Ultrasonic pest repellers are small devices that emit an ultrasonic frequency, part of the audio spectrum humans cannot hear. The idea is that these frequencies will be bothersome to pests, but inaudible to humans. They’re supposed to control pests while causing no harm to people. But do ultrasonic pest repellers actually work, and if so, which ones are the best?
Contents
- 1 Do Ultrasonic Pest Repellents Work?
- 2 Potential Harms of Ultrasonic Emitters
- 3 The Umwelt
- 4 The Difficulty in Determining the Effectiveness of Ultrasonic Emitters
- 5 Pros and Cons of Outdoor Ultrasonic Pest Repellers
- 6 Best Outdoor Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
- 7 Ultrasonic Pest Repeller Reviews
- 8 Other Methods of Pest Control Outside
- 9 Conclusion: Best Outdoor Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
Do Ultrasonic Pest Repellents Work?
There are almost no studies suggesting that ultrasonic pest repellers work. If you like your devices to be backed by actual studies (which we very much do!), then you should consider some other pest control options like the ones at the bottom of this article.
It is quite clear that various animals commonly classified as pests, such as rats, mice, and rabbits, and insects can hear in the ultrasonic spectrum. Humans cannot hear in this spectrum. But that doesn’t mean these pests are bothered by ultrasonic frequencies, or that these devices control pests.
Some will even claim they will deter birds, but birds cannot hear ultrasound.
The FCC has complained about the advertising and claims of many of these companies, and some have had to refund money to buyers. Buyers should be wary of these companies.
That said, many people who employ these devices report success in keeping pests away while they’re active. They emit no harmful chemicals, smoke, fog, and the like, and are relatively harmless.
Pest control is as much an art as a science. Determining what is effective in your circumstances can be tough, and so much of pest control, in general, ends up being received folk wisdom.
Our opinion is that an ultrasonic repeller is likely not your best option for pest control, though there are very few downsides to them if you want to try one out. They’re cheap, and as we said, there are many who have positive experiences with them. We’ll look at some of the science, and some of the models, in this article.
We’ll also consider other options for more traditional pest control at the end of this article.
What Are Ultrasonic Rodent Repellers Supposed to Do?
There are pretty wide-ranging claims suppliers of UPRs throw out there. They will repel cats, mice, squirrels, wasps, bed bugs, roaches, gophers, coyotes, etc. Yes, all of those animals can hear in the ultrasonic range (birds cannot hear in ultrasound). But it’s not at all clear that the frequencies emitted by these devices will actually deter the animals from doing anything.
Some suggest that a sweeping frequency is more effective than a single constant tone, but again, there are no studies showing that these are successful. And some repellers use multiple tactics like flashing lights, noises, etc. to send pests away.
And if they are successful at repelling pests, are they repelling bees and flies that are pollinating your garden? There’s a lot of magical thinking that goes into an ultrasonic pest repeller, and the idea that a little box will be able to keep away the animals and insects you don’t like, while not bothering the ones you do like is a bit too much.
As McGill University puts it, “Some studies conducted in perfect laboratory conditions show that ultrasonic sound can be fatal to certain species by critically increasing their body temperature or causing audio-induced seizures. So the humane notion of pests simply scurrying out of your garage with a massive headache isn’t quite right”.
It should be noted that these studies that did find an impact on pests used very very high-powered devices, not consumer-grade devices.
Potential Harms of Ultrasonic Emitters
There are a few potential harms that may be associated with ultrasonic emitters. These harms are certainly much less concerning than, say, pesticides.
Impact on Cats, Dogs, and Domesticated Animals
Cats and dogs can both hear into the ultrasonic range and may be bothered by emissions by these devices. Pet hamsters, rabbits, and other small animals can hear ultrasonically and may be bothered by these devices.
Impacts on Children
Children have better hearing ranges than adults do. Many children can hear over the 20,000Hz line that is typically the crossover point between standard sound and ultrasound. Consequently, these ultrasound emitters may bother young children, who may be able to hear the tones.
Interference with Hearing Aids
Some have found that these ultrasonic devices can interfere with hearing aids. If you have a loved one with hearing problems, you may be negatively impacting the effectiveness of their hearing aid with an ultrasonic emitter.
Interference with Burglar Alarms
You generally want your burglar alarm to work properly! You don’t want it to go off inadvertently, nor do you want it to be ineffective at sending an alert if there is a genuine problem.
