The Insect Mall

Question: Do ultrasonic pest repellers actually work on spiders?

(Posted by: BlissC on 2010-01-28 08:41:19)

I've read various reviews about these plug- in ultrasonic pest repellers, and some people swear by them and say they've completely banished spiders and other creepy- crawlies from their homes, while others say they're complete rubbish. In particular I hate spiders (yes, I know they eat other beasties and generally aren't harmful, but I still hate them, particularly if I see them and then they scuttle off behind things so I know they're there but I can't see them). I know there are various natural and semi- natural ways to deter them, most of which seem to involve spraying stuff in various places or putting things in nooks and crannies, which can be a bit of a problem, as I'm disabled and find bending and reaching difficult. Is there any scientific basis to ultrasonic sounds repelling insects?

Posted by: Dave on 2010-01-29, 05:45:55

Yes they are a waste of money I run a pest control company and time and time again I visit homes where the home owners have spent a small fortune on ultrasonics, only to call in a pro to clear up the problem for them. There are many ways to make your home less appealing to spiders. If there are cracks around windows and doors, seal them up. Check places where water pipes and wires enter your house and again seal them up. In storage areas, put boxes up off the floor and away from walls. Seal boxes to prevent spiders from living inside them. In general, cleaning up clutter will mean you have fewer spiders. Using pesticides is not a good solution to control spiders either. Insecticides will not provide long term control, it might be an idea to use them to initially reduce numbers control but will only be a temporary solution unless accompanied by housekeeping. Hope this helps Dave

Posted by: Bazza on 2010-01-28, 09:41:58

Yes they do work. Make sure what you buy lists spiders as some are geared to mice.

Posted by: pissy_old_lady on 2010-01-28, 10:34:35

I spent a small fortune on plug in pest repellers...they do not work. I still had mice come in and spiders. Save your money.

Posted by: Jim S on 2010-01-28, 12:15:54

The only thing ultrasonic pest repellers are good for is making money for the marketing company. Spend your money on insecticide instead. If you don't like using poisonous chemicals visit a natural gardening center and they can steer you toward products that won't harm the environment.

Posted by: David on 2010-02-01, 13:29:29

I haven't heard good things about the ultrasonic repeller, either. My mom swears by this spray called SpiderRepel. She always uses it and she gave me a bottle to try. It's pretty good stuff. The ingredients are all natural, if you're worried about spraying chemicals in the house. I know you said bending/ reaching can be difficult, but I thought I would offer my advice anyway. I hope you get rid of your spiders! = )

Posted by: Olivia G on 2010-02-03, 05:12:30

My friend has one of the ultrasonic repellers and says it got rid of loads of spiders from her house. She did have quite a few, her house was always messy and I remember seeing webs around light fittings in the living room!! But she has been very happy with it. I personally wouldn't mind trying one of the repellers but my husband wanted to spend a bit less money so we got a spider catcher to remove them without actually having to touch them! :D I'll give you link to where I bought it if you're interested.