Why Ultrasonic Repellers Don’t Stop Rodents | Xcluder

May 20th 2025

They’re affordable. They’re chemical-free. And they promise to drive rodents away with the push of a button. But there’s just one problem: ultrasonic pest repellers don’t work.

Despite their popularity on store shelves and online marketplaces, ultrasonic repellers have been repeatedly proven to be ineffective. If you’re serious about keeping rodents out of your home or business, you need more than wishful thinking—you need a physical barrier. That’s where pest exclusion comes in. And when it comes to exclusion, Xcluder® is the professional’s choice.

Do Ultrasonic Pest Repellers Really Work?

Ultrasonic pest repellers emit high-frequency sound waves that are meant to irritate rodents and drive them away. The idea sounds appealing—non-toxic, humane, and hands-off. But in real-world conditions, these devices rarely deliver on their promises.

Manufacturers claim:

They create an invisible shield against rodents
The sound is inaudible to humans and pets
A single device can protect a large area

But pest control experts and independent research say otherwise.

The Science Is Clear: These Devices Don’t Work

Independent studies—including those cited by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)—have consistently shown that ultrasonic pest repellers have little to no effect on rodent behavior. Rodents either ignore the sounds or become used to them. Worse, the sound waves don’t travel through walls or furniture, meaning their “coverage” is even more limited than advertised.

“Laboratory tests have shown that these devices do not control insects or rodents in a home environment.”
— Federal Trade Commission

Even major pest control organizations and university entomology programs have found that ultrasonic repellers offer no measurable long-term impact on rodent activity.

Rodents Ignore Sound and Enter Through Gaps

Rodents are opportunistic. A mouse can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime. If there’s a gap under your garage door, in your foundation, or around your utility lines, they’re getting in—no matter what sounds are coming from an outlet.

Repellers might offer a false sense of security, but they don’t solve the real problem: rodent entry points.

WPest Exclusion: The Best Rodent Control Method

Pest exclusion is a proactive, permanent solution to rodent problems. It involves identifying and sealing the cracks, crevices, and gaps that rodents use to get indoors. It’s the foundation of any effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.

According to Dr. Matt Frye, entomologist at the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program:

“Mechanical exclusion should be the foundation of any rodent control program.”
— Cornell NYSIPM

Unlike ultrasonic devices, exclusion doesn’t rely on deterrents—it physically blocks access, keeping rodents out for good.

Why Pest Control Experts Choose Xcluder for Rodent Exclusion

Pest control professionals around the world rely on Xcluder® to deliver effective, durable exclusion solutions for both residential and commercial properties.

Xcluder products are:

Proven – Our steel-and-fiber blend is designed to stop gnawing rodents in their tracks
Versatile – A complete exclusion product line is available, with products to seal everything from small cracks and holes to gaps around the largest dock levelers.
Used by experts – Trusted in food facilities, hospitals, warehouses, schools, and homes

Skip the Gimmicks. Seal Rodents Out with Exclusion

Ultrasonic pest repellers may sound like a simple fix, but they don’t address the real issue—access. If you want to stop rodents before they cause damage, don’t rely on sound—rely on exclusion.

Trust the products pest professional’s use. Trust Xcluder.

Seal rodents out for good. Explore Xcluder exclusion products today.