This is likely less of a problem with an outdoor pest repeller than an indoor version.
An Indiscriminate Solution
Animals eat other animals, animals eat insects, and insects eat each other. If you end up repelling, for example, bats, you may find that you actually have more pesky mosquitoes than you otherwise might because the bats are no longer eating the mosquitoes.
Ultrasonic emitters are a grenade-style solution, and in your quest to repel pests, you may end up repelling the creatures that keep the pests away, making your problem worse!
The Umwelt
One of our favorite concepts is the idea of the umwelt. The umwelt is essentially the collection of senses a given animal has, through which that animal experiences their own slice of reality. Each species of animal has its own umwelt. Many animals can hear in the ultrasonic range, while humans cannot. Many animals can see infrared, while humans cannot. And some animals, like sharks, can detect electric signals. These are all aspects of the umwelt for each animal.
The idea of an ultrasonic repeller is that if you can find an annoying tone that is broadcast in a frequency that is annoying to creatures you see as pests, while not bothering creatures (such as humans!) you don’t see as pests, then you’ve found a great tool.
Ultrasound and Hearing
When it comes to sound, humans generally can hear from about 20Hz to 20,000Hz. Ultrasound is considered to be essentially all frequencies above 20,000Hz. Humans can’t hear much above 20,000Hz, so any annoying noises above that frequency may work great at bothering animals and insects, but won’t impact humans.
What Animals Can Hear in Ultrasound?
Here are a few animals and insects commonly classified as pests that can hear in ultrasound. As we mentioned above birds do not hear ultrasound.
- Bats
- Moths
- Mice
- Grasshoppers
- Squirrels
- Cats
- Dogs
- Gophers
- Rabbits
- Raccoons
- Many other animals
See this chart for more information.
The Difficulty in Determining the Effectiveness of Ultrasonic Emitters
Many people consider ultrasound to be a bit like magic. It’s a set of frequencies that we know exist, and we know that other animals can hear, but we cannot. But to those animals, ultrasound is, well, just sound. If you’re considering purchasing an ultrasonic pest repeller, a good place to start may be to ask yourself if non-ultrasound would be likely to repel pests?
Let’s say you cranked up some Metallica, would that keep pests away? If not, why would you think that an ultrasonic frequency would? Again, to animals who hear ultrasound, loud music in the range of human hearing would be experienced in the same way as ultrasound would.
The only benefit to broadcasting in ultrasound is that humans won’t have to listen to it!
The one caveat to this is that some animals may use ultrasound frequencies for location and navigation, and some may use ultrasound to communicate. By flooding the area with ultrasound, those insects and animals may be more heavily impacted than those who can hear these frequencies but aren’t using them, in particular, to communicate or navigate.
Pros and Cons of Outdoor Ultrasonic Pest Repellers
Let’s consider the pros and cons of these devices.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Relatively little harm to humans
- No poisons or chemicals needed
- Fairly safe to use around kids
- Does not use much electricity
- Does not cause any significant harm to animals
Cons
- Maybe complete voodoo, and not do anything to pests
- Very difficult to determine their impact
- Indiscriminate, cannot distinguish pets from pests. May deter beneficial creatures
- Sound waves are blocked by inanimate objects
Best Outdoor Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
We’ve looked at several ultrasonic pest repellers listed on Amazon, and found many of them to be a complete joke. Many are filled with fake reviews and the like. Virtually all of them have their detractors, but some are particularly egregious and should be avoided.
We’ve picked three outdoor models that show at least some promise, and are given “A” ratings on their reviews from Fakespot.
Out of all of the repellers reviewed here, the one most worth trying is the PREDATORGUARD Pestaway Repeller. This repeller is simple, easy to use, and easy to clean. It uses a motion sensor to trigger a combination of ultrasonic frequencies and sounds within the range of human hearing, along with LED lights. This combination means that it has multiple ways to scare off unwanted visitors to the yard. This suite of broadcasting mechanisms, combined with a motion detector, makes the PREDATORGUARD Pestaway the best outdoor pest repeller to try.
It includes a 12-month warranty, which is always a plus.
Last update on 2019-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Ultrasonic Pest Repeller Reviews
You should be skeptical of an ultrasonic pest repeller, and be prepared to return it in less than 30 days if it’s not effective in solving your problem. We would suggest you start by purchasing only one — don’t buy five of these things to start with.
