Electronic vibration devices are used instead of pesticides or sprays.
Different electronic devices are on the market that claim to keep the bugs out of your home. Other devices claim to keep insects, such as mosquitoes, away from you while you are outside on the patio. These devices are controversial because of some of the scientific data, such as the study conducted by Utah State University, does not agree with the claims of the manufacturers. Does this Spark an idea?
Devices
Two main electronic devices are sold by different manufacturers. One device sends electromagnetic signals through your homes wiring. The other uses ultrasonic frequencies to reverberate through the home. Your pets can hear these vibrations and signals, the manufacturers claim that the devices will not harm the pet. The study from Utah State University states that even though rodents and insects will become afraid of the vibrations, the pests will eventually become accustomed to the signals and return.
Effect
Barb Ogg from the University of Nebraska conducted research on these devices and found that the ultrasonic equipment did not work. Even though some pests, like bugs and insects were repelled by the vibrations, not very many of the bugs left the home. According to Ben West and Terry Messmer from Utah State University, the electromagnetic vibration devices also did little to repel rodents and bugs.
Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission warned the manufacturers of these electronic vibration devices in May 2001 about the claims the manufacturers were making. According to the report, the FTC went after six manufacturers and charged them with false advertising. Later the FTC sent letters to several manufacturers stating the claims must be backed up by scientific evidence. None of these devices were taken off the market, but the FTC continues to monitor the manufacturers to ensure they make claims that can be verified.
Claims
Even though the FTC warned these companies about the claims of the electronic vibration devices, the devices continue to sell in great numbers. One thing the FTC does allow the manufacturers to claim is that the devices repel rodents, insects and bugs of all kinds, but cannot claim the device eliminates these pests permanently. The companies can also claim that the device cause vibrations or signals that pests do not like, which is true. Companies have been vague in their advertising of these products, but continue to hint at the suggestion these electronic vibrations work permanently.
Tags: vibration devices, claim that, State University, Utah State, Utah State University