Does ultrasound work on cockroaches? This is a pressing question for those who have these insects in their home. There are many models of devices that use ultrasonic radiation. How to choose the right one to get rid of these unwanted neighbors is important to know.
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Ultrasonic cockroach repeller
The device produces ultrasound waves in the ultrasonic frequency range (from 20,000 Hz), which act on the nerve endings of the receptors of cockroaches and other insects. Cavitation occurs in the cells of living organisms—a process in which the intracellular plasma vibrates, leading to the formation of liquid bubbles and their destruction. As a result, the cell ruptures from the inside. However, this requires direct exposure to the insect. Usually the cockroaches do not die, but panic and leave the home. Therefore, it's impossible to evaluate the device's effectiveness based on the number of dead insects. The indicator of effectiveness is the disappearance or reduction of adult insects.
Insect repellents are nothing new to the modern world. Even the ancient Chinese used sensor-based mechanical repellents to protect crops from rodents.
Research has proven that ultrasound can truly only kill one type of insect: mosquitoes. Cockroaches do not perceive these waves with their senses. An effect on the nervous system that causes panic is possible when high-power radiation is generated. The physiological response manifests itself as:
- disorientation;
- convulsions;
- cerebral hemorrhages leading to death (rare).
In a state of constant stress, insects are unable to obtain sufficient food, reproduce, or build nests. This forces them to seek new habitats.
Ultrasound does not work on cockroach eggs.
Types of ultrasonic repellers and an overview of popular models
Parameters by which devices of this type are classified:
- radius of action (it is limited to a certain area);
- operating principle (there are devices that generate ultrasonic waves, as well as those that operate on the basis of two technologies - magnetic resonance and ultrasound);
- object (cockroaches directly, several types of insects and universal models that also repel rodents).
Devices that generate ultrasonic waves to repel insects are produced by both domestic and foreign companies. Russian products are generally less expensive. Their effectiveness and operating principles are roughly the same, but each has its own unique characteristics.
Typhoon LS-500
This Russian-made device is designed to combat cockroaches. It costs approximately 1,100 rubles. The repeller's microcontroller periodically adjusts the duration and frequency of the ultrasonic emission, preventing insects from becoming accustomed to it. It is powered by a mains supply (180 to 240 V). The device should operate for 2–4 weeks.
To notice the results, you need at least two weeks of continuous operation of the device.
Table: technical characteristics of the Typhoon LS-500 ultrasonic repeller
| Operating principle | ultrasound |
| Nutrition | stationary (from the network) |
| Active protected area | 80 m² |
| Power | 4 W |
| Form factor | stationary |
EcoSniper AR-130 and UP-118
This Taiwanese brand offers several models. The most popular are:
- The AR-130 is a versatile device that utilizes two technologies: magnetic resonance and ultrasound. It delivers sound pressure levels in the range of 90–100 dB.
The EcoSniper AR-13 is designed to repel rodents and insects.
- UP-118. This model has a longer range of up to 100 m.2The device has a connector that can be used to mount it on the wall.
EcoSniper UP-118 – a stationary universal repeller
Table: Parameters of the EcoSniper AR-130
| Dimensions | 100 mm / 82 mm |
| Weight | 150 g |
| Energy consumption | 6.0 W |
| Supply voltage | 220–240 V, 50 Hz |
| Sound pressure | 100 dB |
| Protected area | 80 sq. m |
| Frequency range of action | 25.5 ± 2.5 kHz |
Tornado OT.01
Another development from domestic companies, designed to combat cockroaches. The device is compact and has a long power cord. It is installed 1–1.5 meters above the floor at a slight angle. A special device, a rotating bracket, is located on the rear panel for this purpose. No pre-setting is required to get started.
Tornado OT.01 is installed at a height of 1 - 1.5 meters from the floor
Table: technical characteristics of the Tornado OT.01
| Power supply voltage 50 Hz | 220 ± 15% B |
| Maximum power consumption from the AC network, no more than | 10 W |
| Range of emitted frequencies | 20 ± 7 kHz |
| Frequency tuning of the ultrasound | 1–3 Hz |
| Ultrasonic pressure level at a distance of 1 m, no more than | 80 ± 3 dB |
| Effective area at an ultrasonic pressure level of 70 dB, not less than | 50 sq. m |
| Operating temperature range | from -30 to +80 °C |
| Weight, no more than | 120 g |
| Dimensions | 30 x 75 x 105 mm |
Weitech VK-240
This compact device clears an area of pests after 10 days of continuous operation. It is placed in the center of the room, elevated about half a meter.
The first results of the Weitech VK-240 device can be seen after 7-10 days of operation.
Table: Weitech VK-240 specifications
| Protection area of the device | up to 60 sq. m. |
| Ultrasound frequency | 20–45 kHz |
| Peak sound pressure at 50 cm | 116 dB |
| Nutrition | 4 batteries type "C" |
| Battery life | 90 days |
| Weight | 162 g (244 g per package) |
| Dimensions | 95x130x60 mm |
| Operating temperature | from -10 to +40°C (at humidity up to 98%) |
Pest Reject
This repellent is universal, as it is designed to protect premises from both rodents and various types of insects. It is effective as a preventative measure, safe for humans and pets, and operates silently. However, it may have a negative effect on rodents (hamsters, chinchillas) and arachnids. According to the manufacturer, pest control occurs within two weeks.
Pest Reject protects premises from cockroach and rodent infestations.