And your best bet is to pick a repeller that doesn’t just emit ultrasound, but also one that flashes lights and potentially sounds within the range of human hearing. A suite of effects is more likely to repel pests than ultrasound alone.
Here we’ll look at three decent options that don’t seem to be filled with fake reviews and have several reports of success. Of course, all have several reports of failure, too, so keep that in mind!
After this section, we have a few other options for pest control that may be more effective.
1. PREDATORGUARD PestAway Ultrasonic Outdoor Animal Repeller
Key Points at a Glance
- Easy to Install
- Waterproof
- Motion-Activated
- Uses Light and Sound
- Combines Light, Sound, and Ultrasound as a deterrent
- Battery-Powered
- AC Power Adaptor Included
- 12-Month Replacement Guarantee
- Non-Toxic
Dimensions
- Effective Up to 12 Meters
- Weighs 12.5 oz.
- Product Dimensions: 4.9 x 4.4 x 4.3 in.
The Details
The PREDATORGUARD PestAway Ultrasonic Outdoor Animal Repeller is a small, compact black box that combines ultrasonic and sonic technologies with a flashing strobe light and sudden, high-pitched noises to scare away nuisance animals like rats, mice, gophers, deer, and stray cats and dogs.
The PestAway looks like an old-school Kodak camera and is pretty small. Set it up and wait. PREDATORGUARD suggests this device is effective up to a range of about 30 feet at a 40-degree angle.
The PREDATORGUARD repeller is easy to install but doesn’t come with a stake or any other sort of base. The device is waterproof to prevent damage, though if you can, it is probably a good idea to shelter it under something to keep water away from it as much as possible.
Each PREDATORGUARD Repeller comes with a 12-month replacement guarantee, where the manufacturer is willing to send a new product free of charge if something happens to the original.
This device is battery-powered (two 9v batteries), though buyers can choose to pick up a power adaptor if the user wants to plug it in instead.
Last update on 2019-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The lights and high-pitched sounds are triggered by a motion sensor, so they are not flashing all the time. A guidebook is included that explains at what height to place the ultrasonic pest repeller to deter certain animals. For example, 1-2 ft. is ideal for stray cats.
The Bottom Line
The PREDATORGUARD is a great ultrasonic pest repeller that seems to have some effect on cats and other animals. It may well be your best option to try to start with. Many users report success with this system.
- EFFECTIVE & DEPENDABLE outdoor animal, pest & cat repellent instantly scares cats and other animals away with a motion activated blast of ultrasonic sound and strobe lights - does not worry humans
- BEST DETERRENT FOR PEST ANIMALS AND WILDLIFE - Frightens animals and teaches them to avoid your yard and garden
- WATERPROOF, LIGHTWEIGHT, EASY TO INSTALL - Dependable, maintenance-free operation on 2 x 9 Volt batteries (sold separately). Optional power adaptor also available.
- SAFE, HUMANE ANIMAL DETERRENT - avoids the need for messy sprinklers, dangerous chemical deterrents, traps, and hazardous electric fences
- SEE INSTANT RESULTS then purchase one for a neighbor or friend. Free Shipping to all US States!! We provide a 100% satistfaction guarantee and quality customer service. Please contact us with any questions and we are happy to help
Last update on 2019-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Hoont Advanced Solar Powered Ultrasonic Outdoor Animal and Pest Repeller
Key Points at a Glance
- Green and Non-Toxic
- Weatherproof and Water-Resistant (not Waterproof)
- Solar-Powered
- Includes Flashing LED Lights
- Can Be Charged with USB
- Batteries Included
- Includes Motion Detector
- Adjustable Frequency
- Easy to Clean
- Stake Included
Dimensions
- Senses Motion Up to 30 ft.
- Weighs 11 oz.
- Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 5.8 x 2.9 in.
The Details
The Hoont Advanced Solar Powered Ultrasonic Outdoor Animal and Pest Repeller (Hoont Ultrasonic Pest Repeller) is a solar-powered product that can also be charged through a USB port and comes with the necessary batteries. It combines ultrasonic and motion detecting technologies and will activate its flashing LED lights when it senses that a pest has come too close to it.
It’s capable of sensing motion up to 30 ft. in front of it. The frequency of the high-pitched waves is adjustable, and the entire product is easy to clean and maintain.
