Do Ultrasonic Pest Repellers Work On Squirrels? (Find Out Now!)

Squirrels can be fun to watch. However, they can become quickly become pesky when they start overturning your bird feeder or setting up a nest in your attic. Some homeowners resort to trying everything from coyote urine to steel wool in order to keep squirrels off their property. Many also turn an eye to ultrasonic pest repellers in a last-ditch effort to rid their house and home of squirrels. Do ultrasonic pest repellents actually work, though?

Unlike humans, squirrels can hear ultrasonic sounds. However, views are mixed on whether or not ultrasonic pest repellers work as advertised. In the past, the Federal Trade Commission has sent warnings to companies that made unsubstantiated or false claims about the effectiveness of their ultrasonic pest control products. Many consumers, though, have been satisfied with the results they have seen with ultrasonic pest repellers.

Let’s take a look at how ultrasonic repellents should work and some professional opinions on the best ways to keep squirrels off your property.

A study by the University of Toledo found that fox squirrels were able to hear tones that range from 113 Hz to 49 kHz. An ultrasonic pest repeller creates a noise that most humans can’t hear but is annoying, perhaps even damaging, to squirrels and other pests. The sound waves the repeller makes have a short wavelength and are high-frequency. Some repellers on Amazon.com combine ultrasonic soundwaves with LED flashing lights and chirping sounds.

Several consumers stated that they saw a reduction in their squirrel population after a few weeks of using an ultrasonic repeller. However, it can be difficult to pinpoint the accuracy of ultrasonic repellers using verifiable data. This is why many professionals are cautious with recommending this type of treatment as a squirrel repellent.

Many homeowners are willing to try an ultrasonic repeller because it is a much cheaper option than paying for professional squirrel removal. An ultra-sonic repeller can cost around $50, while squirrel removal can cost anywhere from $200-$500.

While setting up a trap on your own may be a cheaper option, it may not be the best solution. Even though squirrels may look cute and harmless, any wild animal can attack if it feels threatened or is protecting its nest. This is why the National Pest Management Association suggests using professional help to remove squirrels and other small wildlife from your home. Also, many areas have certain regulations you must follow for trapping animals.

Related Questions

Where does a squirrel nest?

Squirrels may nest in either the ground or a tree.  They may pinpoint a cavity in a tree or build their nest 20 feet or higher in the branches. Your attic may also look like a warm, safe place to raise a family to a squirrel.

Do squirrels carry diseases?

Squirrels are a type of rodent that in some instances can carry diseases. Diseases that ground squirrels may carry are the bubonic plague, leptospirosis, and very rarely, rabies. If you see a sick squirrel that is lethargic, has hair loss or is acting strangely, you can call animal control.

Do squirrels hibernate?

Squirrels do not hibernate, however, they are less active in cold weather. They generally spend their days searching for food and will sleep at night. In winter cold, your attic may look like a warm refuge. It can be a good idea to make sure your attic and roof are squirrel-proof before cold weather season.