Are the ultrasonic pest repellant units safe around squirrels?

[Jack'sMom]

We are having an issue with mice all of a sudden. Everyone wants to get some of those ultrasonic pest repellent devices, but I am worried as it can be dangerous to use around our little Jack. Each unit is good for up to 1800 sq ft, making room just outside that parameter. But I'm still scared that it may be bad for him. I am not sure how hard it is on the ears, though he acts as if he's deaf if I tell him he cannot do something!

Here is what the ad says:

100% SAFE FOR YOUR FAMILY AND PETS: Our electronic pest control device works by emitting high frequency sound waves that irritate mice, mosquitoes, flies, rats, roaches, crickets, and other rodents and bugs. The sound is inaudible by humans and pets and therefore do not cause any harm. The devices do not emit any chemicals.

How can it be effective on rodents, but not affect squirrels...who are still rodents, but still our babies? How do I know it is not hurting his ears?

I have tried contacting individual companies, but no one has responded. If anyone out there is familiar with this type products, please let me know your thoughts.

Thanks ever so much.....Jack'sMom

[TubeDriver]

Mice are supposed to be able to hear up to 100kHz. One study found that Fox squirrels can hear up to ~50kHz.


You could ask the manufacturer what the freq range of the device is. My guess is that it is possible that Jack will hear it. What effect it will have I do not know.





Try to close up any entry holes from the outside that could be a doorway for the mice. You can use live catch and release traps and release the mice at a nearby park.

[stepnstone]

I have a neighbor that put such a device in her attic....
She has to disarm/unplug it when her dad visits with his German shepherd as it effects the dog.
The shepherd became agitated and wanted out of the house.
A friend also had a device at her parents house that had to be disarmed when their caretaker
is there with her Shih Tzu. Her dog would whine if it were left on.

[CritterMom]

Most of them warn not to use if you have little rodent pets like hamsters, etc.

BTW. They do NOTHING about the mice. I used to have one and came downstairs in the middle of the night for water and found a mouse sitting ON it, plugged into the wall, happily eating a chocolate chip. I told him he was just being a jerk!

[Jack'sMom]

Thank you to all. I have tried to work with the manufacturers, but they are not responding. Ugh!!!

Their ears must have been burning. JNK Direct just replied that the output is 1W. Do you know how that applies, or do you still need the frequency to tell if it would affect him?

Thanks again ~
Jack'sMom

[TubeDriver]

Need the frequency range. Output of 1w does not really help. We would need to know the efficiency of the driver in order to know how loud it gets but that still leaves out the freq range.

I think your best be is to 1) try to close up any entry ways 2) make sure not food is available to be stolen by the mice 3) use a live trap and relocate them when caught.


Mice are sneaky and fast, they may be stealing food from your squirrel's cage while he is asleep.



Thank you to all. I have tried to work with the manufacturers, but they are not responding. Ugh!!!

Their ears must have been burning. JNK Direct just replied that the output is 1W. Do you know how that applies, or do you still need the frequency to tell if it would affect him?

Thanks again ~
Jack'sMom

[stepnstone]

BTW. They do NOTHING about the mice. I used to have one and came downstairs in the middle of the night for water and
found a mouse sitting ON it, plugged into the wall, happily eating a chocolate chip. I told him he was just being a jerk!


http://www.sherv.net/cm/emo/happy/rolling-on-the-floor-laughing-smiley-emoticon.gif

[Scooterzmom]

I would not be in favor of installing a unit in my house with my NRs around.
I remember visiting one house where they had one and when I asked what it was the owner said they’d had a squirrel problem and had tried all kinds of ways to prevent the squirrels from getting in but finally got “rid of the problem” with that. ☹️

[frankc]

Thank you to all. I have tried to work with the manufacturers, but they are not responding. Ugh!!!

Their ears must have been burning. JNK Direct just replied that the output is 1W. Do you know how that applies, or do you still need the frequency to tell if it would affect him?

Thanks again ~
Jack'sMom

Hi. The 1 Watt is the power output, meaning in lay terms the signal strength. The more the power the further the signal will travel. As to how loud it would be would be is measured in DBM,S this the electrical unit measure of sound. If you can find out on the unit you are looking at, the Frequency of the sounds it is emitting it would be very helpful other wise it would be just a guess and hope. However if the squirrel can hear it it will drive him crazy and create a lot of stress for him or her. If you find out the frequency please let us know and I can tell you more from there.

[stepnstone]

I typed this in my browser: Are the ultrasonic pest repellent units safe around squirrels?
This page came up... https://www.bing.com/search?q=Are+the+ultrasonic+pest+repellant+units+s afe+around+squirrels%3F&form=SL5IDF&pc=SL5I
There's enough mentions of squirrel repelling on this one page alone that tells me I wouldn't
use one regardless of frequency!