It’s annoying to see ants all over your space.
Just drops of juice on your counter or a couple of bread crumbs on your floor can leave your space swarming with ants.
Ants are not easy to get rid of too. You might think you have eliminated them, but they keep springing up around your home.
Apart from how irritating it is to see ants all over your home, some species of ants can bite when they are on you. Although these bites do not generally spread diseases, they can be itchy and uncomfortable. Ants like the carpenter ants and fire ants can be more troublesome than other species.
If you have tried other pest control methods and want to try these electronic devices, we can help out. This guide will tell you about ultrasonic pest repellers and how you can use them to repel pests, especially ants.
Ultrasonic pest repellers are electronic devices that radiate sound waves called ultrasound waves.
Do ultrasound waves appear familiar? Yes, these are the same waves used to scan fetuses in the womb.
So, ultrasound waves or ultrasonic frequencies are high-frequency sounds inaudible to humans. We can not hear these particular sound waves because they are above our hearing range. However, animals and insects can audibly hear ultrasonic sounds.
Ultrasonic devices need a power source to work, and this could be an electrical outlet or batteries. Some outdoor ultrasonic pest control devices use solar power, too, although these models are better suited for outdoors.
After connecting to a power source, the device emits an ultrasonic sound. This sound is not pleasant to ants, so they will gradually begin to move away from that area. While all this is going on, you do not hear anything.
But are ultrasonic pest devices better than other pest control methods, especially for ants?
Let’s look at four advantages you have using ultrasonic pest repellers.
One of the biggest advantages of using these repellents is that they save you some cash.
You don’t need to keep buying them every week or month like traps. One ultrasonic pest repellent can chase away ants in your home for up to five years!
Although the exact time will differ according to different manufacturers, these devices generally last for years. They are not expensive, and you can get a decent ultrasonic pest repellent for anywhere around $30-50.
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2. They are not toxic
Are you scared of your kids or pets ingesting pest poison around your home?
With ultrasonic devices, you don’t have to worry about this.
These devices are completely non-toxic to both humans and pets alike. There is no danger of inhaling dangerous gases, unlike insecticides, because ultrasonic pest repellers do not emit any. There is no harm in touching these devices or coming in contact with them.
They are eco-friendly as they only use power: no chemicals, no toxins.
3. Useful for other kinds of pests
When you buy ultrasonic devices, you can eliminate ants and other types of bugs and pests.
So if you have a bed bug or mosquito problem, you don’t need to buy a pest repellent for each type of insect.
Generally, the pest repellent that works on ants works for other bugs.
The same repellent can eliminate all pests at the same time!
However, if you want to eliminate rodents, you might have to check for a different pest repellent as those for rodents are stronger. Ants do not need something that strong because of their size. Nonetheless, a rodent repellent can get rid of ants too.
4. Easy to use and maintain
Ultrasonic pest repellers are very easy to use.
They don’t come with complex instructions or a long manual. All you need to do is plug it into an outlet or put some batteries in it. Once you switch the device on, it starts working immediately.
Some of them come with a cord you can use to move them closer to problem areas. Maintenance of these devices is inexpensive too, and you don’t need to check them every time like traps.
Simple cleaning from time to time and regular inspection will keep it running smoothly for months.
How long does it take for ultrasonic pest repellers to work?
You should not expect to find a pile of ants dead the minute you switch on your ultrasonic pest repeller.
Like every other control method, you have to be patient. An ultrasonic pest repellent starts working immediately, although it may take some days before you can see significant results.
Most manufacturers say the ultrasonic pest repellers work after two or three weeks. After three weeks of use, check if the ant activity in your home has been reduced, and if it has, then the repellent is working well.
If there’s no difference, it could be either of two things: the ultrasonic pest repeller is not positioned correctly, or you’re not using enough repellents in your home. Your home needs more than just one device.
Most repellents can handle an average room well. As a rule, assign one ultrasonic pest repellent to 800-1000 sq. feet of space. One pest repellent may not be effective for a big room or garage. In this case, opt for more than one ultrasonic device.
Positioning your ultrasonic pest repeller behind a wall or a heavy object might be making your device ineffective. Please place it in plain sight, where it can reach those pesky ants. Think of the ultrasonic waves like light.
If something is blocking their path, they won’t reach where they are supposed to.
