet. None remains at 30 feet. Any object placed in the way blocks the sound and produces a "shadow". Even if the devices worked in the lab, the energy loss and shadow effects would make them useless in the real world. Insects and mice are good at hiding behind couches or overstuffed chairs."
So there is still no magic pest control bullet, or miracle cure for infestations. Ultrasonic devices simply don't live up to the hype.
