Electronic Repellents: Do They Work?

The earth is home to not just humans, but also many other species of plants and animals. As such, humans should reasonably expect to co-exist with these other species. Whilst the larger animal varieties do not usually descend upon human settlements, smaller animals and insects tend to be frequent – but often unwanted – visitors. It is this latter group that is commonly defined as ‘pests’, and many businesses have developed countermeasures to deal with pest invasions.

The traditional methods of dealing with pests were either traps or poisons, but thanks to the technological and scientific advancements, a third type of pest control has made its way into the market.Electronic pest control encompasses all pest control applications that are electronically powered in one way or the other. These are generally divided into two main categories, namely, the electromagnetic pest repeller (EM pest repellers) and the ultrasonic pest repellers. These pest repellents are still somewhat new to the market, and there is general confusion on whether they are actually efficient or not.

One of the main reasons fuelling these doubts is the lack of rigorous testing these devices undergo: most countries in the world mandate laboratory and third-party testing for chemical pesticides (and traps generally work as long as you use them correctly), but electronic pest control has yet to be tested under government directives.Before diving into the question of whether these devices are truly effective or not, it is important to gain an understanding of the two categories. The EM pest repellents basically make use of the existent electrical wiring in a home in order to create electromagnetic waves that can affect the nervous system of pests and thereby make them uncomfortable (e.g. there are many snake deterrents that make use of vibrations).

On the other hand, the ultrasonic pest control devices make use of high-frequency noises (which are beyond the usual human hearing range of frequencies) that can simply irritate the pests.It should be understood that electronic pest control methods have mixed results. There have been no conclusive studies claiming whether this device fully works hundred percent – but there also have not been any studies that show they do not work at all. It is best to stick to middle ground – these devices are definitely capable of reducing your troubles with pests, but they would not be a recommended choice if you are suffering from an infestation (in which case you should definitely consult a professional!). However, if your home is bothered by the occasional pest, then by all means, using these devices should be worthwhile.