Three decades ago, homeowners stopped complaining about “bothersome neighbors” – bedbugs. Today, the incidence of insects in residential areas has increased by 10%. Experts believe that the reason for the phenomenon is the appearance of insects that are immune to insecticidal substances. New methods of combating parasites are also being developed, not least of which is the ultrasonic bedbug repeller.
Types of devices
There are various bedbug repellers on the market today. The basic difference between the devices is the principle of their operation.
Ultrasonic
The operating principle of an ultrasonic bedbug repeller is as follows: the ultrasound generated by the device spreads throughout the apartment or house, forming light vibrations in the air. Insects are very sensitive to such phenomena: cavitation or cell rupture is observed in the pest’s body. The parasite cannot exist in such conditions and leaves its previous habitat.
Ultrasound against bedbugs in relatively cheap installations has a number of disadvantages:
- the sound wave is distributed over a short distance;
- the sound intensity decreases with distance from the source;
- the frequency pulse is not able to overcome obstacles: furniture and other objects;
- You can evaluate the result of the device only after 14-20 days.
Electromagnetic
The operating principle of an electromagnetic bedbug repeller is to produce an electromagnetic field that affects the nervous system of insects: individuals begin to suffer from panic syndrome.
The action of the device spreads evenly throughout the entire territory; walls and furniture do not interfere with the magnetic field in any way. This is the basic advantage of the models over their predecessors.
Combined
The effect of the combined action electronic bedbug repeller impresses its owners. The device is capable of producing ultrasound and magnetic waves alternately, having a double negative effect on pests. For obvious reasons, the models described are considered the most effective in the fight against parasites.
Scented repellers
Such a device for repelling bedbugs is otherwise called a fumigator. The product is a special plate impregnated with an aromatic composition, which, when heated, emits an odor unpleasant to insects. The method is effective for a short time, since a well-fed bug can temporarily disappear from the alarming zone; when hungry, it is able to put up with the fetid aroma.
Repellent fumigators can be useful before using radical methods.
This method of struggle is also relevant in a number of other circumstances.:
- when it is not possible to carry out disinfestation;
- if it is impossible to use an electronic repeller.
The plate works simply: you need to insert it into the nearest outlet. It is preferable that the device be placed closer to the floor surface.
Attention! If there is a large infestation of bedbugs, fumigators will not solve the problem - it is worth resorting to more effective methods.
Operating principle
A modern electronic bed bug repeller operates on the basis of ultrasonic and magnetic waves. The most common models are with ultrasound. A special sensor generates high-frequency vibrations that are imperceptible to the human ear. With constant exposure to insects, they cause discomfort and disorientation in space. The normal functioning of bedbugs is disrupted, after which the insects begin to look for a new shelter and breeding sites.
The most effective are considered to be combined devices that generate ultrasonic and magnetic waves. Double exposure to the repeller allows you to get rid of bedbugs in the room much faster. At the same time, the device remains safe for humans. High-frequency vibrations affect the central nervous system of insects, causing discomfort. Parasites stop feeding, reproducing, and after a while they leave the apartment or house.
Do they help?
The effectiveness of an ultrasonic bedbug repeller is often questioned. It is difficult for a non-professional to determine how effective an electronic device is.
To correctly assess the situation, it is worth mentioning several nuances:
- Not a single instruction manual for the device states “effective against bedbugs.” The buyer guesses about the intended effect by looking at the packaging with rodents, cockroaches, fleas and other pests depicted on it. The manufacturer only supports the owners in their desire to quickly cope with the problem and recommends using an electric repeller in tandem with other methods of control;
- the devices were initially used to combat mosquitoes, then manufacturers assumed a similar negative effect of the devices on bedbugs;
- mosquitoes are sensitive to ultrasound: they transmit a signal to their relatives, stop reacting normally to what is happening, experience discomfort and leave the room. The situation is different with bedbugs: ultrasound has a greater effect only on mature individuals of pests, young animals are much more sensitive to odors;
- devices of low and medium price categories are not able to affect individuals that are hidden in an outlet, under a baseboard or mattress. It is not at all possible to get rid of bed bugs behind a wall using equipment;
- the action of ultrasonic or magnetic resonance devices cannot be continuous: the devices are turned off for a while, which gives insects the opportunity to continue to live in an apartment or house.
Based on the above facts, we can confirm the idea of the questionable effectiveness of the method. The need to use additional pest control measures (insecticides, etc.) becomes obvious.
