Are ultrasonic rodent repellers safe for dogs?
The Science of Dogs Hearing Rodent Repellents
This is made worse by the fact that dogs have such a keen sense of hearing and are very sensitive to sound. However, the good news is that the sound will not harm your dog or cause any lasting damage – it may simply cause short term distress.
Why People Use Ultrasonic Mouse Repellers
People typically use ultrasonic mouse and pest repellers for the following reasons:
The intentions are responsible and humane on the part of those who use these electronic repellents as pest control. However, humans may be unaware of the effects that these devices have on other animals in the home because they can’t detect either the frequency or volume of the sound.
Since humans are unable to hear sounds at that frequency, they would not be aware of the volume of such sounds. In order for the electronic repellents to work, however, the sounds must be projected at a certain volume so that the rodents within range can hear them and be discouraged from approaching. Therefore, it’s primarily the volume rather than the frequency of these devices that affect pets in the home.
The majority of manufacturers that produce ultrasonic mouse repellers claim that such devices do not harm dogs. This is true in the sense that high frequencies alone don’t cause discomfort to dogs, even though they can hear them. In fact, ultrasonic devices, such as dog whistles, are often used in training and communication with dogs.
Since ultrasonic mouse repellers would not be associated with a dog’s training or communication with its human, canine pets in the home would most likely ignore the high-pitched sounds. Dogs are exposed to ultrasonic sounds nearly every day, but they generally don’t react to them unless they are associated with a human’s communication or training methods.
Though the frequencies of ultrasonic repellent devices may not affect dogs in the home, the volume certainly can—especially for a dog with a nervous disposition. Users of such repellents report that dogs generally have three possible reactions when the device is introduced:
These reactions don’t indicate serious harm or discomfort on the part of canine pets, but there is the potential for ultrasonic repellents to cause some stress and irritation for dogs living in homes where they are used. Pet owners should consult their veterinarian before using such repellents and especially observe dogs for any signs of distress, as each dog can react differently.
Dogs utilize body language to show their comfort level. Signs of distress include:
In addition, these devices should not be used in rooms where dogs spend their time—particularly eating and sleeping. If pet owners notice their dogs are reacting apprehensively with increased stress, they should discontinue using the ultrasonic mouse repeller immediately.
Manufacturers of ultrasonic mouse repellers claim that such devices do not harm cats just as they don’t harm dogs. Cats can actually hear more sounds at a higher pitch than most dogs, in the frequency range of 55 to nearly 80 kilohertz.
Unlike their canine counterparts, felines don’t use their ultrasonic hearing abilities for communication with humans. However, they most likely utilize this keen hearing for hunting since many rodent species make ultrasonic calls.
Cats are extremely sensitive to changes in the home, which can cause them distress. In addition, cats are averse to loud noises which can also result in feelings of anxiety and irritation. Therefore, the presence of a high-pitched ultrasonic frequency would not necessarily impact cats on its own—but the sudden and persistent volume of the noise could certainly affect a pet cat in a negative way.
By nature, it can be more difficult to determine how something affects a cat compared to a dog. Like dogs, cats use body language to communicate. However, their reactions can be much less overt and clear. Signs of distress in cats include:
Many of these distress signs in cats are also indications of medical issues. Therefore, before assuming that deactivating the ultrasonic repellent will solve the problem, cat owners should report the behaviors and consult their veterinarian for medical advice.
Ultrasonic mouse repellers have a negative impact on rabbits, particularly those that are kept as pets in the home. Rabbits are prey animals and therefore are naturally cautious and on high alert, even when domesticated. Their senses are easily stimulated which makes them more prone to fear and alarm than other animals. This also makes them highly susceptible to experiencing stress.
Some clear signs of stress in rabbits are:
Though rabbits tend to be anxious animals by nature, they are easily stressed by changes in their environment. Sudden changes, in particular, can trigger their stress response. Therefore, those who have pet rabbits need to be especially aware of their well-being. Rabbits take comfort in routine and habit and become dependent on predictability in their surroundings. Any changes should be introduced gradually.
In addition, rabbits have very sensitive hearing and are perpetually alert to sounds around them. As such, loud noises cause them great distress. Again, when it comes to ultrasonic mouse repellers, the volume puts rabbits at more risk for anxiety than the frequency of the sounds.
Though manufacturers of ultrasonic repellents discourage consumers from using them if they have rabbits in the home, some make stipulations that the devices can be used in rooms where pet rabbits don’t spend time. This is misleading, considering the sudden change of sound that the device would introduce to the home and its potential volume to sensitive rabbit ears.
Therefore, due to the sudden environmental change and potential volume of ultrasonic pest control devices, rabbit owners should avoid their use altogether.
Do ultrasonic pest repellers interfere with WIFI?
NO! Ultrasonic pest repellers are a hoax and have fooled many unsuspecting consumers.
Testing Out the Victor PESTCHASER Ultrasonic Rodent Repeller. Does It Work?
There’s been a lot of hype around ultrasonic pest control, not to mention marketing efforts. Electric pest repellers range in cost from $10 all the way up to $800. The reason they’ve received so much publicity is because many ultrasonic pest control devices position themselves as “safer” or “easier” ways to control pest populations in homes. But, the big questions are, how do these devices repel pests and do they actually work?
Ultrasonic Pest Repeller devices use high-frequency, ultrasonic sound waves that are above the range of sounds that humans can hear or process. In theory, the noise from the device causes a psychological response in pests that leads to distress. Pests will then flee from the room or area where these signals are present, freeing homes of pests without chemicals or much effort at all.
Most of these ultrasonic pest repellers are intended to be plugged into wall outlets and claim to protect the room in which they’re located. According to the instructions, harder and more reflective surfaces like cabinets, mirrors, and countertops increase the effectiveness of electric pest repellers. There are also battery operated options marketed toward individuals who enjoy spending time outside and want to keep mosquitos away, along with rodents, birds and other bugs often found outdoors.