Table: Comparison of popular ultrasonic cockroach repellers
| Name, manufacturer | Coverage area, m2 | Scope of application | Peculiarities |
| Typhoon LS-500, Scientific and Production Firm "Alex", Russia | 80 |
|
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| EcoSniper AR-130, Taiwan | 80 |
| The operating principle is based on the use of two technologies: magnetic resonance and ultrasound. |
| Tornado OT.01, Research and Production Firm "Center for New Technologies", Russia | from 50 |
| It will take several weeks to get rid of cockroaches. |
| EcoSniper UP-118, Taiwan | 100 |
| |
| Weitech BK-240, Belgium | 60 | Powered by C-type batteries. | |
| Pest Reject, USA | up to 200 |
| To clear the premises of insects, the device will need at least 1 month of continuous operation. |
Tips for choosing a device
When purchasing an ultrasonic cockroach repeller, consider its range. It's limited, so you may need multiple units. Ultrasonic waves are unable to bend around obstacles and do not penetrate walls, furniture, or even carpets. Therefore, using a device with a large range in an apartment consisting of several rooms is impractical.
Also, consider the power supply. Portable battery-powered models are more convenient for use in the garden. Reviews from those who have already tried the device will also help you make your choice.
Safety and effectiveness of ultrasonic repellers
The effectiveness of ultrasonic devices in controlling cockroaches is debatable. Manufacturers claim they are effective, but many reviews suggest otherwise. There have been no large-scale studies on these issues, so it is impossible to say with certainty that ultrasound helps get rid of cockroaches. One thing is certain: these devices pose no harm to human health. However, the noise or squealing produced by some models during operation can sometimes be unpleasant.
How to make a cockroach repellent yourself
You can make an ultrasonic repeller yourself if you have some electrical circuit skills. To create a simple device, you'll need:
- resistors (5 fixed and one variable);
- element for reproducing ultrasound (piezoelectric emitter);
Any type of piezoelectric emitter can be used as a device for reproducing ultrasound.
- diode;
- toggle switch;
- transistors (2 pcs.);
- capacitors (2 pcs.).
A simple device can be easily assembled from these components according to the following diagram.
If you have some electrical circuit skills, you can make a simple ultrasonic cockroach repeller yourself.
A more powerful high-frequency generator is produced using the CD4047 integrated circuit. It contains trigger and multivibrator elements. A sound source, such as a piezoelectric transducer used in alarms, is connected to the antiphase output signals. Element R1 (a resistor) varies the ultrasonic frequency.
An ultrasonic repeller can be made using the CD4047 integrated circuit.
User reviews
I've had the device for about a year, and during that time I haven't seen a single cockroach. However, I have occasionally seen beetles and spiders. So, it's safe to say that the device is generally ineffective against insects. It's been about four years since I switched off the Typhoon ultrasonic repeller. During that time, I've only seen cockroaches in the kitchen once or twice. Based on my experience and the reviews I've read online, I can say that the Typhoon LS500 is not very effective. If you have uninvited whiskered guests, consider buying a Raid and setting special traps for them. It will definitely be more effective. Currently, the Typhoon LS500 ultrasonic cockroach repeller costs between 1,100 and 1,600 rubles in online stores.
I didn't get rid of the cockroaches with cockroach extermination products. I drove them out. That is, the cockroaches didn't die; they left the apartment. Maybe even went to the neighbors. And what helped me get rid of these not-so-pleasant-looking insects was the Bezar-Imper AR-130 EcoSniper Universal Stationary Repeller.
We tried everything to get rid of cockroaches. We tried everything: gels, aerosols, powders, boric acid, pencils, sticky tape, houses. All of these only worked for a short time. Then the cockroaches came back again. No matter how tidy you keep your apartment, cockroaches will always find something to eat. They even eat paper, soap, and leather shoes. They live up to 5 years and are not afraid of radiation. I was at the supermarket by chance and my eye fell on a small box with the inscription "AR-130 EcoSniper Universal Stationary Repeller for Rodents, Spiders, Cockroaches, Ants, and Other Indoor Pests." I bought it. I had my doubts. I followed the instructions. NO roaches. They haven't returned for 8 months now. The cockroach repellent is achieved by ultrasound, which affects the cockroach's nervous system. And the cockroaches have no choice but to leave my house.
The EcoSniper UP-118 ultrasonic cockroach repellent doesn't work against cockroaches. Pros: No advantages whatsoever. Cons: A person with good hearing hears a squeak that subsequently gives them a headache. We used the device in a one-room apartment for a month. We placed it in various locations. It was useless. The cockroaches continue to walk and reproduce.
The Pest Reject Ultrasonic Repeller is effective. We live in a private house in the countryside, where insects abound, including ants, flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches, and various other small insects. When our baby was born, we immediately bought an ultrasonic repeller and have been using it for over a year. It works so well that we've forgotten what it means to have insects in the house. We sleep soundly at night, forgetting about mosquitoes or flies, and nothing disturbs our sleep. It's also very convenient: the repeller glows like a flashlight at night, making everything visible and beautiful. Our baby is growing now, and we don't have to turn on the lights at night. Thanks to the repeller, the room is dimly lit, yet still visible, and our baby goes potty safely.
The Pest Reject ultrasonic repeller is a scam. It doesn't work on cockroaches... I bought it on the Shopleader website because they had a photo of this device disassembled and a Readex. They said the Readex was a fake and this one was the real deal. Well, this one doesn't match the internals they listed on the website. And, of course, it doesn't work! I wanted to leave a negative review on their website, but they wouldn't let me.
Video: Elena Malysheva on the use of ultrasonic cockroach repellents
Despite the limited effectiveness of ultrasonic repellents in controlling cockroaches, you shouldn't abandon them. They are safe for humans and convenient. Use these devices in combination with other insect removal methods to speed up the process.
