Snakes play an important part in our ecosystem. They hunt rodents that spread diseases and eat food sources. However, there are also many dangerous snakes, especially in Australia which has some of the top venomous snakes in the world.
Therefore, many people look at keeping snakes outside of their property through the use of many devices and tactics. One of these is an ultrasonic snake repellent. In this article, we look at the effectiveness of these devices and whether they are a good option.
Understanding Ultrasonic Technology
It is sometimes hard to determine whether a tool that is designed to repel something works. However, it is important to understand the technology and why it might work on snakes.
How Ultrasonic Snake Repellents Work
Ultrasonic snake repellents use a system where they send soundwaves that aren’t audible to humans into the ground to create small vibrations into the ground. The idea is that the snake will pick these sounds up and mistake them for a predator being nearby.
It’s important to use these devices because snakes don’t hear the same as many other animals, even other reptiles. They don’t have ears like we do, but hear by sensing vibrations in their environment, especially through ground vibrations.
This gives them limited listening abilities. Therefore, they cannot tell the difference between a predator and something else when they hear a loud vibration. And as snakes prefer to avoid trouble, as most large vibrations are from predators, they tend to move in the opposite direction.
Scientific Basis
There have been science experiments used to explore whether or not snakes change behaviours when provided with different sound stimuli. One scientific experiment worked with 19
Australian snakes across 5 genera.
They used a soundproof room and then conducted 304 controlled experiments. They used eight different snake behaviours to determine how snakes would respond when different sounds were heard.
Only woma pythons were found to significantly move when hearing a sound. However, all the species looked to hide, be more defensive, or move away when they heard any noise. What is interesting, is that many of the behaviours were similar in the genus. Therefore, it is theorised that behaviours are inherited in species and genera.
The study concluded that there's still a lot to be understood from the behaviours and how snakes hear in general, but there is evidence that ultrasound and vibrations in the ground can be an effective deterrent.
Do Ultrasonic Snake Repellents Fulfil Their Claims?
While there is some science to show that sounds can be effective in deterring snakes, there are a lot of posts online claiming they aren’t effective. But what are these claims and do they work?
Influential Factors on Efficacy
Many factors can affect the efficiency of the devices. For instance, the type of ground the device is placed in can cause different reactions in snakes. On the loose ground, it can sometimes be harder for the snakes to detect the sound, therefore the devices are going to be less effective.
In addition, during wet and rainy weather it can be much harder for the snake to determine the difference between the raindrops on the ground and the vibrations of the device. Therefore, this can cause an issue.
Also, you might place a device that has large rocks or concrete in the ground that can block the vibrations. Or if there is metal in the ground.
Power might also be a problem. Battery-operated ultrasound devices can have a smaller output when the battery is running out. However, when the device is at full power or is solar-powered, then the device might be more effective.
Research on Ultrasonic Technology and Snake Behavior
There is very little research on snake behaviour and ultrasonic technology. What research has been done in the scientific community concluded that there needs to be more research done, but having studied several species from Australia, there is some evidence to suggest that snakes can and do change behaviour when they are presented with new sound stimuli.
What is interesting is that some snakes react differently depending on the species. For instance, many smaller snakes will prefer to hide whereas larger species will move away but will do so at less speed.
Some scientific experiments demonstrate that other species are effective at disrupting feeding and mating behaviour.
Limitations and Controversies
There are some limitations and controversies when it comes to ultrasonic devices. Numerous tabloids and magazines have looked into ultrasonic devices. Some of them report that the devices do not work on snakes. One paper shows snakes rubbing up against the ultrasonic devices.
Therefore, many do not use the devices because they are concerned that they’re wasting their money.
However, it is important to note that these devices have limitations. For one, they have to be placed effectively. They need to be at the right depth in the ground, with the soil composition being perfect for the device. If the soil is too soft or loose, then the vibrations will be less powerful.
Also, if the device is not placed correctly, only part of the area might be protected. Snakes might avoid this area but might seek other areas out where they can find some cover, food, or water and the vibrations do not work.
Also, as with many deterrents, using just one can be an ineffective option. However, ultrasonic devices are best used with natural deterrents such as open spaces, natural snake-repellent scents, and other tactics.
Real-world Effectiveness Work of Ultrasonic Snake Repellent
Product on the picture above: Envirobug Powerful Solar Snake Repellers
One of the key options to determine whether ultrasonic snake repellents work is by looking at how they’re being used in the real world. For this, we must look at both user testimonials and case studies.
