Updated On

December 31, 2023

Why You Can Trust Us

Today’s Homeowner exists to help you maintain or improve your home safely and effectively. We uphold strict editorial standards and carefully vet the advice and resources referenced in our articles. Click below to learn more about our review process and how we earn money.

Learn More

    Ultrasonic pest repellers are a relatively new invention designed to deter pests from invading homes through noise that is difficult for humans and pets to hear. But when choosing a repeller, there’s some key information people need to know to buy the best one and actually get results.

    Continue reading to learn how ultrasonic repellers work and what to look for when shopping for your own.

    Our Pick
    Terminix_logo

    4.6

    Over 90 years of experience

    Nationwide service area

    Free retreatments if pests return

    GET ESTIMATES
    Limited Time:
    Get $50 OFF Pest Control Plan
    Best Service Selection
    orkin logo

    4.7

    Treats 20 types of pests

    Offers instant online quotes

    30-day money-back guarantee

    GET ESTIMATES
    Limited Time:
    $50 Off First Service (GET50)

    What Are Ultrasonic Pest Repellers?

    Ultrasonic pest repellers are devices that emit a consistent noise at a frequency that’s too high for humans to hear. These sound waves are designed to distract, annoy, and deter common household pests such as cockroaches, spiders, grasshoppers, and rodents.


    How Do Ultrasonic Repellers Work?

    Ultrasonic repellers are simple to use. An individual either plugs the device into an electrical outlet or switches it on. The repeller should be placed in a location where its noise will not be affected by walls and furniture.  Ultrasonic waves transmit at an extremely high frequency.

    The waves can be stopped or suppressed by solid objects, which is why it’s important to have the repeller facing an open area.

    Ultrasonic pest-repelling devices require electricity to function. It is plugged into an outlet and starts to emit a high frequency that is difficult for humans and other larger animals to hear.

    The sounds and wavelengths released by the repeller is designed to cause a physiological response in pests. The full name for it is an audiogenic seizure response.  The noise disorients the pest to the point where they begin to run in random directions, become confused, convulse, and eventually die from cerebral hemorrhaging.

    Are There Ultrasonic Repellers For Cars?

    If you live in a wooded area with lots of trees and shrubbery, you might have a problem with chipmunks, mice, and rats trying to nest inside your car.

    Some ultrasonic repellers are specially made to be placed under your hood to keep these rodents out . The Installation is slightly more technical, but nothing a normal car owner couldn’t handle after reading through the directions.


    Are Ultrasonic Pest Repellers Effective?

    Sometimes.

    The use of ultrasound to deter pests is a relatively new idea, although sound itself has been used as far back as Ancient China. Rodents suffer from noticeable effects from the ultrasound, but some studies found that creatures like spiders and ants simply don’t care.

    Other studies have found that pest repellers may actually attract mosquitoes. But, if you’re someone who wants to avoid chemical forms of pest control, then investing in an ultrasonic pest repeller could be right for you to at least try around your home.

    There are many accounts of people finding success with pest repellers, so I would recommend at least attempting to use them if you want to avoid chemical treatments.

    Today’s Homeowner Tips

    Ultrasonic devices tend to work better on rodents than insects. Mice, rats, and other small animals with sensitive hearing hate the noise and it should drive them away.

    Read Also: What are the best mouse traps?


    How to Choose the Best Ultrasonic Repeller

    Because consumer-focused ultrasonic pest repellers have only recently hit the market in the last decade or so, there are quite a few options available.

    But how can you tell if you’ve found a good one?

    Strength and Range of Your Repeller

    Different devices use varying levels of ultrasonic waves. How high or low the waves are is called the frequency. The key to finding a reliable ultrasonic repeller is using one which has a frequency that won’t affect you and your pets, but will prevent pests from infesting.

    Devices with higher frequencies are less likely to harm other animals in your home, but will annoy and stop creatures like rodents from entering.

    In general, 60Hz is a good frequency to look for.

    Longevity of Your Repeller

    Disposable pest repellers will not last as long as a more expensive model, which could last for years. These disposable models are less expensive but require frequent replacements because of their cheap design.

    However, it’s easier to purchase enough to fill multiple rooms. People who know they have one area which attracts pests should invest in a long-lasting model. Individuals who would rather have all-around protection during a short period of time can buy low-cost alternative repellers.


    How To Protect Pets From Side Effects of Ultrasonic Waves

    Many people are naturally worried about the safety of their pets when using an ultrasonic pest device.

    Studies found that cats and dogs, although they can hear the waves, are unaffected by low exposure to them. The difference comes from the fact that dogs and cats can’t hear as high of frequencies as many rodents.

    Rodents such as pet mice, hamsters, and rats should be kept away from rooms that use the device because they can hear the noise and will be disturbed.


    Our Top Ultrasonic Repeller Picks

    Now that you know a little more about ultrasonic repellers, you’re ready to start shopping. Take a look below for the top 6 in our list. Then, continue reading for our full buying guide.

    1. MaxMoxie Pest Repeller
    2. WahooArt
    3. Aigoo Ultrasonic Pest Repeller 
    4. Loraffe Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
    5. Abilly Solar Ultrasonic Repellent
    6. Diaotec Pest Repeller

    Our Top Pick: MaxMoxie Ultrasonic Pest Repeller

    Our #1 pick goes to the Max Moxie Pest Repeller. Out of the repellers we looked out, the MaxMoxie had the most positive authentic reviews across the board.

