Question
I have mice in the apartment, and I am interested in using an ultrasonic repeller device. However, I read the following online:
"Humans can hear sound at frequencies up to about 23,000 Hz (Hertz). Louisiana State University researchers report that mice and rats are sensitive to sound up to 60,000 and to about 76,000 Hz, respectively. However, common house pets such as cats and dogs can also hear ultrasonic frequencies. Cats can perceive sound up to about 64,000 Hz, and dogs perceive sounds up to 45,000 Hz. You should consider not using noise as a repellent for mice if you have pets."
While the gap between dogs (45,000 Hz) seems pretty far from the mouse level (up to 60,000 Hz), do commercially-available ultrasonic repellers fall in the "safe range" for dogs?
Answer
I believe you are referring to a Riddex plug-in device.
I used to own one, and used it in my apartment where I lived with a dachshund. The instant I plugged the device in, a spider appeared on the wall from a vent, and crawled away down the hall. This proved to me that the device actually did "something" to justify the manufacturer's claim. My dog, a young dachshund with no known hearing issues (other than deliberately ignoring me when I ask him to do things), had no reaction to the device being plugged in. To confirm he had no reaction, I plugged and unplugged the device multiple times, as this was a definite concern / deal-breaker for me if the dog was affected. He did not react.
At a later date, I replaced the Riddex with a newer version; same dog, no reactions. This same dog does react to a dog whistle and a behavioral device, neither of which I can hear. The description of the Riddex device claims it does not interfere with pets. I only have my own experience to back this up.
At some point, I stopped using the Riddex devices. The first one died after a few years and I don't recall what happened with the second one. I believe the devices become less efficient over time, but I have nothing to back up this claim. I had not used Riddex in such a long time that I actually forgot I used to have one until I read this question. As I live in a climate with many pests, I have hired an exterminator for regular maintenance.
Answered By - JoshDM