Bedbug repellers: do they really work?

Why are bedbug repellent devices so popular? Along with poisonous means of baiting bedbugs, these devices look, at least, more advantageous.

It would seem that it could be simpler, I bought the device, turned it on and no more bedbugs. There is no need to crawl around the apartment in search of unfortunate parasites and be poisoned by the caustic fumes of insecticides.

What is, that is, the ultra-modern product is really inexpensive, easy to use and absolutely harmless.

But not everything is so rosy. In the modern market, unfortunately, there are often heaps of outright rubbish that do not have half the promised benefits. To find a truly high-quality product, you will have to try and even use non-standard ways out of the problem.

Let's still try to understand the issue of safe and effective repelling of blood-sucking parasites.

Review

Our daughter studies in a neighboring city, she has to live in a dormitory with all the consequences... As soon as she told us that there were bedbugs in the dormitory, we bought a Typhoon repeller. The sellers promised ultrasound and instant death of insects. But in reality everything turned out differently. The device does not work, the lamp is on, but there is no effect. We took our daughter home while the SES in the hostel was poisoning bedbugs.

Tamara Vasilievna, Orekhovo-Zuevo

Bedbugs: getting to know the pest

The main difference between bedbugs and other insects is their oral cavity. The mouth of almost all insects is tripled so that the animal can bite, while the bug is not capable of biting anything. Its mouthparts can only suck. Bed bugs feed by sucking fluids from plants, but in most cases, bed bugs feed on blood.

The sucking part of the bug's mouth is called the proboscis and is significantly different in appearance from the mouth of other insects. This can be easily seen under a microscope. The mouth of bedbugs is more like a long beak and is used by the insect in much the same way as a person uses a straw when drinking milk or juice.

If you take a closer look at insects that, like bedbugs, have a proboscis, then in almost all of them it is removed. Insects such as a butterfly or bee may remove their proboscis while moving from one food source to another. Bedbugs have a much more rigid mouthparts that cannot be folded. But there is also a plus to this. Due to this rigidity, bedbugs are able to break through harder obstacles than plant leaves when searching for food.

What ultrasonic repellers are on the market?

Currently, the market is simply overflowing with insect repellers of domestic and foreign production. Chinese ones are in great demand for obvious reasons - low price. The device itself is a small box with several lights and buttons. Most of them have the ability to change modes. The prices for ultrasonic repellers vary. There are cheap products of economy class, mid-price category, and expensive ones. According to the principle of operation, they are practically no different. The whole difference is in the diameter of the impact, the reliability of the mechanism itself. Cheap repellers use a conventional sound sensor. Mid-range devices use ultrasound with a relatively small impact diameter. In order for insects to experience discomfort, it is necessary to install several devices in one room in different corners. Expensive repellers have a similar mechanism of action, but a large radius of ultrasound; high-quality materials are used for manufacturing.

The repeller runs on batteries or is connected to a power source using an outlet. Since long-term continuous operation of repellers is required, you should pay attention to the quality of the device itself and the materials from which it is made. Otherwise, the trendy repeller will simply melt.

Scale of the problem

One of the main misconceptions people have about bedbugs is that the vast majority of people believe that bedbugs live on the object of their parasitism. In fact, this is far from the case.

Bed bugs do not live on a dog or cat; they live where the parasitizing object most often appears. And, alas, this is usually the home of the animal's owners. Bedbugs live and breed in tiny cracks in floors or carpets. With an average insect size of 1.5-2 millimeters, entire colonies of tiny bedbugs can live alongside people for decades. At the same time, people will never see them anywhere except in the fur of their pet.

Bedbugs do not live on animal fur; they jump on it from time to time to drink its blood. And one more very important point - if you look at the animal’s fur, it may seem that there are not so many bedbugs, but you need to understand that these are not all insects! This is only a tiny part of them, and all the rest are jumping somewhere around the house in search of food.

What to do if bedbugs have declared war on you?

Bedbugs almost never attack humans. An exception may be cases when there was an animal in the house for a certain time, whose presence created the opportunity for bedbugs to live and reproduce. Then this pet disappeared from the house, and the bedbugs had no food left. In such a situation, they will have no choice but to find a new source of life support, and the bug will attack the person.

They will jump on your feet, bite and run away long before the person begins to feel itching on the skin. In such situations, socks and trousers will not help. These microscopic parasites will crawl through any tissue in search of food.

