Electronic Pest Control Reviews and Rating

August 28th, 2008 Posted in Organic & Chemical Pesticides

People use electronic pest control, because they feel it is safer than using pesticides and insecticides since there are no chemicals or sprays involved.

There is a wide range of opinion about these devices. Some people claim that they work for them; others claim they are not effective at all. While electronic pest control devices remain a controversial topic, there has never been any scientific evidence proving them as effective.

This article will explain:

  • Different types of electronic pest control

  • Pros and cons of electronic pest control

  • Product Reviews

  • EcoSMART: Alternative method



Two Types of Electronic Pest Control

Ultrasonic:

  • Plugs into the wall and sends out waves at all times.

  • Works by putting out short-wavelength, high-frequency sound waves.

  • Pests are supposed to be deterred by these waves.

Electromagnetic:

  • Plugs into the wall and sends out electromagnetic fields around the house 24 hours a day.

  • Works because pests can’t stand the fluctuation of the electromagnetic fields.



Pros of Electronic Pest Control

  • Not considered an insecticide or pesticide.

  • No chemicals.

  • Not harmful to people, dogs, birds or cats because they cannot hear the sound waves.



Cons of Electronic Pest Control

Not proven to work.

Since they are not regulated under the FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act), the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) cannot regulate these repellents, which makes them unable to test them properly.

EPA cannot require the same kind of testing as it would for other pesticides.

A “Scam”

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed charges against some of these electronic pest control companies, saying they are not allowed to advertise or sell electronic pest control products.

Sam Bryks, Manager of Pest Control at TCHC (Toronto Community Housing Corporation), said, “I really wish there was a way to let people know the extent of the scam of these products. First, there is a distinction between ultrasonic devices, and those so-called electromagnetic devices (the ones that are plugged into a wall and supposedly use the wiring of the house to repel pests). Rodent ultrasonic devices do have a real effect, but unfortunately, they are often promoted as the ‘be-all and end-all to solve problems.’”

Harmful to Small Pets

Harmful to hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, chinchillas, ferrets, mice, and rabbits, because they have more sensitive hearing.



Product Reviews

The following electronic pest control products received more bad reviews than good, which shows how ineffective they probably are.

They may be environmentally safe, but they are not safe for all pets and have been shown to be heard by some humans.

Honeywell UR25 Stinger Deluxe Electronic Pest Repeller :

  • Has 1 good review saying the ultrasonic waves keep geckos out.

  • Other reviews say bugs and rodents come right up to the device with no effect.

Black & Decker EX900-A-TP1Ultrasonic Pest Controller (XL Room)

  • Works on mice according to reviews.

  • Makes an audible chirping noise when on “rodent” setting according to reviewer, Mark Robinson.

Lentek Digital Pest Control II

This product has a couple more good reviews than bad, but there are still many that say these products don’t work at all.

They are said to keep mice away, but some said they have even made it worse.

Bruce Kennett says, “As far as I am concerned this is completely worthless and I wish I could get my money back. Just a cautionary tale for those of you considering the purchase of one.”



A Safe AND Effective Approach to Pest Control

On the other hand, EcoSMART, an organic insecticides manufacturer, does have products that work and are still safe around families and pets. They have been proven to work in both university and field testing, unlike these electronic pest controllers.

chelsea roeser electronic pest control
Chelsea Roeser





organic pest control



  1. 44 Comments | The First 1,000 to Comment (Starting 12/21/2009) Will Become EcoSMART Product Testers!

  2. By Blitteedgeli on Sep 28, 2008

    thanks much, dude

  3. By home pest control on Oct 14, 2008

    gee, great ways to fight the plague!

  4. By ashley on Oct 15, 2008

    hahaha, yeah, great article

  5. By exterminators new york city on Nov 25, 2008

    we’d like to purchase for our company

  6. By Art Markowitz on Jan 25, 2009

    I have used the Lentek II for 2 years now. I have one in each room. The reson I tried them was because I had bees in my attic and an occasional squirrel. I used to have mice get in under my garage doors in the winter. Now I have none. I had a normal amount of bugs getting in from time to time and silverfish. Today I am essentially free from all these pests. I have spiders in my basement, which do not seem to be affected by the Lentek. I use glue pads to elimintae them. So my conclusion is that the Lentek does work after using it for a few months.

  7. By Kit on Feb 9, 2009

    Um, how can this be an objective summary when the article and arguments are published by the company providing the “better” alternative??? Seems fishy. I’ll try the electronic stuff first from somewhere I can return it (Lowe’s, Home Depot, etc.) then if it proves a waste, I’ll resort to sprays and powders.

  8. By Max Lee on Jul 9, 2009

    There are some many pest control companies who offer 1-month or 3-month service to spray or kill the bugs/insects inside or around the house.
    I have heard my neighbor has been use the current company for a year and able to avoid bugs/insects coming to house, execpt the basement. He is very satisify on it.
    But for me, I’m still thinking is it worth paying each month and no bugs/insects walk into my house.