Physically, the Hoont Ultrasonic Pest Repeller is small, green, and comes with a stake included. It weighs roughly 11 oz. and will barely be noticed in the garden.
The exterior is weatherproof and water-resistant, though not entirely waterproof. It’s a good idea to protect this from water as best you can.
The dials are on the front exterior for easy access. A stake is included upon purchase, as well as some information about where to put the repeller for best effects. The manufacturers primarily recommend this device to chase away deer, raccoons, stray cats and dogs, and bears.
The Bottom Line
This device is more effective against large pests than small ones, such as working best for deer and raccoons rather than rabbits or squirrels. The instructions can also be confusing to read.
In all, the Hoont Ultrasonic Pest Repeller should be purchased by individuals who have trouble with bigger animals but avoided by those plagued with smaller creatures, but be prepared to return it if you find that it’s not effective for your needs.
![Hoont Advanced Solar Powered Ultrasonic Outdoor Animal and Pest Repeller + Flashing Strobe - Effectively scares Away All Outdoor Pests and Animals - Motion Activated [UPGRADED VERSION]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/514zTs8YjtL._SL160_.jpg)
- GET RID OF ALL ANIMAL INTRUDERS - Blasts all animal intruders out of your property by emitting powerful ultrasonic sounds and flashing LED strobes. Eliminate roaming pest animal problems with this aggressive ultrasonic and flashing light animal repeller. Features three (3) ultrasonic frequency settings, plus an optional on/off LED flashing light.
- HOW IT WORKS - The Hoont Outdoor Animal Pest Repeller blasts a range of powerful ultrasonic sounds and flashing LED strobe lights to scare away a wide variety of pests.
- SOLAR POWERED & EASY TO INSTALL - Simply take it out of the box, stick it into the ground with the included metal stake, and select your desired settings (features 3 ultrasonic frequency settings, an optional on/off LED light, and 7 sensitivity settings). Features a solar panel on top of the device that harnesses the sun's energy and recharges the batteries (3 AA rechargeable batteries included). / Can also be recharged via USB (A USB charging cable is included).
- HUMANE & ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY - No messy chemicals or pesticides, no traps, no dead animals. The Hoont Solar Powered Ultrasonic Animal Repeller gets rid of all animals through emitting a mixture of ultrasonic sounds and powerful flashing LED strobe lights, frightening the intruding animals and pests to leave the area.
- WEATHERPROOF & WATER-RESISTANT - Solid hard plastic construction for withstanding years of rain, snow, ice and wind. Perfect for yards, patios, driveways, garages, attics, porches, boats, gardens, farms, ponds, etc. / PIR Motion sensor: Detects motion from up to 30 Ft. / Size: 6" x 3.5" x 2" / Upgraded components for enhanced performance.
Last update on 2019-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Hydobond Solar Ultrasonic Animal and Pest Repeller
Basic Features
- Non-Toxic and “Green”
- Includes Warranty
- Waterproof
- Weatherproof
- Uses Sound and Light
- Easy to Install
- Sits on a Stake
- Solar-Powered
- Instructions Included
- Can Be Charged with USB Port
Dimensions and Specs
- Weighs 0.5 lbs.
- Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 4.5 x 4.4 in.
- 8-9 Meter Range
The Details
The Hydobond Solar Ultrasonic Animal and Pest Repeller is a small green device attached to a stake that can be placed in the ground anywhere in the yard.
It includes solar panels which charge during the day, which is pretty convenient, but users can also charge the product through an included USB port, which is helpful.
The Hydobond repeller is pretty small and innocuous. Despite its size, this device has an effective range of 8-9 meters and can be put close to or far away from a home for maximum protection.
Users can change the emitted frequency, and a guide is included with the instructions so individuals don’t harm sensitive pet ears.
Unlike some other ultrasonic pest repellers, the Hydobond Solar Ultrasonic Animal and Pest Repeller uses light and sound to drive away unwanted visitors. The included LED lights are triggered when a creature approaches the device, and the lights may help send them away as well as the high-pitched noise.
The repeller is waterproof and weatherproof, designed to survive all sorts of environmental conditions like storms and snow.
A warranty is included with the Hydobond. Each device comes with a 30-day money back guarantee and a 1-year replacement warranty should something go wrong.
