The other day I was in Walgreens and noticed that Black & Decker sold devices that used ultrasonics to repel insects and rodents, but has no impact on birds or cats or dogs. Here is a link to the make and model of the device I saw. I recalled the various posts I've seen here about mites and other insect parasites that prey upon martins and their young, and the measures people take to control them.
The big question here is: Has anyone tried these in a martin complex? If so, what were the results?
Ultrasonic parasite control: possible?
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Laverne
- Posts: 2216
- Joined: Thu Jan 08, 2004 1:58 pm
- Location: TX/Alvin
- Martin Colony History: Erected 1st house in 1997. Birds were checking it out before Mike got down from the ladder. Six cavities had a little colony 1st year. Grown to 88 cavities all gourds with near 100% occupancy. Most important factor for success is rain = bugs.
Apparently not...
Why don't you give it a whirl and let us know if it keeps the mites away...
If it works, I guarantee everyone will want one or two or forty...
Why don't you give it a whirl and let us know if it keeps the mites away...
If it works, I guarantee everyone will want one or two or forty...
Sincerely,
Laverne
Laverne
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Ed Svetich-WI
- Posts: 815
- Joined: Tue Jan 13, 2004 10:05 pm
- Location: Brooks, Wi (McGinnis Lake)
- Martin Colony History: 24 Super and Excluder Gourds on two gourd racks, all SREH. Full occupancy. My philosophy is to maximize fledge % with existing cavities rather than adding gourds to grow colony, thus providing opportunities for new colony expansion. Fledge over 100 nestlings yearly from 24 gourds. Band nestlings in cooperation with state university. 2019 Adendum: Reduced colony size to 12 gourds to focus on more intensive management regimen.
I did some research on the ultrasonic devices some time ago out of curiousity. I used to be licensed in pest control when I worked for the state government and my background is in biology. I was unable to document any objective studies that indicate that these devices are effective for insects or mammals. If you read the advertisments, they are the best thing around but that is what you expect from someone trying to sell you something. I am sure that there are people who swear that they work but until a reputable study is done, save your money and stick to nest changes or the most benign insecticides that have been proven to control vermin.
I also suggest using the internet to investigate the effectiveness of these ultrasonic devices.
I also suggest using the internet to investigate the effectiveness of these ultrasonic devices.