If this has already happened, then it is too late to bring a new cat into the house so that they start eating it. They will now only bite people. It makes no sense to hope to starve them by leaving the apartment for a few days. Experiments on bedbugs have shown that these parasites can live absolutely without food from two to eighteen months. And if this problem seems funny to someone, then they simply do not understand how tenacious these creatures are, and how incredibly difficult it is to get rid of them. If you do everything correctly, you can get rid of bedbugs with ultrasound. We will try to find out whether this is really so.

Are bedbugs afraid of ultrasound?

According to data obtained from real experiments, almost all animals react to ultrasound and avoid it in all available ways. Each of them has its own sensitivity threshold. Ultrasound power is measured in kilohertz.

• Small mammals such as dogs and cats respond to the 22-25 kHz range.
• Rats and other rodents have a sensitivity threshold of 60-72 kHz.
• Bedbugs, fleas, spiders, cockroaches, mosquitoes, flies and other small flying insects respond to readings of 38-44 kHz.
• Lizards are exposed to ultrasound at 52-60 kHz.

So if anyone has a question whether ultrasound helps or not against bedbugs, the answer is, of course, yes. The only question that remains open is the power of the ultrasound source. If it is higher than 38 kHz, bedbugs won't stand a chance.

What is ultrasound

Humans have a limited hearing range. The human ear can perceive sound in the frequency range from 20 hertz to 20 kilohertz. Sound purity below 20 hertz is subtonal sound or infrasound, and above 20 kilohertz is ultrasound.

A person is not sensitive to such waves because the eardrum of his ear is not capable of vibrating as quickly as ultrasound. Sound above 20 kHz is at a very high frequency, so its waves are much more powerful than normal ones in terms of impact on objects.

Are they harmful to humans?

Manufacturers claim that ultrasonic repellers are absolutely safe for humans. To clarify the situation, it is worth understanding how ultrasound affects humans and animals. Representatives of humanity are not able to hear the signal, since their hearing aids are designed for other frequencies.

When describing sound waves, we should mention not only the frequency, but also the pressure of the sound wave. Modern equipment “works” with ultrasound, the pressure of which ranges from 72 to 100 dB. This indicator is safe for humans: their hearing aid does not suffer from sound pressure within the specified limits. Exceeding the values ​​can cause pain in the owners.

Animals and ultrasound

Although the human ear is not affected by ultrasound, many animals can both hear and produce it. Many rodents, small mammals, insects, as well as bedbugs use ultrasound as a means of communication.

Bedbugs have hypersensitive hearing organs and therefore can perceive incredibly high frequencies. Cockroaches have "sensory antennae" that are used to sense ultrasound. Spiders, wasps, beetles and flies have a tympanic membrane to detect ultrasound. Male mosquitoes use such frequencies to attract females. Lizards also have the ability to perceive ultrasonic vibrations.

Popular models of repellers

In order to purchase a repeller that will meet all your requirements, you need to familiarize yourself with the most popular models, which will allow you to make the right choice.

Typhoon LS-500

The device creates ultrasonic pulses, which constantly change frequency during operation. The possibility of pests becoming addicted is excluded. Designed for an area of ​​80 sq.m. To work effectively, waves must pass freely through the room; barriers such as furniture, doors, etc., significantly reduce efficiency. Regarding the effect, it appears after 2 weeks of work and up to 4 weeks.

UP-116T

This device produces electromagnetic waves that have a negative effect not only on bedbugs, but also other insects. As in the previous version, addiction to the waves is excluded, since the frequency is constantly changing. In addition, the device has disinfecting and cleansing properties. They are equipped with air ionizers, which is of course a big advantage. Wave impact area 300 sq.m.

EcoSniper LS-919

The device is universal and can be used to combat many pests. It acts with sound waves; for unhindered operation, ultrasound must be provided with free access throughout the room. Regarding the effect, it is achieved in 2-5 weeks.

Hawk MT-04

This device can operate in three modes. The first is that it emits waves in one frequency, the second is the rapid conversion of waves to another frequency, the third is a slow change of frequencies. Speaking about the first mode, it is the most effective, but unfortunately, there is a chance of insects getting used to the conditions. The second and third modes eliminate the chance of addiction.

WK 0600 CIX Weitech

It can be called a professional device. Refers to very powerful and effective. A big advantage is the installation of high-quality components. It has 9 operating modes that you can set up yourself by choosing the most optimal one. In addition, it is equipped with two sensors that significantly expand the impact area. It is recommended to operate continuously for the first 2 weeks, then turn it on at night. You will be pleased with the price-quality ratio.