*Is ultrasonic pest repeller effective?
The big question is: Is an ultrasonic pest repeller effective, or is it a hoax?
Ultrasonic pest repellers are effective when they are used the right way.
Firstly, you should make sure the particular pest repellent you are buying is suitable for ants.
Some repellents are designed specifically for rodents or larger animals. Also, ensure the repellent you see using is suitable for your space. If you have a bigger space, confirm it can cover a wider range than those intended for just single room use.
An ultrasonic device may also be less effective in a home with a lot of furniture.
If you have a lot of couches or pieces of furniture, then this can reduce the effectiveness of these devices.
Overall, it’s best to combine other pest control methods of your choice with ultrasonic pest repellers for maximum impact.
Can I use ultrasonic sound repellents around my pets?
Remember earlier we said that animals could hear an ultrasonic sound?
Yes, your pets may be able to hear these sounds too. Will it affect them in any way?
The short answer is no.
Your pets will not be affected by these sound waves.
For example, your dog might be able to pick up the sound waves but be indifferent about them.
How about small pets?
If you have smaller pets than cats around your home, like rabbits, then you might be worried.
Ultrasonic sound waves can affect these kinds of rodent pets since they are almost the same size as the pests you want to eliminate. You can reduce the discomfort by positioning the pest repellents away from your pets. Do not situate the electronic devices around areas in your house your pet likes to frequent.
If you have a hamster or any other pet in a cage, ensure an object in front of the cage and the ultrasonic pest repellent, like a couch or bookshelf. This way, the repellent won’t harm your little pet as it only works around its line of sight.
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Do ultrasonic pest repellers affect wifi or household devices?
Have you ever heard ultrasonic devices could interfere with your home’s wifi and cellular connection?
This is why some homeowners are skeptical about using ultrasonic devices for pest control in their homes.
Well, ultrasonic pest repellers do not affect wifi, and you can still use your wifi normally, even with pest repellents. If you notice any disruption in your wifi soon after installing a pest repellent, then you should check the device.
Ultrasonic pest repellers work better away from your wifi source. As for cellular connection and phone reception, electronic pest repellers may cause occasional disturbances.
These disturbances are not serious in many cases and will only last for a few minutes. If you get reception issues a lot, consider moving the ultrasonic past repellent away from where your landline or modem is.
As for electronic devices, few reports show that ultrasonic pest repellers work by interfering with other devices.
But suppose you use a security system in your home. In that case, an ultrasonic pest repeller may disturb their function, especially when you have three or more electronic pest repellers in one house.
Those using pacemakers or other internal equipment need not be worried. Ultrasonic pest repellents work without affecting them. Some hearing aid users complain of interference from time to time, but nothing too major.
In what ways can I keep ants out of my home?
Using a sonic ant repellent alone might not be the best solution for your home, especially if you have an ant infestation.
For ants to be eliminated quickly, you have to combine ultrasonic repellents with another pest control method.
This combination might look simple, but insects dread it. Vinegar acts on the exoskeleton of insects, causing them to die in the process. Water is often used to drown insects, and using only vinegar would be expensive.
- To use, mix vinegar and water in equal parts.
Use the solution to wipe down areas you commonly see ants. Drop some vinegar into their holes, too, if you can find them.
Baits can significantly reduce the number of ants in your home. Just lure them with something small like sugar, and they will come out in their numbers, only to fall right into your trap.
A dirt house is always attractive to any pest. Keeping your house clean is another surefire way of eliminating ants. Clean up as often and as soon as possible, especially after meals. Dispose of snack packets properly to avoid ants foraging for them in clusters.
It’s important you properly cover food and drinks in your home, especially sweet stuff. Keep them in airtight containers where sugar ants will not be able to get to. Do not leave candy lying around in your house too.
Conclusion
Ants, like other pests, can constitute a nuisance around your home if you don’t handle them promptly.
Ants are destructive, too, especially in large numbers, when they can ruin your food and create small holes in your property.
Using an ultrasonic pest repellent is one way to eliminate and prevent ants from taking over your home. Before buying pest repellers, ensure such devices are suited for home use.
While some repellents work better outside, others are fabulous indoors. If you have a serious pest problem or the ant community in your home is too much, it’s best you call a pest control company.