Instructions for use
In order to effectively deal with parasites, take a cylinder with “Insecticide” so that it is vertical. It is taken twenty centimeters away from the place where insects accumulate and spraying begins.
In order for the treatment to be effective, it is necessary to divide the entire surface into intended squares and thoroughly disinfect each of them for ten seconds.
This is interesting! It is better to fight insects in the warm season, since the greatest effectiveness of “Insecticide” is observed in the range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. As soon as the temperature becomes significantly higher or lower, it is recommended to postpone treatment.
The room must be prepared for processing. You need to take toothbrushes, baby clothes and groceries out of reach. Clothes and bedding should be wrapped in airtight bags. Pet bowls should also be kept securely hidden.
It requires very careful inspection and careful processing:
- beds;
- mattresses;
- sofas;
- armchairs;
- cracks in the floor;
- spaces behind cabinets;
- furniture;
- baseboard;
- the back of a floor or wall rug;
- spaces behind the wallpaper;
- electrical outlets;
- batteries;
- doorways, etc.
Then the windows, doors and vents are tightly closed for twenty minutes. Afterwards, the apartment must be well ventilated. It is best to create a draft so that all odors disappear.
Protective equipment
Then use a mixture of soap and soda to wipe all surfaces in the house.
Particular attention should be paid to door handles, tables, bedside tables, armrests or shelves. This cleaning is done to ensure that family members do not accidentally come into contact with the toxic substance.
The drug is quite toxic, so precautions must be taken. Before starting sanitization, you must put on thick rubber gloves on your hands and protect your face with a bandage.
Eyes must be covered with glasses.
After finishing disinfection, you need to wash or throw away the clothes you wore, take a shower and rinse your mouth thoroughly.
If you were unable to protect yourself and the substance got on your body, you should treat the areas in contact with it with soda.
How to use
The instructions for using an ultrasonic bedbug repeller are simple. You must remove the equipment from its packaging, connect it to a power source, or use batteries. Then you have to select the desired mode (usually there are 2 or 3) and leave the device to work until the pests completely disappear.
It is important not to forget to periodically turn off the bedbug repeller in order to prevent it from burning out. The device should be used for a long time (at least 2-3 weeks). Experts recommend changing the operating mode of the device to prevent individuals from becoming addicted.
Attention! When purchasing a device, you should pay attention to the range. When installing the device in a large room, it becomes necessary to purchase several devices.
Pros and cons of traps
Bedbug traps, despite the fact that they are quite effective in dealing with a small number of parasites, have a wide range of disadvantages.
Before using any device or tool, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with its pros and cons, the main ones of which are the following:
- They do not have a harmful effect on parasite eggs. Accordingly, if there are a large number of bedbugs, it is recommended to use traps only in combination with insecticidal agents.
- Completely safe for people and pets. They can be used for an almost unlimited amount of time.
- Various devices, such as adhesive devices, are an excellent identifier that allows you to determine the presence of pests in the house.
- Devices made with your own hands do not require the investment of a large amount of money, since the cost of available materials is low.
- This method is highly effective if used to prevent the appearance of parasites in the house.
Based on the above, the following conclusions can be drawn: traps are quite effective means, the task of which is to prevent the appearance of parasites in the house, as well as to determine this fact.
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.
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.
Harm of ultrasound for pets: yes or no
The hearing aids of rodents and some other types of pets are able to perceive ultrasound against bedbugs. Sound pressure can also have a negative impact on pets. Rodents react especially sharply to the “new neighbor”: they change in behavior, experience pain, anxiety, and become uncontrollable near a working device.
Therefore, among the pets that can be repelled by ultrasound:
- hamsters;
- Guinea pigs;
- tame rats and other types of rodents.
Cats, dogs, parrots living in the house do not react in any way to the operation of the equipment.
Attention! There are models that, when operating, emit not only ultrasonic waves, but also ordinary sound waves. These devices can cause discomfort in pets and owners.
Device benefits
There are many reasons why repellers are preferable to traditional bed bug control methods. They are easier to use and do not require spraying, scattering or scattering the solution over potential parasite habitats. Of particular relevance for most consumers are such qualities as health safety, affordable price and high durability. Modern bedbug repellers can reach places that traditional chemicals cannot reach:
- under baseboards;
- in cracks in floors and walls.