  9. By Kris Boyt on Jul 9, 2009

    I see these electronic pest repellent things in Wal-Mart all of the time. But spending 20-30 bucks just seemed kinda iffy. If it really did work, they would be all over the garden center shelves and right next to the sprays and we’d see better advertising on it, both online and elsewhere. I’m really glad I read this review first. I just rescued a kitten off of a bridge right next to my house and for her I want to keep things super tidy. I live in Alabama and right next to a river, so bugs are a normal thing…especially in an old apartment. I’d love to give this EcoSMART stuff a try, that’s for sure.

  10. By tonya dixon on Jul 9, 2009

    i tried the plug in pest control and it doesnt work i was very disappointed

  11. By greg on Jul 23, 2009

    Check the website posts

  12. By Pest Control Christchurch on Aug 20, 2009

    Thank you for sharing your information. I always value people who add value to the information available to educate their readers.

  13. By David Steigler on Aug 20, 2009

    I have a bedbug problem, and your products sound really promising, so I would be interested in trying them out. Thanks.

  14. By David Steigler on Aug 20, 2009

    I wish to test the EcoSMART bed bug products, as I need some help with bedbugs. Thanks.

  15. By Viveca on Oct 7, 2009

    I live in Texas and they have HUGE water bugs here. Paying to have a pest control contract is cost prohibitive for me. I would love to try a product that would control this particular pest. Please count me in!

  16. By Carol Nunan on Oct 19, 2009

    Can anyone tell me – please!! – if I use an ultrasonic device to deter bats and geckos – we live in Indonesia – whether it will also have a bad effect on the frogs and other small wildlife, which naturally we don’t want to deter or harm in any way. The device would be mounted high up in the roof. Thanks Carol Bali

  17. By Diana Jordan on Oct 21, 2009

    I found this blog looking for electronic pest repellants. I don’t know if this helps but I did purchase the EcoSmart ant and roach spray when I saw it in the market. I’ve not tried the others. It does work, doesn’t seem to have issues with my pets and the smell isn’t bad, though it is strong and after a while can get annoying. It airs out quickly though if you open windows. I would definitely buy it again and recommend it as a safer alternative.

  18. By K Devenie on Nov 2, 2009

    I have ants, spiders, silver fish, and had one mouse last winter. I want products that are effective and safe for kids and pets. I will test any product for home or yard. Thanks!

  19. By K Devenie on Nov 2, 2009

    I have problems with ants, spiders, silver fish, and had a mouse last winter. I want products that are safe for kids and pets. I will test indoor and outdoor products.

  20. By T Withers on Nov 3, 2009

    I have problems with ants, spiders, lady bugs and flies. Especially when the cold weather first changes to warm. I am trying to prevent mice in a safe way for my dog and hamster. I am willing to test your product. Thanks!

  21. By J Jones on Nov 17, 2009

    I have problems with all pests! I live in Ga and have gnats, palmetto bugs, ants, and silver fish. I also have a very lovable cat and an eighteen month old grandson that comes over. Any safe eco safe pest control is what I need. I had others say the plug in controls don’t work, so I would like to try this product. I am so glad I researched this. I would not have known about this at all if not. Good Luck– and I will let you know!!!!

  22. By KATHLEEN on Dec 3, 2009

    There is 1 prodcut only that has done a 5 year University test to prove efficacy on mice, rats, and roaches and that also has NO FTC ACTIONS against them….that is the PEST OFFENSE. They have been used by over 4 million people and are now being used by cities and goverment buildings because their product works, uses no chemicals, and is inexpensive!!!!

  23. By tommy liming on Dec 5, 2009

    Now this is one I would really like to try to see if it works. Knew someone who used an electronic mouse prevention in OK in a farmer’s coop where they stored grain and grain products. I believe if more were used they would have been more effective. I would love to see if it drive those pesky pests out of my home. Does the word nusisance really capture what these little critter are?

  24. By Callie Anderson on Dec 19, 2009

    Would like to try Eco SMART have used the
    BD product before with some success.

  25. By Rebecca on Jan 5, 2010

    I had a huge problem with bedbugs in my upper west side NYC apartment and I have been struggling with this problem for months i literally cant sleep at night.. I spent over $1,600 trying to fix this problem. I finally called Empire Exterminating and they fixed my problem for under $350.. Great 24 hour service and most affordable and efficient bedbug exterminating company in NYC… this included 2 visits and a set of bedbug mattress protectors. If you mention their online coupon from there website EmpireExterminating.com you get the two matress protectors for FREEEE

  26. By Mike on Mar 31, 2010

    We are having a problem with roaches and ants and are considering going the ulta sonic way but with so many reveiws both for and against it is tough to decide which ones to believe.

  27. By Stephanie Anderson on Apr 5, 2010

    Does EcoSmart help at all in repelling Stinkbugs? We have them bad here in SE Pennsylvania. Either way, would love to try EcoSmart products!

  28. By EcoSMART Megan on Apr 5, 2010

    Dear Stephanie Anderson,

    EcoSMART pesticides, while not repellents, will kill any stink bugs you spray directly.

