If you have young children and pets, dealing with an insect or rodent infestation can be a hassle and even dangerous. Noxious poisons and traps left around your house and yard could be a hazard, and replacement can be a hassle.
Instead, ultrasonic pest repellers produce electromagnetic and ultrasonic sound waves to confuse and irritate pests, causing them to flee. Some models plug into your home’s electrical outlets, while others use solar energy to charge built-in batteries to power their pest control.
These products can be effective against mice, rats, moles, snakes, bugs, and even cats and dogs (certain products only). If you’re looking to avoid traps and poisons in your home, this guide will help you choose the best ultrasonic pest repeller for your needs.
- BEST OVERALL: Ever Pest Lightning Shield 2-Pack Pest Repeller
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Bell+Howell Ultrasonic Pest Repeller Home Kit
- BEST SOLAR: Careland Solar-Powered Mole Repellent Screws
- BEST FOR RODENTS: T3-R Triple High Impact Repeller
- BEST PLUG-IN: Neatmaster Ultrasonic Pest Repeller Plug-In
- BEST UPGRADE PLUG-IN: Loraffe 4-in-1 Plug-In Ultrasonic Mice Repeller
- BEST FOR MULTIPLE ROOMS: Victor PestChaser Rodent Repellent With Night-Light
- BEST FOR LARGE ROOMS: Victor PestChaser Pro Ultrasonic Rodent Repeller
- BEST FOR VEHICLES: Angveirt Under Hood Rodent Repeller
How We Chose the Best Ultrasonic Pest Repellers
It’s important that we suggest only the best ultrasonic pest repellers, so we put a lot of effort into assembling this list. To that end, we contacted several pest experts to lend us their professional opinion on the use of these devices. We kept all of our most important considerations in mind, noting power sources, indoor and outdoor scenarios, as well as which pests each device is designed to deter.
For shoppers who are concerned about the effects that ultrasonic devices may have on their pets, we took advice from Nicole Carpenter, president of Black Pest Prevention in Charlotte, North Carolina, who says that while these devices are usually safe for people and common pets like dogs and cats, “some pets may be sensitive to the high-pitched sounds they emit.” She advises that when owners first use one they keep an eye on pets “to make sure they aren’t getting anxious or uncomfortable.” She goes on to say that people who have smaller pets like hamsters or birds may not want to use these devices “as they might be more affected.” As such, we made sure to include reputable products that only target specific pests, keeping common household pets safe.
With regard to how these deterrents work, a study by Arizona University’s College of Agriculture & Life Sciences suggests that when manufacturers are developing these devices to target a specific species, “greater consideration is given to … biologically relevant sounds and particular behaviors that can then be incorporated into the design.” For that reason, we narrowed down the products into specific categories so that shoppers can choose one that specifically addresses the situation they are currently dealing with.
Our own knowledge and research coupled with advice from other industry experts allows us to showcase several ultrasonic devices for use across a wide range of applications.
Our Top Picks
With an idea of how the best ultrasonic pest repellers work and what to look for in one, it’s time to start shopping. These recommendations—some of the best ultrasonic pest repellers on the market—will drive pests away from your home and yard using ultrasonic sound waves and other means to scare these pests away.
Photo: amazon.com
With an abundance of similar plug-in repeller options to choose from, we wanted to help shoppers navigate this market by selecting our top picks after thorough research. This two-pack repeller kit from Ever Pest stands above the rest as our best overall pick because of its simple design and effective technology packed inside.
Covering up to 1,200 square feet per device, these repellers can be plugged into each room in the home to provide ample protection against mice, rats, and a whole host of insects including spiders, cockroaches, mosquitoes, and more.
As with all plug-in repeller products, users should take care to install them in open areas of the room not obstructed by furniture or other objects, as this can block the ultrasonic waves from reaching their maximum range and effectiveness.
Product Specs
- Power source: Plug-in
- Species: Mice, rats, ants, spiders, cockroaches, mosquitos, and other insects
- Extra features: None
Pros
- Very easy setup; just plug it in and it starts working
- Noiseless operation to humans and household pets
- Environmentally friendly pest control; does not use any harmful chemicals
Cons
- Can be less effective in rooms with lots of obstructive furniture
Get the Ever Pest ultrasonic pest repeller at Amazon, Walmart, or Ever Pest.
Photo: amazon.com
Anyone hoping to repel pests in their entire home without breaking the bank will want to give the Bell+Howell ultrasonic pest repeller home kit some consideration. This affordable pest repeller system comes with four plug-in units so the user can distribute them throughout the house for maximum coverage.