Even with all their toxicity, modern poisons and poisons are not able to completely destroy all bedbugs. Insects that survive persecution adapt to the substances, and as a result, the fight against bedbugs becomes endless. But ultrasonic repellers act on bedbugs in a completely different way. The object of their influence is the nervous system of insects, and in order to escape from this terrible drug, bedbugs begin to leave the house.
During operation, repellers produce waves that spread throughout the entire room. So no matter where the crawling insects are hiding, this modern electronic device will still get them. You can be sure that repellers will reach even small, inconspicuous bedbugs that use such tiny hiding places that they are very difficult to notice.
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.
Principle of operation
The work of such repellers is to create magnetic resonance or ultrasonic pulses that affect bedbugs and other insects. The impulse only allows you to scare away the insect, but does not cause any harm. Almost all devices are universal, so they can be used against many pests.
Electromagnetic
In such devices, a magnetic resonance oscillation is created, it affects the parasite, and it leaves the area where it senses it.
Features of such devices:
- It is worth considering that the radiation that the device creates affects not only insects, they have an effect on people and animals.
- Also keep in mind that the egg laying remains unaffected, since the impulses do not affect them in any way, so you will need to turn on the device from time to time throughout the month.
Often, after the device is turned off, the parasites return to their territory. This situation arises because bedbugs are not the type of insect that travels long distances. Therefore, when they hear danger, they retreat to safe territory and wait until the path is open, and then return. There is another scenario: in the case of multi-storey buildings, they move to their neighbors, but this absolutely does not guarantee that they will not return to you again.
Ultrasonic
In this case, the device is designed to create ultrasound, which has an effect on the insect’s nervous system. He perceives such ultrasonic vibrations as danger and therefore leaves the territory. According to the manufacturers of such repellers, ultrasound operates in a certain range, which only affects insects, which is absolutely safe for people and animals.
Before purchasing a device, you should understand one important point. Speaking of a device that is ultra-modern, operates in a certain ultrasonic range, has a 100% effect on parasites and is absolutely safe for humans, it certainly cannot cost a few rubles. And often on our market there are models sold that are ineffective and have nothing to do with high-tech emitters. But at the same time, the fairly high price does not at all prove the quality of the devices.
When giving preference to ultrasonic devices, it is worth considering:
- Waves can only affect adults, the larvae remain untouched, so repeated procedures will be required;
- If the room is large enough, then you need to use several devices;
- To achieve maximum effect, it is recommended to additionally treat the room with chemicals.
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.
Pros and cons of insecticide
To finally decide on the choice of means to get rid of blood-sucking parasites, you should familiarize yourself with the main advantages and disadvantages of Dichlorvos.
Among its advantages:
Convenience and ease of use. There is no need to calculate proportions for preparing the substance. No additional tools are needed for processing. Availability in stores. You can purchase the aerosol at most retail outlets; the product is not in short supply. Price. The price is relatively low - about 100 rubles for a 190 ml can. Does not leave stains even on fabrics. Versatility. It acts not only on bedbugs, but also on many other insects. Minimum danger
The possible harm to humans is negligible (especially if precautions are followed).
Despite the fact that the drug is quite popular for household use, it is still not a panacea for getting rid of bedbugs. Its disadvantages:
- To penetrate hard-to-reach places, special nozzles are needed;
- short duration of action - up to 7 days;
- the need for repeated treatments;
- may be ineffective at high levels of infestation.
The insecticide is good for prevention, but only if the insects do not appear in too large numbers. Small doses of the product will not only not help, but will also cause insects to become resistant to the poison, so before you start treatment, you should make sure there is a sufficient amount of the drug. Usually per 1 sq. m area, 20 g of spray is consumed.
What is the composition of insecticide?
Insecticide is a fairly modern remedy. It was developed by an institute that deals with problems of this nature. This is practically the only product that is designed specifically to kill bedbugs. It does not work for other insects.
The photo shows the packaging of Klopomor
As a rule, when choosing a bedbug killer, people want it to be effective and safe. In terms of effectiveness, this product is one of the best. But his security is not very high
Therefore, if you decide to use this remedy, pay special attention to protecting your body and your loved ones
The product contains substances such as piperonyl butoxide, permethrin and cyperiethrin. The drug has a shelf life of about two years. Do not store it near food under any circumstances. You can get severe poisoning. Insecticide is developed on a natural basis; it is recommended to dilute it with warm water. And also if you are allergic, it is better not to use this remedy, as a serious allergic reaction may develop.
