We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
If you have young children and pets, dealing with an insect or rodent infestation without a good ultrasonic pest repeller can be a hassle—and possibly even dangerous. Noxious poisons and traps left around your house and yard could be a hazard, and replacing them can be a hassle.
Instead, ultrasonic pest repellers produce electromagnetic and ultrasonic sound waves to confuse and irritate pests, causing them to flee. Electronic pest repellers are designed to plug into your home’s electrical outlets, while others feature built-in batteries that harness solar energy to power their pest control.
These products can be effective against mice, rats, moles, snakes, bugs, and in certain products designed for such, even cats and dogs. We did our research and spoke with the president of a pest prevention company to understand these products better. This helped us round up a variety of standout options to help you choose from the cream of the crop. For example, our overall favorite was the Ever Pest Lightning Shield 2-Pack Pest Repeller, which is affordable, effective, and easy to use. All you need to do is plug it in and it’ll start working immediately. There are other options worth considering, as well. 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
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Bell+Howell Ultrasonic Pest Repeller Home Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR RODENTS: T3-R Triple High Impact Repeller
↓ Jump to Review - BEST PLUG-IN: Neatmaster Ultrasonic Pest Repeller Plug-In
↓ Jump to Review - BEST UPGRADE PLUG-IN: Loraffe 4-in-1 Plug-In Ultrasonic Mice Repeller
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR MULTIPLE ROOMS: Victor PestChaser Rodent Repellent With Night-Light
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR LARGE ROOMS: Victor PestChaser Pro Ultrasonic Rodent Repeller
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR VEHICLES: Angveirt Under Hood Rodent Repeller
↓ Jump to Review
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.
Best Overall
Ever Pest Lightning Shield 2-Pack Pest Repeller
What We Like
- Starts operating immediately after plugging in
- Cannot be heard by humans and household pets
- Environmentally friendly pest control; no harmful chemicals
What We Don’t Like
- Potentially less effective in rooms crowded with furniture
Product Specs
- Power source: Plug-in
- Species: Mice, rats, ants, spiders, cockroaches, mosquitos, and other insects
- Extra features: None
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 due to 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, such as spiders, cockroaches, mosquitoes, and more.
As with all plug-in repeller products, users should take care to install these in open areas of the room unobstructed by furniture or other objects, as this can block the ultrasonic waves from reaching their maximum range and effectiveness.
Get the Ever Pest ultrasonic pest repeller at Amazon or Ever Pest.
Best Bang for the Buck
Bell+Howell Ultrasonic Pest Repeller Home Kit
What We Like
- Alters frequencies to keep pests from adapting
- LED light indicates that it’s working
- 4-unit configuration offers widespread coverage at affordable price
What We Don’t Like
- Not ideal for vacation homes without year-round electricity
Product Specs
- Power source: Plug-in
- Species: Mice, cockroaches, ants, spiders, and other rodents
- Extra features: LED indicator
Anyone hoping to repel pests in their entire home without breaking the bank will want to give the Bell+Howell ultrasonic pest control kit some consideration. This affordable pest repeller system comes with four plug-in units so that the user can distribute them throughout the house for maximum coverage.
These pest repellers plug in to a standard outlet and emit varying ultrasonic frequencies to repel mice, rats, ants, spiders, cockroaches, and more pests. We find it fascinating that, by changing the frequencies, this kit prevents pests from getting used to one particular frequency.
Also, we like that 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.
Get the Bell+Howell ultrasonic pest repeller at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Menards.
Best for Rodents
T3-R Triple High Impact Repeller
What We Like
- Specially designed to target rodents
- Detailed setup instructions included for easy installation
- Robust waterproof design ensures longevity
What We Don’t Like
- Little to no effect on insects, other pests
Product Specs
- Power source: Plug-in
- Species: Mice, rats, squirrels, and other vermin
- Extra features: 3 separate speakers per repeller
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.
Get the T3-R ultrasonic pest repeller at Amazon or T3-R.