These devices plug into a standard outlet and emit varying ultrasonic frequencies to repel mice, rats, ants, spiders, cockroaches, and more pests. By changing the frequencies, this kit prevents pests from getting used to one particular frequency.
Also, each plug-in repeller features an LED power indicator for peace of mind. It might not be ideal for vacation homes or cabins, however, if the electricity in the building isn’t running constantly.
Product Specs
- Power source: Plug-in
- Species: Mice, cockroaches, ants, spiders, and other rodents
- Extra features: LED indicator
Pros
- Frequency changes to prevent pests from getting used to it
- LED light indicates that it’s working
- Comes with 4 units for plenty of coverage at an affordable price
Cons
- Not ideal for cabins or vacation homes without year-round electricity
Get the Bell+Howell ultrasonic pest repeller at The Home Depot, Walmart, or Menards.
Photo: amazon.com
For those who prefer to use the sun as a renewable pest-repellent source, the Careland mole repellent screws could be the answer. These solar-powered pest repellents emit an ultrasonic frequency every 115 seconds to keep moles and other pests from hanging out in the backyard.
The Careland mole ultrasonic repellent comes as a set of four solar-powered stakes that cover up to 8,000 square feet total, which is a perfect fit for gardens, lawns, and flower beds. The stakes’ durable construction and sturdy screw shape ensure long-lasting performance, while the IP65 waterproof rating guarantees reliable operation in any weather condition.
With three different pulse modes, these sonic mole repellers allow users to customize their mole-deterrence strategy. Choose from a variety of pulsing patterns to keep moles guessing and prevent them from adapting. The stakes also have switches to turn them off if not in use. This humane and eco-friendly approach can ward off the pests while keeping outdoor spaces safe—and without the use of harmful chemicals or traps.
Product Specs
- Power source: Solar-powered rechargeable battery
- Species: Moles, groundhogs, snakes, voles, gophers, and armadillos
- Extra features: 3 vibration modes, IP65 waterproof
Pros
- Screw design is easy to install; there is no need to dig a hole first
- Can change between 3 different pulse patterns for a more effective deterrent
- Solar-powered and can last up to 120 hours on a single full charge
Cons
- Should be installed in direct sunlight for best charging results
Get the Careland ultrasonic pest repeller at Careland.
Photo: amazon.com
Shoppers struggling with a rodent problem in the home could consider the T3-R high-impact rodent repeller. It pulses ultrasonic sounds from each of its three powerful speakers and is specifically designed to target the hearing range of mice, rats, squirrels, and other rodents. Choose between three modes: trans to play static frequencies, ultra to blast a wide range of high frequencies, or duo to operate all speakers at once for maximum effectiveness.
The unit itself stands on its own and is very simple to set up, with detailed instructions to take users through the installation process step by step if needed. It does require an electrical outlet to operate, however, so users will want to make sure the included 6-foot power cord is sufficient for their needs.
Note: Because the ultrasonic frequencies specifically target the hearing range of rodents, this repeller doesn’t work particularly well against insects.
Product Specs
- Power source: Plug-in
- Species: Mice, rats, squirrels, and other vermin
- Extra features: 3 separate speakers per repeller
Pros
- Designed to specifically target rodents for a powerful deterrent
- Comes with detailed setup instructions; makes for easy installation
- Robust waterproof design ensures longevity
Cons
- Only effective against rodents; little to no effect on insects and other pests
Get the T3-R ultrasonic pest repeller at Amazon or T3-R.
Photo: amazon.com
Neatmaster’s ultrasonic pest repeller plug-in might be the method of choice for keeping those creepy-crawly pests at bay. This plug-in unit uses a standard home outlet to provide up to 120 square meters (roughly 1,300 square feet) of pest-repelling coverage. It’s also compact enough to hang out in a suitcase for repelling pests in hotel rooms.
The Neatmaster has three modes, including green, blue, and red. Green is for mild infestations, blue is for medium-size infestations, and red is for large pest issues. Red is also the only mode that is audible to a human, and Neatmaster suggests this mode be used only when no humans are in the home.