    There are other ways to keep stink bugs out of your home, see Organic Stink Bug Control Doesn’t Have to Stink, for more information.

  29. By K on Jun 16, 2010

    Those “sonic” and “electromagnetic” pest repellers have worked very well for us. Mice are why I have them. They are found at local hardware stores all over the country, and right next to the pesticides.

    My only concern is whether or not the electromagnetic field that is either enhanced or changed by their use…whether or not that is safe. Any electrician will tell you that their line of work is among the highest for cancer. Being exposed to radiation, via electrical wiring and things like TV’s, appliances, etc… we’re already bombarded by enough. But, it’s a trade-off. Maybe it’s not good for us over the long-haul, but we’re mouse-free.

  30. By jodi on Jul 16, 2010

    I work a produce farm and have been losing crop to wasp. I will give this a try and report back my results ata later date.

  31. By MAKEON.COM on Aug 16, 2010

    Numerous electronic pest control devices are readily available throughout the world. Hardware stores and garden centers usually stock some sort of electronic device advertised to repel a variety of pests and one can also find them on the internet , i am thankful this site gives me insights .

  32. By Kat on Oct 3, 2010

    I recently moved into an apartment and have found to be infested with german cockroaches. I have tried everything from boric acid to the sugar and soda mix and everything in between. I cannot find anything to work in getting rid of these nasty creatures. The electronic controls have even failed it was as if it breeded them faster. I am going to try this. Lets pray it works.

  33. By bitoy on Nov 19, 2010

    I don’t know why Consumer protection groups are not into it?

  34. By Angie Randolph on Jan 18, 2011

    I live in New Jersey,and this year we have a “new” insect that has suddenly become a huge problem-Stinkbugs! I have never even seem one,and suddenly,we have then inside our apartment.I was doing research just now on Ultrasonic pest repellers,and whether they work on stinkbugs at all,and found this site.I would love to try out any product that may help,especially with kids and 2 cats,I worry about whether they really work.And a question-Do ultrasonic pest repellers work for the stinkbugs?

  35. By EcoSMART Kait on Jan 19, 2011

    Hi Angie,

    EcoSMART are guaranteed to work as are guaranteed to work as represented on the label. If you are not satisfied, you can call the customer service hotline. As for the ultrasonic pest repellers, unfortunately, I have not read any good reviews so I would not recommend them.

  36. By Emily Cahanin on Jan 22, 2011

    I am planning on moving in the next two months or so, and I have a serious ant, roach, and mouse problem. One of the neighbors apparently haven’t taken care of their house, moved, and the landlord bombed the place… So guess where they all came to…
    Long story short I am looking for a safe inexpensive way to get rid of these pests so I don’t run the risk of taking them with me when I move. I have a cat, two dachshunds, and a three year old. So it has to be 100% safe for just about everything.

  37. By EcoSMART Kait on Feb 2, 2011

    Hi Emily,

    EcoSMART sounds like the product for you! It’s all natural and safe to use around pets and people. Best of luck!

  38. By M. Reilly on Mar 11, 2011

    I don’t know if the electronic controllers I bought would harm pets because my problem was only in the attic. They did definitely work. We bought this house in 1986 and the attic was lousy with mice. On our first night, we could hear them scratching on the ceilings of every room in the house [1 story ranch, 60 feet long]. Upset, yes!

    I just took a stab in the dark and bought 2 generic, made in Taiwan units, model 81-3469-W/MR-102[don't know why I kept the boxes but I knew exactly where they were!]. They were cheap and I really didn’t expect much. Within 3-5 days the attic went silent; and has been silent up there for 25 years. I put one on each end, put them on little 6″ tall boxes to raise them a bit and pointed them towards each other.

    I had mostly forgotten they were up there doing their job, until the other day I heard one little scritching sound from the corner of the living room ceiling. I’m going up there to check it out; maybe one came unplugged or maybe just “bought the farm” after 25 years. But that’s OK. Either way, I am FAR more than pleased with these pest contollers.
    MR

  39. By tom m on Jun 13, 2011

    Does it kill or detour spider mites??

  40. By darwin on Jun 19, 2011

    I am from the philippines , do you have local supplier here? I want to try and promote your product depending on its outcome for my new apartment kindly reply in my mail. Please. please, please.

  41. By Harath on Jul 23, 2011

    I bought B&D 5 pack ultrasonic pest repelers strategically placed throughout my home They may not ave gotten rid of everything within a few weeks but sure can see that they work quite well for my household I think its fishy mainly bad reviews are fro exterminators and chemical companies my vet who is quite decent recommended this and how to use them for best effect doesnt bother any of my animals and works on many pests

  42. By Brooklyn Exterminator on Oct 3, 2011

    This is a great product and I can see that it is a very effective exterminator. I need to try this thing. I wish that this is going to be answer in all the pest in my house.

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44 Comments | The First 1,000 to Comment (Starting 12/21/2009) Will Become EcoSMART Product Testers! (details)