The Bottom Line
The Hydobond may be worth trying, as its suite of noisemakers and flashing lights may cause animals to flee. It’s fairly inexpensive, includes a warranty and money-back guarantee, and is waterproof. It’s also easy to install and clean.
Like all the repellers on our list, be prepared to return this one if you find that it doesn’t do what you need. But of all the repellers out there, this one may be worth a shot.
Last update on 2019-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Other Methods of Pest Control Outside
A great deal depends on what pests you’re looking to control!
Gardens and Raised Beds
Here are a few tips. See this article from Virginia Tech for more crop pest control ideas.
Practice Proper Irrigation
Consider watering your plants early in the morning so that they are dry for much of the day. This will help keep rot and insects away. Also, a garden irrigation system may make a big difference in controlling pests.
Last update on 2019-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Fences, Cages, and Floating Row Covers
A floating row cover, fence, or other barriers can make a big difference in keeping pests out of your garden.
Last update on 2019-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Follow Best Practices for Interplanting
Don’t grow all the same type of crop in the same area! If a fungus or disease strikes, it will ravage everything. Instead, mix your plants up for a hardier overall garden.
Polytunnels
You may find that a polytunnel greenhouse will be helpful in controlling pests. While these structures can be penetrated by a determined creature, they keep out many insects and many critters as well. They’re also pretty inexpensive, and will be a big help in extending the growing season and increasing your bounty!
Last update on 2019-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Trash, Compost, and Waste Areas
Protect your trash cans
Consider purchasing a garbage can storage shed to further shelter your garbage cans.
Last update on 2019-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Consider a Tumbling Composter
If you compost, you know that your compost heap can attract all sorts of PITA pests! Consider a tumbling composter, which is sealed. You can see our tips on rodent-proof composters here.
Last update on 2019-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
General Problem Insect Control
This is obviously a pretty broad category. But here are a few options to consider for insect control.
Glass Wasp Traps
Glass wasp traps can be pretty effective at managing wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets while keeping bees where they belong.
Last update on 2019-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Mosquito Bulbs and Killers
Mosquito bulbs and mosquito killers may provide relief from mosquitoes if used correctly.
Last update on 2019-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Bat Houses
Bats are having a rough time at the moment, and they could use the support of the human community! Become a BIMBY and install a bat house in the backyard. These animals love to eat mosquitoes, and they don’t turn you into a vampire, sadly.
Last update on 2019-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Mosquito Foggers
Yeah, propane and electric mosquito foggers work pretty well at controlling mosquitoes, and we understand why people use them. However, they may kill beneficial insects that feed on mosquitoes, which may cause harm in the long run. Not a first choice.
Last update on 2019-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
General Animal Control
You could try using rodent repellent sprays, pheromone sprays, animal urine sprays, and the like in an attempt to control small animals coming through.
Last update on 2019-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Garden Statues
A garden statue of a predator like an owl, hawk, snake, etc. may keep small animals away, if they believe that the animal is real.
Get Some Cats
Cats are certainly nature’s best pest controller, and humans have effectively used them since the dawn of agriculture. Of course, cats are incredibly good hunters and can take a huge toll on birds an the like. Cats are generally indiscriminate killers, and cats kill upwards of 1 billion birds per year. Choose wisely!
Get a Wolf
Wolves work great at keeping pests away. And people. Just about anything, really.
Ok, we’re kidding about that idea!
Conclusion: Best Outdoor Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
Ultrasonic Pest Repellents are pretty sketchy products, and the vast majority should be avoided. However, it’s not completely insane, and many find that they are successful at repelling certain pests in certain situations — especially those that use a combination of light, sound, and ultrasound.
We would suggest you proceed with caution and skepticism when purchasing a URP, and be prepared to return if you find it’s not doing what you want. Also, Ultrasonic emitters should not be your first round of defense, and it’s worth trying some alternatives before you dive into woo-woo technology.
As we said above, these three outdoor pest repellers are potentially worth trying out.
Last update on 2019-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Good luck!
Thanks , I’ve just been searching for info approximately this topic for a while and yours iss the
best I’ve found out till now. But, what about the conclusion? Are you sure about the
source?
Thanks. I think the conclusions are pretty reasonable, and I’ve tried to stick to pretty authoritative sources (scientific studies, universities) in my sourcing as best I could on this one!