Of course, this is only a small part of the modern gadgets that manufacturers offer us. Basically, the principle of operation and working mechanisms are the same for everyone and are all aimed at the same result. But the thing is that they have not yet proven their 100% effectiveness in work.

The effect of high frequencies on bedbugs

How do ultrasonic bedbug repellers affect their body? Bedbugs have ultrasonic sensors, and when frequencies of 38-44 kHz or higher are emitted by the repeller and reach these sensors, the bug begins to feel fear and confusion. The animal becomes completely disoriented, it feels a sharp pain, and in the first seconds it does not understand which direction the source is and where it needs to run.

Ultrasound creates severe stress in the animal’s nervous system. It completely suppresses his own ability to produce ultrasound. Exposure to such a high frequency can briefly numb the animal, after which it identifies the source and tries to move away from it as quickly as possible.

Ultrasound creates strong pressure on the eardrum of bedbugs, and therefore the insects run away. Does ultrasound help kill bedbugs? No. Ultrasound cannot kill an insect, but at the same time it creates such impossible conditions for the parasite that the latter has no choice but to flee from the affected area.

How to use the repeller

The instructions for use are simple and banal. Remove the device from the packaging, connect it to a power source or insert batteries. Set the required mode and leave it on until the bedbugs disappear. It is recommended to turn it off periodically to avoid damage. It is necessary to use the device for a long time. Only at the end of the month can you notice a visible result. In addition, you should pay attention to the radius of influence of the repeller. You may have to install several pieces in one room at once.

Instructions for use:

• remove from packaging;
• plug into the socket;
• set mode.

To prevent insects from becoming accustomed to constant ultrasound. Modes should be changed periodically.

Interesting facts about ultrasound and mosquitoes

Male mosquitoes are the natural enemies of females of their species after breeding. Few people know that in fact, both males and females use plant sap rather than human blood as food. The mosquito has become man's worst enemy because females need protein from human blood to mature their eggs. Males never bite people, only females do this, and only after mating. This gives them the opportunity to obtain blood, which is vital for raising offspring.

And there is one more interesting feature. Females and males are at enmity with each other; more or less tolerable relations between them are possible only at the moment of mating. And therefore, after reproduction, females avoid males as best they can. The most important way to detect their presence is the 38 kHz ultrasound that males emit through their antennae. Working at this frequency, the ultrasonic repeller imitates the presence of a male for females, so they fly away.

Smartphone against bedbugs

Can a mobile application replace a full-fledged ultrasonic bedbug repeller? Is it true that a regular smartphone can help in the fight against mosquitoes or bedbugs? In phone app stores you can find many different programs for mobile devices that promise effective removal of bedbugs with ultrasound. Many scientists are very skeptical about such a statement.

Renowned entomologist Bart Knoles once experimented with a smartphone app to see if ultrasound worked on bedbugs. He downloaded it to his iPhone, turned it on full blast, and placed it in a box of bedbugs. Either the insects showed a truly Spartan character and did not allow themselves to be broken, or the phone application turned out to be a simple scam, but the bedbugs showed absolutely no reaction.

DIY bedbug repeller

For a person who is familiar with the basics of radio electronics and knows how to work with a soldering iron, making a bedbug repeller with your own hands is not particularly difficult.

Typical diagram and description of the device operation

Anyone can solder a simple device for repelling bedbugs.
The KR1006VI1 microcircuit is a timing element. It generates voltage pulses, the frequency and duration of which can be adjusted by changing the values ​​of components C1 and R2. Changing the resistance of resistor R2 gives a frequency shift from 200 Hz to 55 thousand Hz. Against small insects, including bedbugs, it is necessary to adjust the generator to a frequency of 20 thousand Hz. From the third output of the KR1006VI1 timer, an alternating voltage of the required frequency is supplied to the sensor (speaker). Variable resistor R3 adjusts the signal power. In the absence of a KR1006VI1 controller, the device can be assembled using its closest foreign analogues, for example, the NE555 chip.

Electromagnetic waves in the fight against bedbugs

There are many available bedbug repellers on the market that use two methods to control pests: ultrasound and electromagnetic waves. Manufacturers claim that their devices are more effective. Scientists at the University of Colorado conducted a study with devices that combined ultrasound and electromagnetic waves. The results showed that the effect of such devices is indeed stronger than the effect of ultrasound against bedbugs without magnetic waves.

