Do ultrasonic mouse controllers work?

One of the first things most people do when they discover they have mice is to look at ways to discourage the rodents from living in their house.

There are a number of different devices available in hardware stores and garden centres around the country that claim to emit ultrasonic waves at a frequency too high for humans to hear. These sound waves are supposed to deter mice from coming near.

There is some conflicting evidence from laboratory studies as to whether these devices are effective at what they claim, but as they are not subject to the same stringent laws as pesticides there is no need for the manufacturers to offer any conclusive proof.

In our experience there can often be an initial reduction in mouse activity in the affected areas when these devices are installed, but the level of activity soon increases again as the rodents become accustomed to the sound.

In the meantime those mice will simply find somewhere else in the house to live safely away from the noise.