Best Plug-In
Neatmaster Ultrasonic Pest Repeller Plug-In
What We Like
- Compact design blends into the background
- 3 intensity settings for varying degrees of infestation
- Plenty of square-foot coverage per unit
What We Don’t Like
- Red mode is not suitable for humans
Product Specs
- Power source: Plug-in
- Species: Unspecified “pests”
- Extra features: 3 modes of varying strength
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 people are in the home.
Get the Neatmaster ultrasonic pest repeller at Amazon.
Best Upgrade Plug-In
Loraffe 4-in-1 Plug-In Ultrasonic Mice Repeller
What We Like
- Offers 4 methods of repelling rodents
- LED lights strobe to disorient rodents
- Has volume adjustment to tone down predator sounds
What We Don’t Like
- Too large for traveling
Product Specs
- Power source: Plug-in, corded
- Species: Rodents
- Extra features: Volume adjustment, 4 repellency modes
For tough infestations or anyone who doesn’t want to take any chances, check out this four-in-one pest repeller from Loraffe. 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.
Get the Loraffe ultrasonic pest repeller at Amazon.
Best for Multiple Rooms
Victor PestChaser Rodent Repellent With Night-Light
What We Like
- Has a built-in night-light for safety
- Very compact; ideal for travel
- Kit comes with coverage for several rooms
What We Don’t Like
- Might require more than 1 in a room
Product Specs
- Power source: Plug-in
- Species: Mice, rats, and other rodents
- Extra features: Convenient night-light
Unless a home is open concept, there’s a good chance it will require a few ultrasonic pest repellers. For that reason, the night-light equipped PestChaser rodent repellent from Victor 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 and easy to pack in a suitcase for travel. Plus, 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 in deciding where tol plug them in.
Get the Victor Pestchaser night-light ultrasonic pest repeller at Amazon, Ace Hardware, Walmart, or Blain’s Farm & Fleet.
Best for Large Rooms
Victor PestChaser Pro Ultrasonic Rodent Repeller
What We Like
- 3 speakers offer effective coverage in large rooms
- Varied volume/frequency, so pests won’t become immune
- Frequencies do not harm or disturb household pets
What We Don’t Like
- Not as portable as a compact model
Product Specs
- Power source: Plug-in
- Species: Rodents
- Extra features: LED power indicator
Large rooms require a powerful 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. We like that 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.
Get the Victor PestChaser Pro ultrasonic pest repeller at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best for Vehicles
Angveirt Under Hood Rodent Repeller
What We Like
- Automatically shuts off when the vehicle is running
- Emits sound waves and LED strobe lights
- Also suitable for boats, cabinets, attics, closets, etc.
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t recharge; attention to battery life is important
Product Specs
- Power source: Battery (3 AA)
- Species: Rodents
- Extra features: Auto shutoff
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.
Get the Angveirt ultrasonic pest repeller at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
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, helped us select several ultrasonic devices for use across a wide range of applications.
What to Consider When Choosing an Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
From pest types to power sources, the more you know about these products and pest control in general, the better off you’ll be as you shop for 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 devices 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 they invade 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 ultrasonic 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.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.
Ultrasonic repellers emit high-frequency sounds that annoy or confuse pests, causing them to flee the area. The devices typically start emitting ultrasonic frequencies immediately, but it can take a few weeks to see full results.
Simply connect an ultrasonic pest repeller to its power source and place it 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-operated ultrasonic pest repeller, or situating it 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.
Some humans with extra-sensitive hearing may find these repellents annoying or even become nauseated with prolonged exposure.
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.
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.
Rarely, if ever. The frequencies that ultrasonic repellers use (typically between 20kHz and 65kHz) don’t tend to overlap with the frequencies that Wi-Fi utilizes, which are much higher frequencies. Therefore, they don’t interfere. Ultrasonic pest repellers may, however, interfere with other electronics, such as hearing aids.
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.
