Bedbugs infest beds and other furniture, and their bites can cause irritating welts.
Electronic repellents for bedbugs, or any other pest, insect or rodent, do not work. Despite claims made by manufacturers, no scientific study has ever proved that these devices are effective at repelling anything at all. Does this Spark an idea?
Claims
Different manufacturers of electronic pest-control devices make different claims. Some supposedly work by emitting an ultrasonic frequency that drives bugs away. Others allegedly create an electromagnetic field. Some companies also claim their devices use ionic air cleaners to ward away bugs.
Expert Insight
Repeated studies have shown the complete ineffectiveness of electronic bedbug repellents. Sid Kirchheimer, a writer for the AARP, warns that it is "best to ignore the ionic, ultrasonic or electromagnetic gizmos pitched on TV or the Internet." The same sentiment is echoed by experts at the University of Wisconsin's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, as well as retired Oregon State University Extension Entomologist Jack DeAngelis. He credits their supposed to success to the placebo effect, saying that "people see what they want to see."
Alternatives
According to Kirchheimer, if your home has become infested with bedbugs, you probably need to hire a professional exterminator. He recommends getting referrals and checking to make sure the exterminator is certified with the National Pest Management Association. Treatment to remove bedbugs from a home may cost up to $6,000, depending on the severity of the infestation.
Tags: