Electromagnetic Interference in Pest-X-Repel Electronic Repellers
Understanding electromagnetic interference as a method of pest control begins with the basic idea that an electromagnetic field exists wherever there is movement of an electrical charge. This is true of any place where electricity is used, including the electrical installation of your home or workplace, along with all of its wiring. Naturally, the parameters of the electromagnetic field are defined by those of the power grid (e.g. 230V, 50Hz in Europe and 160V, 60Hz in the US).
The use of electromagnetic interference in electronic pest control is based on the fact that rodents are acutely sensitive to changes in these parameters. A substantial body of scientific work has shown that electromagnetic fields have a deep impact on the orientation of rodents, as well as their their feeding and breeding cycles (The effects of exposure to electromagnetic field on rat myocardium, 2013, A. Kiray et al.).
How Pest-X-Repel Electromagnetic Repellers Operate
The technological premise of Pest-X-Repel electromagnetic pest repellers, such as the PR-300.1 or PR-500.3, is based on causing discomfort to rodents through creating a series of randomised changes in the parameters of the existing electromagnetic field of the control area electrical installation. This is achieved through pulse modulation of the electromagnetic field via the use of a coil inside Pest-X-Repel repellers. As a result, the frequency of the electromagnetic field fluctuates in a randomised, wave-like manner, which causes significant discomfort to pests and impedes their vital functions. What is more, the randomised nature of the changes prevent rodents from becoming used to them (i.e. habituating), which ensures the long-term effectiveness of the unit.
The experiments, that these studies are generally based on, include monitoring the behaviour and vital functions of rodents exposed to the repeller against those of a control group. The trials conducted for Pest-X-Repel repellers featured the same experiments and found that the devices had a significant and consistent influence on rodents.
The specific effects that Pest-X-Repel ultrasonic repellers have elicited in rodents during laboratory trials include lethargy, sharp fur, shivering, loss of weight, and in more severe cases, digestion problems and disorientation. The experimental setting for the trials was specifically constructed to mirror field operation of the devices, which reliably confirms that the same effects are likely to be observed during normal use. None of the animals used for the trials were harmed.
Installation & Domestic Hygiene
When used in the field, the ultrasonic repeller poses a trade-off for rodents. The discomfort created by the device is ‘weighed against’ the favourable conditions provided by the environment such as shelter and food. In other words, whether rodents choose to flee or settle in a control area depends on how strong their incentive is to remain. This has several important implications for the use of electronic pest control in treating rodent infestations.
One key takeaway is the importance of good housekeeping and its correlation to device effectiveness. More specifically, this refers to the idea of making the control space a less desirable environment by enforcing good hygiene, removing any organic waste and keeping storage areas tidy (especially those out of reach and not frequently visited). Restricting access to food and shelter makes it more difficult for pests to settle in the control space and create feeding/breeding patterns.
Furthermore, it is important to note the role of placement in the effectiveness of the device. Electromagnetic interference will only affect rodents while they are close to the wires of the control area electrical installation.Therefore, electromagnetic repellers are an effective method of targeting rodents within their lairs, which are often within the walls. However, they will not have the same influence on pests out in the open. For this reason we recommend selecting the appropriate mix of products based on the characteristics of your control area or considering a combined action unit such as the PR-500.3. Lastly, it is important to note that electromagnetic pulses are likely to reach further if the device is installed closer to the electrical board.