Product Specs
- Power source: Plug-in
- Species: Unspecified “pests”
- Extra features: 3 modes of varying strength
Pros
- Compact design plugs in neatly and blends into the background
- 3 levels of repellency depending on the level of infestation
- Plenty of square-foot coverage per unit; ideal for most room sizes
Cons
- Red mode is not suitable for humans
Get the Neatmaster ultrasonic pest repeller at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
For tough infestations or anyone who doesn’t want to take any chances, check out the Loraffe plug-in ultrasonic four-in-one pest repeller. This corded plug-in model is large and has a ton of features to keep mice, rats, and other pests from setting up shop.
This model has a sensor that detects motion and activates one of the four modes: ultrasonic frequency, impulse waves, predator sounds, or strobe lights. It has three speakers and 12 high-intensity strobe lights to disorient rodents and send them packing.
Also, for those who might prefer not to hear the sounds of hawks or cats while they’re sleeping, this model has a volume adjustment for predator sounds. If there’s a downside, it’s that the Loraffe is large compared to other plug-ins, so it can’t travel easily.
Product Specs
- Power source: Plug-in, corded
- Species: Rodents
- Extra features: Volume adjustment, 4 repellency modes
Pros
- Offers 4 methods of repelling rodents
- LED lights strobe to disorient rodents
- Has volume adjustment to tone down predator sounds
Cons
Get the Loraffe ultrasonic pest repeller at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Unless a home is open concept, there’s a good chance it will require a few ultrasonic pest repellers. For that reason, the Victor Pestchaser rodent repellent with night-light might be the right product to choose. This kit comes with six plug-in pest repellers, each of which has a built-in night-light for those late-night walks through the house.
These pest repellers are extremely compact, so they’re attractive enough for the home plus easy to pack in a suitcase for travel. And, since they emit ultrasonic frequencies that a human can’t hear, they should not disrupt sleep. The only issue is that these devices—like most ultrasonic devices—cannot penetrate furniture or other solid items, meaning users will have to get creative with where they plug them in.
Product Specs
- Power source: Plug-in
- Species: Mice, rats, and other rodents
- Extra features: Convenient night-light
Pros
- Has a built-in night-light for safety
- Very compact; ideal for travel
- Kit comes with coverage for several rooms
Cons
- Might require more than 1 in a room since device cannot penetrate solid items
Get the Victor Pestchaser night-light ultrasonic pest repeller at Amazon, Ace Hardware, Walmart, or Blain’s Farm & Fleet.
Photo: amazon.com
Large rooms need a lot of power in a pest repellent, so striking the balance between repelling pests and being kind to household pets’ ears can be tough. But Victor’s heavy-duty PestChaser Pro rodent repeller can do it. This device is designed for large rooms but is also safe for cats and dogs. It varies in volume and frequency, ensuring pests don’t become immune to its ultrasonic waves.
This unit features a heavy-duty industrial design that’s tough enough for warehouses, meaning a large kitchen, dining room, and living room combination won’t be an issue. It has three speakers built-in as well as an LED light to indicate that it’s on and functioning. While it’s effective in a large space, it’s much less portable than a compact plug-in repeller.
Product Specs
- Power source: Plug-in
- Species: Rodents
- Extra features: LED power indicator
Pros
- 3 speakers for plenty of coverage in large rooms
- Varied volume and frequency so pests won’t become immune
- Safe for household pets; frequency does not disturb them
Cons
- Not as portable as a compact model
Get the Victor PestChaser Pro ultrasonic pest repeller at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Photo: amazon.com
Employ the Angveirt under-hood rodent repeller to keep rodents out of a car, where they could chew on the wires inside. This unit uses three AA batteries to provide up to 45 days of coverage. It emits random blasts of ultrasonic sound waves as well as flashing lights via the LED strobe to scare rodents away before they can do damage.
The repeller works when a car is parked and shuts off to save battery life when it detects the engine’s vibrations. It protects the car from rats, mice, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, and other small pests.
Not only will the Angveirt scare these critters away from the car, but it’s also suitable for use in a boat, cabinet, attic, basement, closet, or anywhere else that needs to remain rodent-free. Keep in mind that this unit requires battery changes every 6 weeks or so, so users will have to pay attention so they don’t leave their car unprotected.
Product Specs
- Power source: Battery (3 AA)
- Species: Rodents
- Extra features: Auto shutoff
Pros
- Automatically shuts off when the vehicle is running
- Emits sound waves and LED strobe lights
- Also suitable for boats, cabinets, attics, closets, and other spaces
Cons
- Doesn’t recharge, so attention to battery life is important
Get the Angveirt ultrasonic pest repeller at Amazon.
