4-In-1 Plug-in Rodent Repelling Repellents

We live in the country, so mice are 1000% unavoidable. We have five cats and a dog, so we don't want to use any kind of poison or dangerous chemical deterrent as our cats have gotten ahold of some mice and chomped down. If the mice are poisoned and the cat(s) eat them, it would be too late for vet care before we realized what happened. We take all the preventative steps we can like not leaving any pet or people food out, putting out pet safe mice deterrent, etc. There are baited snap traps all over the place, but mice still sneak into the house. Our pest guy said that without poison baiting, it's a constant battle since mice can get into a house through the tiniest openings. And having a house in a place where the mice have significant natural predators is a spot mice will seek out for safety. We live across from a nature preserve with several species of predators such as eagles, hawks, coyotes, foxes, and such. Before ordering, we had no idea if these would work or not. Based on research done with online reviews, pest control blogs, and several animal websites, it's a toss-up as to whether or not electronic pest control works. These plug-in model and a couple other battery powered electronic gadgets like this have been installed and working 24/7 throughout our house for five or six weeks now. Since these came into action, the number of mice seen has gone from one (or worse, two) a week to ZERO. None in the traps, none caught by our cats and used as toys or grosser yet brought to us in the middle of the night as a present. The ONLY thing that has changed in our battle is the addition of these electronic repellers. Our cats may not be happy at the reduction in play toys, but we're not and neither is our pest control guy. When we set these up, he wasn't able to tell us if they'd work or not, but even he is impressed that after using these, we can't deny that there has been a major reduction in mice. Even though it's freezing outside and mice usually head inside to seek shelter from the weather, this winter is nothing like winter last year (2019-2020) where we had to double our efforts against the stupid mice. As for these units, they are easy to operate. Basically plug them in, select a setting, and you're all set. We have these in/around our bedrooms, so we don't use the strobe light option, only the sonic setting. Our pets aren't bothered by the lights or the range of frequency noises put out through the speakers. The units are small enough to be put almost anywhere within three feet of an outlet, and they are pretty unobtrusive. There is a little green light that blinks and lets you know that it's on and working, but it's not something that will keep anyone awake. Even in a dark hallway it's barely noticeable. As far our experience goes, these have been a massive help in our fight against Mickey and Minnie trying to couch surf rent free in our house. We aren't going to dispense with the traps and such, and if anything will add more of these electronic repellers to our arsenal for the spring critter migration.

In the box, there's the unit, instructions, and an A/C adapter. One thing worth noting; the AC adapter is VERY tight fit - I thought I was going to break the unit plugging it in...something for consideration. Since it's plugged into the back of it, I plan on keeping the A/C adapter plugged in at all times. On the back of the unit, there's a toggle switch, with 4 positions - 'TEST', '1', '2', and '3' - modes are detailed below. 'TEST' is a very annoying, immediate sound - I hope to never switch it to that again, accidentally or otherwise. There is a volume control knob on the back, which allows for a large range of volume adjustment. The unit has 3 LED strips along the top surface, which are disabled by default...these can be toggled with the red button on the front, labeled 'LED' - useful for disabling the lights when you're in the room, if they bother you. I would not recommend being in the room with it, or having pets nearby, in modes 1 or 3 - mode 1 irritates them, and 3 spooks them (predatory animal noises). 2 had no noticeable effect on them, but it would affect rodents, as it's the same as the battery-operated units (which I own several of). Pros: * Has 3 separate sound modes * One is inaudible to human/cat ears (can't attest to dogs, don't have any - this is mode '2') * One can be heard by everyone (sort of shrill, this is mode '1') * One is predator sounds (this freaks out the cats, but probably does an equal if not better job on rodents) * These modes are all switched between with a toggle switch in the back, which has positive feedback. * Volume control knob on the back goes from a quiet whisper to 'wake the house up' loud - good range. * The LED lights on top are toggle-able with a red button on the front of the unit, so you can disable these when you are in the room with it. * Unit feels solid enough, acts similarly (if not improved) to the battery units, which keep mice away from my grill, and under the hoods of my cars. * A/C powered, no batteries to change out. Not sure of power usage, haven't had it plugged in long enough to get any info...also don't have any wattage calculator tools; shouldn't use too much power, since it's just a speaker and some LEDs. Power used will be vastly less than cost to repair rodent damage. * Seems to work as intended against rodents. Cons: These are more personal grievances than anything, not worth docking any stars for: * No 'off' position on switch, or other way to shut unit completely off - the LED toggle is nice, but if I have the unit in the mode with screeching falcons, et. al - I'd like to be able to shut that off when I'm in the room with it, AND LEDs...but it's not a deal-breaker. * Unsure of durability of plug - as stated prior, takes more force than I'm comfortable with plugging the adapter into the unit...don't know how many uses this will last. Easily mitigated by not unplugging the adapter from the unit. If/when the unit breaks, I will update this review. Edit 8/30/20: Manufacturer responded; stated they will consider updating the fit/finish of the A/C adapter so it feels more confident plugging in.

Have been using this on our patio for awhile, next to a doggie door. We have had rats make it into the house in the past, and once I purchased this, it seems that some hesitate to come by (we saw them on a security camera). Although some rats seem to get used to it and did come in, but others did not. So, I would say that this device has some good effects upon the problem, but is not 100% effective.