Ultrasonic Pest Control is a Good Idea but Does it Work?

Imagine being able to just plug in a small device and be rid of mosquitoes.

In a world consumed with diseases such as malaria, West Nile virus and other serious diseases transmitted by mosquito bites, the idea of an ultrasonic pest control device is exciting.

How The Ultrasonic Pest Control Device Provides Protection

These devices operate by using the high frequency - short wavelength sound waves - to discourage mosquitoes from flying in a specific area.  The idea is that if you're within the area of coverage no mosquitoes will be able to enter. Kind of like Star Trek, "Aye, Captain, shields are up." Not only would you be free of the annoying bites but you'd also be free of the diseases they carry. Ultrasonic pest control uses a frequency that is too high for the human eardrum to process and is therefore undetectable to humans.  It is however possible for many household pets to detect.

Insects use the special hairs on their antennae, called sensilla, to detect sound waves.  The claim is that the sound wave detected from an ultrasonic pest control device is tuned at such a level as to repel the insects and therefore rid the vicinity of the pest.  There are many different ultrasonic pest control device promoters that insist their machine replicates the sound of a bat, therefore driving the pests away from their believed predator. 

Governmental Tests Prove Ultrasonic Pest Control Promise Do Not Hold True

Recently, the United States Environmental Protection Agency participated in a two-year study, involving nearly every type of electronic pest control device on the market to determine the reality of their pest control claims.  They chose an area known for its high mosquito population, the area around Chesapeake Bay, and performed actual tests with each product.  It was their finding that not one of these electronic pest control devices, including the ultrasonic versions, provided any noticeable relief from the pests.  In addition, supporting research at other universities across the United States supported the EPA's findings.  Due to these test results, the United States Postal Service and the EPA are pursuing fraudulent charges with ultrasonic pest control makers for making the inaccurate scientific claims for their products.

If marketing claims fall within legal guidelines, ultrasonic pest control units continue to be offered. As a consumer, be aware of what you're buying. Do careful research on whichever product you are contemplating purchasing to be sure you're getting your money's worth. Scientific studies don't support all the claims.