What to Consider When Choosing an Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
From pest types to power sources, a little background about these products can go a long way when shopping for the best ultrasonic pest repellers. Be aware that the industry uses “repeller” and “repellent” interchangeably. While some shoppers might think of “repellents” as chemical dusts and sprays, for buying purposes, these can also be repellent devices.
Pests
Whether shoppers are preparing their home to keep warmth-seeking mice or moles at bay as outdoor temperatures dip or they’re simply tired of creepy crawlies popping up overnight, they’ll likely find their solution in an ultrasonic pest repeller.
In general, these products address rodent issues within the home. If the issue is a mouse or rat problem inside, plugging one of these repellers into outlets can help. Many of these pest control products are also effective against other pests, including squirrels, ants, cockroaches, mosquitoes, fruit flies, fleas, crickets, snakes, scorpions, and bats. Some models may even help buyers avoid a bed bug infestation.
Even deer can turn from endearing to annoying when it comes to a garden, and some ultrasonic devices are effective deer repellents. You can even find some products that will repel dogs and cats from the yard. Just beware that these repellers can also affect your dog or cat, so be selective if you’ve got a furry friend.
Working Range
For an ultrasonic repeller to be effective at pest control, it should provide sufficient coverage. Most of the best ultrasonic pest repellers provide somewhere between 800 and 1,200 square feet of coverage. While they may be effective in a wide-open basement, understand that walls and ceilings can limit this range.
In this case, buyers may need a few of these pest repellers spread throughout their home for full coverage. A good practice is to place them in troublesome areas like the kitchen, near drafty doors, and in moisture-laden rooms like bathrooms. By placing two or three repellers throughout the home, the range of each will likely overlap, providing adequate coverage for most pest problems.
Power Source
There are three main power sources for ultrasonic pest repellers: electric, solar, and battery-powered.
- Electric repellers work well in the home or garage. They are plugged into a standard 110-volt outlet so that you can cover a kitchen, garage, laundry room, and anywhere else you might have a pest issue.
- Solar pest repellers are ideal for driving pests from your yard. These repellers typically stake into the ground and soak up the sun’s rays with photovoltaic panels, converting them into stored energy.
- Battery-powered repellers are a great option for staying bug-free while fishing, hunting, or at an outdoor event. They use batteries to repel insects and rodents from camping gear and prevent annoying buzzing around your ears while reeling in the big one.
Longevity
Ultrasonic pest repellers provide long-term coverage compared with other types of repellents designed to deter pests. Poisons, baits, traps, sticky traps, and dusts need replenishing from time to time (as often as once per week for a serious issue). Although weekly maintenance can be expensive and frustrating, most of the top ultrasonic pest repellers last for 3 to 5 years. They create the ultrasonic signal that repels pests, so they’ll work as long as they have power.
Tech Features
Most yard repellers get their energy from the sun. To be effective at night, they need to conserve their power until a pest arrives. In order to save a bit of energy, many models use motion sensors to detect movement and then emit sound waves rather than continually emitting them throughout the night.
There are also models with lights. Some work like night-lights, while others work as deterrents. The deterrent lights flash when they detect a pest, scaring it away from the yard. In some cases, these flashing lights may even double as an added layer of home security, alerting owners to backyard intruders or larger, more dangerous animals.
FAQs
If you have some questions about the best ultrasonic pest repellers, don’t fret. Below is a collection of the most frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers about these pest control products. From how they work to their safety, you may find an answer to your question here.
Q. How do ultrasonic pest repellers work?
Ultrasonic repellers emit high-frequency sounds that annoy or confuse pests, causing them to turn around and flee the area.
Q. How do you use an ultrasonic pest repeller?
Simply connect an ultrasonic pest repeller to its power source and place in a room or outdoor space you suspect to have a pest issue. This involves plugging into an outlet if it’s corded, adding fresh batteries if it’s a battery-powered model, or situating in an area with plenty of sunlight if it runs on solar power. As long as it has power, it’ll work on its own.
Q. Can ultrasonic pest repellents hurt humans?
Some humans with extra-sensitive hearing may find these repellents annoying or even become nauseated with prolonged exposure.
Q. Do ultrasonic pest repellents bother dogs and cats?
Some do, yes—particularly models designed to repel cats and dogs. If you’ve got a repeller in your yard, your cat or dog may find it uncomfortable to be around.
Q. How long do ultrasonic pest repellents last?
The average lifespan for an ultrasonic pest repellent is 3 to 5 years. But as long as the LED indicator lights up, your repellent is working.
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
