SEDL / STP / STP1055-EB / STP25255S

Protocol for Field Tests of Ultrasonic Devices for Rodent Management

Jackson, WB
President, BioCenotics, Inc.; and Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH

McCartney, WC
Ecologist, BioCenotics, Inc., New Stanton, PA

Ashton, AD
Vice president, BioCenotics, Inc., Osseo, MI

Pages: 6    Published: Jan 1989

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Abstract

Testing ultrasonic devices for rodent repellency in closed environments results in contradictory responses. Without alternative environments, such efficacy tests cannot approximate actual conditions, and can result in erroneous conclusions.

Conducting observations in actual rodent-infested environments provides the best circumstances in which to measure the efficacy of high-frequency sound as a rodent management tool. Ideally, the installation of ultrasonic devices should be the only environmental variable. Rodent activity, measured with tracking patches, food consumption, or motion monitors before and after activation of units, is correlated with sound pressure patterns in the environment. Both frequency and sound pressure are important parameters. Preferably, two on/off cycles should be used.