Many people believe that nowadays it is very difficult to avoid the harmful effects of various dangerous chemicals. However, their impact can be significantly minimized through the use of modern technologies. Of course, chemical repellents are much more effective than conventional ultrasonic bedbug repellers. But if high-frequency sound is used in combination with electromagnetic waves, such a device is practically in no way inferior in effectiveness to repellents. But in terms of the impact on the user’s health, the difference is huge.

Devices of the future

Modern science does not stand still, and scientists are currently developing a fundamentally new device for killing bedbugs . The radio frequency device being worked on acts as a cockroach trap. It attracts bedbugs, which fall into the deadly zone of ultrasonic waves. The body of a dead insect begins to emit a smell that attracts other individuals.

Such a device has not yet appeared on the market, and its cost will most likely still be incredibly high. But, according to scientists, such a gadget will soon displace all insecticides and other means of combating bedbugs from the market .

Thus, modern bedbug control devices will help get rid of annoying insects. Which one to choose is up to you.

Is it safe for people?

Ultrasonic repellers are widely used in homes, gardens and farms to successfully treat bed bugs. Commercial instruments are designed to operate in the range from 20 kHz to 100 kHz. Ultrasound above 20 kHz cannot be heard by adults, but children can hear sounds up to 30 kHz.

Almost every home has a lot of devices that emit ultrasound. A mobile phone, computer, or vacuum cleaner are sources of such a signal, but do not cause any harm to human health. Ultrasound is considered the safest way to examine pregnant women; it is this technology that the ultrasound machine uses. Ultrasound is also used in cardiac echocardiogram. According to scientific research, high frequencies cannot harm human health.

The most popular ultrasonic repellers and prices:

• Thermacell Outdoor Electronic Repellent. Price: 1,600 rubles.

• Thermacell Insect Repelling Lantern. Price: 1,340 rubles.

• Pest Reject Ultrasonic Bug Repellent. Price: 2,680 rubles.

• Home Sentinel Electromagnetic, Ionic & Ultrasonic Insect Repellent. Price: 800 rubles.

• SOARING Ultrasonic Bug Repellent. Price: 1,270 rubles.

• Clip-on Bug Repellent Fan, 2 Packs. Price: 1,000 rubles.

Ultrasound against bedbugs. Feedback about use

Let's see what those who have already used such devices say. The vast majority of reviews about the use of ultrasonic bedbug repellers are positive. If you purchase a working device and operate it correctly, you can forget about the problem of bedbugs. Having looked at the reviews on the use of ultrasound against bedbugs, we can come to the conclusion that most repellers do not demonstrate the best results due to the following reasons:

• Converter output power. If it is too low, the efforts will have no effect. Although 38-44 kHz is sufficient for bedbugs, it is best to set the device to maximum.
• Direction and angle of sound capture. Ultrasound typically travels at an angle of 45 degrees from the source. If there is an obstacle in the way, the waves will not pass through it, but will flow around the object. This may reduce efficiency due to reduced coverage area.
• Number of bedbugs. If the parasite population is too large, one device may not be enough. Also of great importance is how far they are from the repeller. In most cases, judging by the reviews, one device is enough to get rid of bedbugs with ultrasound.
• The ability of bedbugs to adapt to ultrasound. In the first days of use, the device will affect everyone without exception, but over time, some of them may adapt to the irritant.

WeitechWK-0600

Professional ultrasonic device for bedbugs
Professional ultrasonic device for bedbugs and other pests made in Belgium. In its arsenal it has a multi-frequency range of wave radiation that can have a negative impact on bedbugs. Powerful broadband emitters allow the device to be used in large rooms for any purpose.

Operates from an AC outlet with a voltage of 220 V. Energy consumption is negligible. To achieve the best result, ultrasound must operate continuously for at least 3 days. It is recommended to turn on WK-0600 for preventive purposes once a month for 3-4 days. You can order the device online and have it delivered to your home.

• radiation area – up to 320 sq. meters;
• overall dimensions: 156x89x83 mm;
• weight: 750 grams;
• power supply: 220 V;
• average price 5500 – 6500 rubles.

Review

Last summer I worked as a teacher at a children's camp. And we got bedbugs. They couldn’t poison them with insecticides; the season would have to be disrupted. We purchased the ultrasonic cleaner WK-0600 based on reviews on the Internet. According to the instructions, we selected the ultrasound mode and turned it on for 4 days. The bugs have disappeared somewhere. No one else bit the children.

Ekaterina, Tula