    If you look around the internet, you’ll find that there are A LOT of brands trying to sell these products. Most of them fill up their listings with fake reviews and outrageous claims.

    If you check out MaxMoxie’s listing, you actually get real people giving real feedback. In the case of this repeller, most of the feedback was positive, and it has proven successful shortly after being plugged in.

    Overall, we are a tad skeptical of pest repellers, but this model appears to be delivering the best results in its category.

    If you’re considering a non-chemical approach to pest removal, we recommend giving the MaxMoxie device a go. It’s rated to work up to 1200 sq feet and it can be placed in your attic, kitchen, garage, etc.

    It’s rated to repel mice, roaches, mosquitoes, spiders, and other various pests.  Its ultrasonic waves cover up to 1200sq. ft and it can be placed in most house rooms (attic, garage, etc.)

    Some users reported the effective elimination of mice, cockroaches, and ants. This one goes on backorder quite a bit so pick it up quickly.

    Numerous positive use cases being reported by customers
    1200 effective repelling range
    60Hz frequency rated to repel roaches, ants, mice, and other common pests.
    As with all ultrasonic devices, the success rate various by user and level of infestation
    Doesn’t work on all pests

    WahooArt

    There are situations where people do not want any kind of pesticide inside of their homes. When does this come up?

    Usually, when someone who lives in the house has severe allergies, they have no way of knowing if something in the pesticide is going to set them off.

    Another time that people generally don’t want any kind of pesticide in the house is when there are very young children running around.

    What is left, you ask? That question brings us to Ultrasonic pest repellents.

    WahooArt is just one of these devices, a single ultrasonic repellent covers an area of 2,000 square feet, and it plugs directly into a wall outlet. WahooArt also comes with four emitters, which means you should be able to easily cover an entire home with a chemical-free form of pest control.

    It is important to remember that it may take one to two weeks to start seeing results, and those numbers may vary depending on the specific insect you are attempting to repel.

    Also, make sure there are no barriers, such as curtains or cabinet doors blocking the ultrasonic emitter for the best results. If you are not completely satisfied, WahooArt comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee, and Amazon has a very forgiving return policy as well.

    Emits negative ions which help purify the air being released
    Can work within a 2000 sq. foot area
    Lots of positive user feedback
    1-2 units come in a package
    Pest repellers can be “hit or miss” sometimes
    One of the more expensive options
    No mention of money back guarantee

    Aigoo Ultrasonic Pest Repeller

    This EPA-approved ultrasonic pest repeller from Aigoo is an economical way to chase rodents out of your home. Just plug it into any wall outlet and adjust the setting to the type of pest you have. The Aigoo repeller will do the rest.

    It works best for:

    • Mice
    • Rats
    • Roaches
    • Spiders
    • Mosquitoes
    • Ants

    Use it in the home, at your business, or in a storage area. The three-function settings let you set the device to the type of pest you have. And it’s completely odorless, chemical-free, and environmentally friendly.

    Affordable solution
    Safe to use around children and pets
    Covers a wide range of pests, including insects
    Easy to use and monitor
    According to the manufacturer, it’s best to replace the unit every year

    Loraffe Ultrasonic Pest Repeller

    The unique design of this pest repeller from Loraffe makes it one of the most effective in the industry. It uses a powerful 4-in-1 feature to repel rodents any time, day or night.

    First, it emits an ultrasonic signal that only rodents can hear, making it an effective mouse-repellent. However, you can adjust it to make a loud, audible noise at various intervals. Then the optional flashing lights help deter pests even further.

    You can use the Loraffe Pest Repeller in any room in the house. Just place it in a spot where you’ve seen rodents, plug it into a wall outlet, and turn it on. There are no batteries needed, and it’s suitable for continuous operation.

    Multi-deterrent system for maximum effectiveness
    Easy to use, just place and turn on
    Four sound modes
    Can be used in any room of your home or business
    For indoor use only

    Abilly Solar Ultrasonic Repellent

    The Abilly Solar Ultrasonic Repellent features an upgraded design to include a more powerful ultrasonic wave transmission and motion detector. It also consists of an audible alarm and flashing lights.

    The trigger is set to 110 degrees and has a radius of over 25 feet to achieve maximum performance. That means there is plenty of stopping power for most backyard wildlife.

    This ultrasonic repellent device works on these outdoor pests:

    • Raccoons
    • Skunks
    • Rodents
    • Deer
    • Opossums

    The Abilly Solar Ultrasonic Repellent is the perfect solution for keeping animal intruders out of your yard. It lasts up to five days on one convenient charge, and it won’t harm pets, wildlife, or the environment.

    Provides strong ultrasonic wave
    Includes audible alarm and flashing light
    Sensitive motion trigger
    Safe, won’t harm animals
    Does not work well in wet weather conditions

    Need something stronger than ultrasonic waves to remedy your pest problems? Enter your zip code below to connect with local pest control companies:

    Get Free Pest Control Estimates
    Connect with local pest control professionals near you.
    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Ed Spicer

    Ed Spicer

    Ed has been working in the pest control industry for years helping 1,000's of homeowners navigate the world of insect and rodent management.

    Learn More

    Find Our Top Picks for Pest Control Pros in Major Cities