Discover why you can hear your ultrasonic pest repeller. Understand the causes and find expert solutions to address the issue effectively.
July 23, 2024
4 min read time
This information is reviewed by an independent pest control expert.
All external links are non-affiliated and for informational purposes only
Ultrasonic pest repellers are a popular choice for keeping unwanted pests like mice, rats, and insects at bay.
They are designed to emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to pests but inaudible to humans.
However, you might be surprised, perhaps even concerned, when you start hearing sounds supposedly undetectable to the human ear.
Let’s explore why you can hear your ultrasonic pest repeller and what it means.
Table of Contents
Before we dive into the details of why you might hear your ultrasonic pest repeller, it’s essential to understand what these devices are and how they work.
Ultrasonic pest repellers emit sound waves at high frequencies, generally ranging from 20 kHz to 65 kHz.
These sound waves are designed to create an uncomfortable environment for pests, driving them away from your home without using harmful chemicals.
Pest repellers typically use:
Although these devices are marketed as silent for humans, some people do report hearing them. There are several reasons why this might happen:
Human hearing capabilities can vary significantly from person to person.
Younger individuals, especially children and teenagers, often have a higher sensitivity to high frequencies compared to adults.
As we age, our ability to hear high-frequency sounds typically decreases, a condition called presbycusis.
Not all ultrasonic pest repellers operate solely in the ultrasonic range (above 20 kHz).
Some devices also generate sounds in the lower frequency range that can be detected by human ears.
If your repeller produces sound waves near or around 20 kHz, there’s a good chance some adults and children might hear it.
In some cases, the ultrasonic pest repeller might not be functioning correctly, emitting sounds within the audible range for humans.
This can happen due to manufacturing defects or extended wear and tear.
Here are some telltale signs:
The environment in which the ultrasonic pest repeller operates can also impact the sounds you hear. Factors include:
If you can hear your ultrasonic pest repeller, here are some steps you can take:
If the sound persists and remains bothersome, you might want to consider other pest control methods:
While ultrasonic pest repellers are a convenient and non-toxic option for pest control, the sounds they emit can sometimes be heard by humans due to various factors like age, device malfunction, or environmental elements.
By understanding these aspects, you can make informed decisions and find the most suitable pest control solutions for your home.
If you have any questions or need further advice, feel free to reach out to our team of experts. We’re here to help you create a pest-free and comfortable living environment!
Hey, sometimes ultrasonic repellers emit sounds that are within human hearing range, especially if they’re cheaply made or defective.
That’s right. Not all devices are created equal. Some might inadvertently produce a lower frequency.
People often confuse ultrasound with just a high-pitched noise, but true ultrasonic frequencies should be inaudible.
Interesting! Maybe I got a faulty one. I’ll try replacing it and see if that fixes the issue.
Not just the quality but also the age and use of the device can affect the sound it makes. Ultrasonic devices can degrade over time.
Make sure you don’t have anything in your room that could cause the ultrasound to slow down. The objects in the room make a difference
I think sound waves can bounce off surfaces and interfere with each other, potentially creating harmonics you can actually hear.
Hello, Try to position the device where there aren’t too many objects around.
Has anyone else been able to hear their ultrasonic pest repeller? I thought these things were supposed to be silent.
Yes! I’ve experienced the same. I did some research, and it turns out some people can hear higher frequencies better than others. It’s actually not uncommon.