To begin with, the science behind electronic pest repeller is wishy-washy and uncertain at best. It can’t be denied that the idea of plugging some device to kiss your pest problems goodbye is too attractive not to try, right? All you need to do is plug a small device that supposedly emits some undetectable sound into the wall and your unwanted insect and rodent guests will pack up and go.
The idea certainly sounds great but the question that’ll likely pop in your head as you buy one of these contraptions is this: does it really work? Let us look at the theory behind these novel devices.
The “Science” Behind Electronic Pest Control Devices
These devices often operate with the use of ultrasonic sound waves, which is a frequency higher than what humans can actually hear but invasive pests do. In an ideal scenario, the sound produced by these pest control alternatives is designed to irritate them and discourage them from living in spaces near the source of this annoying noise.
Although it makes sense at first glance, most pests seem to be able to live with the noise and others don’t even seem bothered by them at all. Think of it like you’re living beside a neighbour who is busy renovating the home. Sure, you’d want to move away from it if you get the chance but you probably won’t until you eventually get used to the noise of the ongoing construction.
No Sufficient, Scientific Proof to Trust
In perfect laboratory conditions, ultrasonic sound has shown a potential to be fatal to certain pest species as it critically increases body temperature that then causes seizures. In a real-world scenario, this isn’t a humane way to drive out pests so that’s a point of argument for environmentally conscious property owners. Now, it’s worth remembering that these experiments have been done only in laboratories and haven’t been tested in actual homes.
One other problem with this experiment is that researchers use more powerful ultrasound generators. Even if the tests they’ve done have shown a capacity to disrupt eating and mating habits among particular pests, the equipment used are several grades above any of the devices that are readily available on the market. In other words, electronic pest controllers can’t replicate the power used in the said tests, which renders them practically useless.
In addition, the studies done on commercially available pest controller devices are limited and have been done with a lack of a control situation. Some may have shown promise but it can be a little hard to credit the decrease in pest activity to ultrasonic sound alone. It is the lack of solid evidence that most experts strongly advise against putting all your bets on such contraptions.
What Works in Stopping Pest Infestation
Because you can’t trust these shady contraptions in stopping pests from invading your space, what you need to do is to aim to prevent infestations in the first place. Here are proven ways to keep these unwanted guests at bay:
Outdoor Preventive Measures
- Keep an eye out for termite activity. Be on the lookout for mud tubes, soft wood (that sounds hollow when you tap it), and even bubbling or cracked paint.
- Clean out debris from the gutters. It pays to remember that any standing water is a perfect breeding ground for a lot of pests. By taking out leaves and debris from the gutters, you can prevent this from happening.
- Inspect gutters, downspouts, and splash blocks. Keeping the previous tip in mind, it makes sense to check if the said features properly direct water away from your property. On the same note, repair any leaky water pipes, faucets, and AC units.
- Fix rotting timbers. Many insects are drawn to deteriorating wood and by keeping wooden features in top shape, you indirectly give them one less reason to call your place their home.
- Store firewood and mulch several metres away from the house. Do otherwise and you’d be attracting arthropods (e.g. ants, termites, cockroaches, spiders, wasps, etc.). Insects are often drawn to fire wood and mulch as these provide them either food or shelter.
Indoor Preventative Measures
- Keep the kitchen clean every time. Wipe down countertops and sweep floors to remove food residue, crumbs, and spills, which attract unwanted diners into your cooking space. While you’re at it, store any edibles in sealed containers or the refrigerator.
- Check under the sinks or anywhere moisture occurs. Remember that insects and rodents converge in areas where there is water and this is why leaky pipes should never be left unattended. If the area where humidity occurs is the sub floor area, roof space, or any crawl spaces, it’s advised that you use a dehumidifier.
- Dispose of garbage on the regular. Nothing draws pests to properties than the presence of smelly, open garbage. To keep them off your place, throw out trash regularly and put them in sealed trash bins.
- Keep pet bowls clean every after feeding. Insects and rodents have a keen sense of smell and it doesn’t take them long to spot edibles and water. With that, try wiping off any water or food that your pets have spilled promptly and keep pet food sealed in plastic containers (instead of the paper bags they usually come in).
- Vacuum whenever you can. The general idea is that cleanliness gives these unwanted critters one less reason to call your place their home. By keeping pace with a cleaning schedule, you can effectively make pests one less concern to worry about.
Professional Pest Control Is Your Best Bet
The idea of plugging a cheap and accessible contraption to get rid or scare away pests is certainly an alluring proposition but the truth isn’t as simple as their too-good-to-be-true ads seem to suggest. Proper and scientific measures are necessary to eradicate and prevent further infestations, which is why you should leave the whole thing to industry veterans like us!
And if you’re concerned about the environmental impact of the pest control procedure, know that we operate using only the most effective and least invasive pest identification and treatment available. Besides this, we are fully accredited and licenced as a business and our pest control processes are compliant with all relevant Australian Standards, too.