User Guide

How much square footage will each PestChaser cover?
It can vary greatly depending on each individual room or space. Ultrasound is a
directional sound wave. Its physical properties do not allow it to penetrate any solid
surface. In addition, ultrasound is a fragile sound wave which dissipates (attenuates)
rapidly with distance, and may have little effect on rodents more than 20 feet from the
sound speaker. The rule regarding square footage coverage is simple: an ultrasonic
device can only cover the room in which it is installed; in a 10' x 10' room it covers 100
sq. ft., in a double car garage it covers 400 sq. ft. If the room is as large as 1000 square
feet, adequate coverage can be delivered if there are not a lot of obstructions like
furniture or stored products in the space. With obstructions, you will need to install more than one unit for
maximum effectiveness.
How much does the PestChaser cost to operate?
The PestChaser costs less than 20 cents per month to operate on a 24 hour basis.
Keep it plugged in at all times. The PestChaser draws only 2 watts. Assume an
electricity rate of .13 per KWH (which is a high-end estimate). 2 watts x 24 hrs. x
31 days = 1488 watts per month / 1000 = 1.5 KWH x .13 = .195 ¢ per month.
When can I expect results?
The field test studies that Sonic conducted for Canadian registration showed a
marked reduction in rodent activity in 6 to 10 days on average. One should never expect instantaneous
results.
If I can't hear the PestChaser, how do I know it's working?
When the PestChaser is plugged in, you will see a red LED light behind the speaker grill. This light tells you
the PestChaser is working properly. Even though the Table Top model has two speakers, there is only one
LED. You may also hear a very slight audible sound component if you are within 2 feet of the PestChaser.
How long will the PestChaser last?
The estimated service life of each unit is from 5 to 7 years. However, many PestChasers are still working after
10 or more years in service. No adjustment or service is required.
Does ultrasound affect insects?
Some insect species can produce or perceive sound in ultrasonic frequencies and are affected by high-
frequency sound. That is not to say that it can effectively repel them or control them. There has been little
true scientific research to determine if ultrasonic sound generators could produce effective insect control
results. You may find that some insects seem to respond to ultrasound while others are oblivious to it. Sonic
makes no claims that the PestChaser can be used for insect pest control. We believe that it is improper for any
company to make specific insect claims unless backed by validated scientific studies.
What about the so-called "electromagnetic" pest repellents that claim to repel pests behind walls?
These direct plug-in devices claim to somehow alter the electromagnetic output of common house wiring to
turn your whole house into a giant pest repellent and drive all species of pests out of the walls of your home.
In fact, there is scant credible scientific research to suggest that electromagnetic fields have any repellent
effect whatsoever on any living creature, much less specific pest species (mice, insects, etc.) to the exclusion
of other non-pest species (people, pets, etc.). Furthermore, the degree to which these devices actually alter
the electromagnetic output of house wiring is questionable. No manufacturer specifies exactly what the
devices do or how they do it. In 1980 the EPA and U.S. Postal Service took action to remove all
"electromagnetic" (not ultrasonic) pest control devices from the market. Health Canada has banned the sale of
electromagnetic pest repellents in Canada. And finally, there are serious questions as to the advisability of
increasing one's exposure to electromagnetic energy.
Can ultrasonic sound waves be effective in repelling bats from attics and other inside areas?
Sonic Technology Products makes no specific claims regarding the effectiveness of the PestChaser in repelling
bats because the way bats respond to high frequency sound can vary significantly depending upon the time of
year. Between December and June, bats are roosting and hibernating. They will not leave their nest, even if
you introduce high frequency sound. They give birth to their young in mid-February and will absolutely not
abandon them, no matter how noxious the sound is to them. The only time high frequency sound produces a
repellent effect is from July through the end of October, after their young have flown off and before they roost
again for the winter. In our view, bats are extremely beneficial and their habitat should be protected. Bats are
the single best controller of the insect kingdom. Bats may eat as many as 600 mosquito-size insects in an
hour. An average size bat colony may eat 1/2 million insects in one evening.