Electronic devices
are useless at repelling bedbugs.
Electronic devices that claim to repel bedbugs, mosquitoes, cockroaches or other household pests have never been proven to be effective. Manufacturers claim their devices emit ultrasonic sounds or electromagnetic pulses undetectable to human ears but that are intensely annoying to insects, including bedbugs. However, as of June 2011, it's difficult to find any study that proves these claims are true. Entomologist Richard Pollack notes that the only thing these devices reduce is "the thickness of your wallet." Does this Spark an idea?
Identification
Electric insect repellent devices can range in price from $20 to $50 and vary in size and shape; although, typically they're spherical or cube-like and about the size of clock radios or computer speakers. Some devices plug directly into an electrical outlet while others use a cord or batteries. Some may emit a small light to show that the high frequency noises are being emitted because humans can't hear these noises; the devices claim to use sonic, ultrasonic, or electrically produced energy waves that annoy rodents and insects.
Legal Warnings
In 2001, the United Stated Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued warnings to more than 60 manufacturers and retailers of electronic insect repellents and ordered the manufacturers to provide solid evidence that their devices work. Most have yet to do so, except for two companies, Lentek Instruments and Global Instruments, which settled out of court with the FTC in 2003. Despite the settlement, these devices are still available for sale over the Internet, in stores and through TV offers as of June 2011.
Bedbug Management
Treating a home or business for bedbugs involves a complicated process. The nearly flat bodies of bedbugs make them able to hide in tiny cracks and crevices. Homes have to be vacuumed, all clutter has to be removed, and all cracks in walls and floors need to be sealed to eliminate hiding spots. Cornell University recommends hiring a professional exterminator for two or more spray or fumigation treatments. Over the counter "bug bombs" or sprays for other insects will not kill bedbugs or will not kill enough bedbugs to eliminate an infestation.
Studies
Studies done on other insects, such as mosquitoes, the Indian meal moth and cockroaches, show that electronic insect repellents did not work, states retired Ohio State University entomologist Jack DeAngelis. There has never been a study published in an esteemed peer-reviewed scientific journal as of June 2011 that recommends the use of ultrasonic or electromagnetic insect repellents.
Tags: insect repellents, June 2011, Electronic devices, electronic insect, electronic insect repellents, never been, other insects