by Derrick |
Last Updated: July 9, 2021 In the last few years, we have heard a lot of buzz about ultrasonic pest repellers. We have seen a lot of marketing efforts to praise this pest control system. This boom explains that these ultrasonic devices are positioned as safer and easier to use options for controlling pest populations in homes. From this premise, several questions arise. Are these devices effective, are they safe for humans, or are they safe for birds?
Regarding the question of whether ultrasonic pest repellers are safe for birds, the answer is generally yes. The safety of ultrasonic pest repellers on birds lies in the fact that they produce high-frequency sound waves above most birds’ hearing range.
However, it is essential to observe the behavior of our birds closely. There may be cases in which particular species are much more sensitive to this type of sound. This is why it is essential to be very attentive to any change in our pet’s behavior and go to the veterinarian immediately. But we must better understand how this innovative equipment works to know how it may or may not affect our delicate and sensitive pets.
What Are Ultrasonic Pest Repellers, And How Do They Work?
Ultrasonic pest repellers are devices that emit sounds at a very high frequency to scare away or even injure rodents, insects, and other pests that appear in the house.
The ultrasound is high-frequency equipment that disorients or disturbs pests, causing them to flee to other locations.
How Do Ultrasonic Pest Repellers Work?
These devices use high-frequency ultrasonic sound waves above the range of sound that humans and birds can process. The theory is that the noise produced by this equipment will generate a psychological response in pests of distress or anger.
The equipment triggers a state of mind in the pests that will cause them to flee the place where they are. In this way, your home is free of pests without having to use chemicals and without effort.
The way to use them is to plug them in the room or space you want to protect from pests. The instructions for using ultrasonic pest repellers indicate that we can have better results if we follow specific recommendations.
The ideal is to place these devices on hard and reflective surfaces such as cabinets, mirrors, or countertops. In this way, the effectiveness of the ultrasonic pest repellers will be higher.
We can also find battery-operated devices for those who want to use them outdoors to keep mosquitoes, rodents, and other insects away.
The Real Advantages And Disadvantages Of Ultrasonic Pest Repellers
This controversial equipment has many people who love it. Still, it also has many people who consider it to be a marketing hoax. Below we will see its main advantages and disadvantages so that everyone can draw their conclusions.
Main Advantages
- It is safe equipment in general terms. With this equipment, we do not have to use toxic or dangerous chemicals. This fact protects us and our pets.
- It is cheap. We can find ultrasonic pest repellers for less than $100, and they consume very little electricity. The other point in its favor is that it is a one-time investment. We don’t have to spend extra money on accessories or spare parts.
- They are effective for different types of pests. It is practically multi-pest repellers equipment. It is not like other devices that work for only one kind of pest.
Main Disadvantages
- Many people doubt its effectiveness. Some studies suggest that it does not work. In 2002, Kansas State University stated that they work for only one type of pest and not for all pests. Other sources say they do not work at all. This debate is still open, and it is still impossible to say that they work 100%.
- Pests get used to the sound. Some sources say that pests can get accustomed to ultrasonic sound. After a while, it will not have any repellent effect.
- The range of the ultrasonic pest repellers is concise. The range covers only one room. This fact means that a single device will not be enough to protect a house.
Are Ultrasonic Pest Repellents Safe?
As we have already seen, ultrasonic pest repellers are safe for humans. However, their effectiveness is not a fact yet. In theory, they emit a sound more significant than 20 kHz. This sound is a frequency level undetectable by the human ear.
Ultrasonic pest repellers are a safe and environmentally friendly alternative that helps keep pests away. But the question on our minds is whether they are also safe equipment for our pets.
Are Ultrasonic Pest Repellents Safe For Our Pets?
Ultrasonic pest repellers emit high-pitched ultrasonic sounds to keep pests away. This sound can sometimes disturb pets.
Suppose you have rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, or other small pets in your home. In that case, these devices can cause them varying degrees of distress, depending on how close the pet is to the device.
We have also known that ultrasonic pest repellers can affect certain types of reptiles. Although we know that dogs and cats can hear ultrasonic sounds, these devices do not usually affect them. The sound of the equipment would have to be extremely loud to affect dogs and cats.
Are Ultrasonic Pest Repellers Safe For Birds?
There is a very revealing study from the University of Nebraska. Birds have hearing abilities similar to that of humans. In this study, they determined that birds hear best in the range of 1 to 4 kHz. This range means that no bird species can listen to above 20 kHz.
But although humans and birds hear at similar frequencies, birds are more sensitive to sounds. Most scientific evidence indicates that ultrasonic pest repellers would not harm domestic birds that are household pets.
However, bird owners need to keep a close eye on their birds’ behavior. You should early detect any signs of stress caused by the ultrasonic sound. Suppose we see that our bird begins to lose feathers or behaves aggressively. In that case, it is time to take it to the veterinarian.
Effects Of Ultrasonic Pest Repellers On Other Domestic Animals
Perhaps the most popular pets among humans, apart from birds, are dogs, cats, and rabbits. But apart from these animals, some people have as pets other less common animals. We will check some of the effects of this equipment on other animals.
Rodents
In this group, we have hamsters, guinea pigs, and chinchillas as pets. As ultrasonic pest repellents must repel rodent pests, we should not have this equipment in the house if we have any of these animals as pets.
Amphibians
This group includes frogs. Frogs can hear ultrasonic sounds. It is clear yet if this device has any effect on frogs or amphibians, but since we do not know, it is best not to have this equipment if our pet is a frog.
Reptiles
In this group are snakes, lizards, and lizards as pets. In principle, snakes would not be affected because they listen through vibrations. But lizards could be affected if there are ultrasonic pest repellers in the house. There are devices designed to scare away lizards and salamanders.
A Final Thought On Ultrasonic Pest Repellers And Birds
Ultrasonic pest repellers are safe as a form of pest control. These devices are not only safe for humans, but they are also safe for birds. Neither people nor birds can hear the sounds produced by these devices. However, it is always a good idea to keep a close eye on our birds. Any change in our pet’s behavior is a clear sign that its health could be at risk.
Sources:
https://pestcontroliq.com/are-ultrasonic-pest-repellers-safe-for-birds
https://www.quora.com/Are-ultrasonic-pest-repellers-safe-to-use-around-my-birds
http://www.parrotforums.com/lovebirds/51261-lovebirds-high-frequency-pest-repellents
https://qcostarica.com/are-ultrasonic-pest-repellers-safe-for-people-and-pets
https://how-to-get-rid-of-mice.com/ultrasonic-pest-repellers
