Infobreaks Newsletter

Electronic Pest Control: Is It a Safer Option?

Get rid of your unwanted pests without the use of pesticides. Sounds like a fantasy, doesn’t it? After all, some of these critters like the cockroach have been around for millions of years and are still as hardy as they ever were. Many pesticides and poisons just irritate them more than anything else. That is why some people are going for electronic pest control methods.

You have likely seen versions of different electronic pest control machines that utilize high frequency ultrasonic sound waves. Home shopping networks, infomercials, garden centers, pet supply stores and home improvement stores are some of the places where these devices can be found. In addition, home and garden catalogs also carry them.

All you have to do is plug in the ultrasonic electronic pest control device in a centralized location, then let it do its job. Typically, most manufacturers of these machines claim that the sound waves can keep your pests away for as far as one thousand feet. Your common variety pests like roaches, ants, fleas, mice and other rodents and insects are thwarted. The result is a friendly solution, not only for the environment, but also for you and your family and pets too.

There is some debate as to whether or not these electronic pest control devices really work. Many pest control professionals say that the machines do not do the job the manufacturer claims it does. You are probably thinking, “A pest control guy? Wouldn’t they say that just to keep their job?” Not necessarily. They have to be up on the latest and great pest control solutions and if a machine works, they would sell the device too.

Many people do swear by their ultrasonic electronic pest control machines. They say that their family is healthier, thanks to no pesticides and chemicals being used. Their pest population has decreased in numbers too. Similarly, many people swear that these devices do absolutely nothing to reduce the crawly critters and rodents. In fact, they go as far as saying that the ultrasonic device affects the behavior of some of their pets. The consensus from scientists and researchers is that these ultrasonic devices do not work, but they will not really hurt anything either.

Manufacturers of some of these devices admit that the ultrasonic waves will not all together get rid of your rodents and insects, but that they can aggravate them enough to relocate temporarily. This scenario is how they market their device and claim that while the pests are gone, you would have enough time to take preventative measures like fixing foundation problems where these pests get in.

Because there are no conclusive reports and studies accurately measuring the effectiveness of these ultrasonic electronic pest control devices, consumers cannot make an informed educated purchasing decision. Being fed up with pesticides and poisons that do not work is what gets many people to try these machines. Are they a safer alternative to pesticides? Sure, but if the machine will not work for you, you are back to square one anyway.