User Testimonials
When it comes to user testimonials you just have to look at the Envirobug product pages to see how effective these products can be. Many people have noticed that snakes have disappeared after the installation of the devices. Many people have bought several of these devices to use not just in the back garden, but also placed near driveways and to provide with friends.
One of the species that users have reported seems to disappear very quickly is the brown snake. These snakes can be seen every year in the same garden until the device has been installed and since their introduction have disappeared.
Case Studies
There have been numerous case studies that have looked into how vibrations and ultrasonic devices can work on repelling snakes. The truth is that if the case studies are not done under laboratory conditions, then their effectiveness can sometimes be called into question.
One factor that is important to consider is that people are often watching the snakes when they’re doing these case studies. Therefore, the snakes can also detect the human presence and seek shelter in the nearest hide.
Another problem is that, as mentioned before, ultrasound devices are effective when used in conjunction with other control methods. For example, limiting access to food and water. If you have a lot of rodents around the property, then the snake might be more interested in them rather than the potential threat of predators.
Also, the presence of prey might make the snake think that the area is clear because the snake’s predators are also predators of their prey, so if the prey feels safe, the snake can feel safe.
Do Ultrasonic Repellers Work on Snakes?
Given the evidence, do ultrasonic devices work on snakes?
Environmental Factors
There are many factors to consider when it comes to ultrasonic devices and their effectiveness with snakes. For example, when it is wet or raining, the vibrations might be adjusted so that the devices aren’t as effective. Also, soil type can affect the effectiveness.
If there are large obstructions in the ground, this might affect how the snake is impacted by the device too.
You might also have problems with the device such as low power.
Proper Placement and Usage Tips
For the device to work effectively, proper placement is critical. Using several devices can also be very useful, especially if they’re worked so they each overlap, though not being too close where their vibrations might counteract each other.
They should be placed in areas where there are no obstructions and close to areas where the snakes are going to be moving. Snakes prefer to move around the edges of an area, instead of crossing a garden. So a device that is placed in the middle of a garden is going to be less effective than a snake repellent placed in the borders of the garden.
Evaluating the Claims of Ultrasonic Snake Repellent
So what are the claims of manufacturers? Can we rely on these?
Analysing Manufacturer Claims
Many manufacturers and sellers claim that these devices are very effective. And the science, conducted in laboratory conditions would seem to suggest that they are very effective. All the snakes in the study reacted to the vibrations in the ground.
And there are many reviews on devices that have demonstrated customers are happy. Once the devices have been put into the ground, the ultrasonic repellents have reduced the activity of snakes.
Common Misconceptions
It is a common misconception that these devices are the only deterrent you need. Snakes, like all animals, are complicated and some individuals might become used to the noise or might take risks because they’re hungry.
In addition, the wrong placement of the device can cause a drop in the effectiveness of the device. And if there is low power or no sun for solar-powered devices, then their effectiveness can drop.
Therefore, more than repellent should always be used. However, using natural repellents like fox urine, marigolds, and garlic can greatly enhance how effective your campaign is at deterring snakes from your garden.
Making an Informed Decision about Ultrasonic Snake Repellent
When it comes to the final decision, you have to be informed. Do ultrasonic snake repellents work?
Factors for Choosing the Right Ultrasonic Snake Repellent
The first factor to consider is how other customers have found using the devices. Many brands will now display reviews about their products. Don’t think that a solid five-star review is perfect. There are always going to be some negative reviews, and it generally shows more trust in a brand if there are few less-than-perfect reviews.
Another factor is whether you have the right environment for the device. If there are lots of obstacles in your garden, such as swimming pools, deep concrete, and loose soil, then it is unlikely that the repellent will work very well.
Or perhaps the shape of the garden area requires several devices to ensure there is total coverage of your garden.
Alternatives and Complementary Methods
It is also important to remember that ultrasonic devices are part of the deterrence, not the complete solution. You should always look for other ways to deter snakes as several of them together will be more effective.
Use natural repellents like plants that snakes don’t like such as marigolds and garlic. You might also want to ensure there are no hiding spaces and you’re not attracting their favourite food such as rodents and small birds.
You might also want to call in a pest controller who can help you determine the best course of action for protecting your garden from snake intrusions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key factors influencing the efficacy of ultrasonic snake repellents?
Numerous factors influence the effectiveness of ultrasonic snake repellents including soil, location, number, and power.
How do ultrasonic snake repellents claim to work?
Ultrasonic snake repellents send vibrations into the ground that mimic the movement of predators.
What considerations should be kept in mind when choosing an ultrasonic snake repellent?
Cost and effectiveness are two important considerations. Cheaper snake repellents are often less effective, but the Envirobug is reasonably priced and has a great reputation.
