- LAST UPDATED: December 28, 2023
There are many suggested methods for getting rid of squirrels, and an electronic squirrel repellent offers a non-toxic and non-invasive solution. Electronic devices emit ultrasonic sounds that only animals can hear. These sounds irritate or stress squirrels out, making them want to leave.
This article discusses how and if electronic squirrel repellents work, along with the advantages and disadvantages of using them. Read on to also learn considerations to take before choosing the best devices for use indoors and outdoors.
Top 3 Best Electronic Squirrel Repellent Products
| IMAGE | DESCRIPTION | |
|---|---|---|
Our #1 Rated  | T3-R Triple High Impact Rodent Repeller
| Check Price |
People's Choice  | MaxMoxie Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
| Check Price |
 | Hoont Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
| Check Price |
How Electronic Squirrel Repellents Work
Electronic repellents emit ultrasound waves in non-repetitive pitches and patterns once the device is turned on. These ultrasonic sounds are produced at a high frequency that is geared toward the ears of rodents.
Research has shown that squirrels can hear high-frequency sounds from 113 hertz (Hz) to 49 kilohertz (kHz). In comparison, humans can hear up to 20 kHz, dogs up to 45 kHz, cats up to 85 kHz, and some insects up to 150 kHz.
Squirrels communicate with each other in ultrasonic pitches, but when unpredictable sounds emit from an electronic device, they can become confused.
The stress of confusion makes squirrels feel unsafe. For example, they may leave an area after repeatedly being exposed to this stress over 1 or 2 weeks.
Types Of Devices: Indoor & Outdoor
Common outdoor electronic squirrel repellents generally are waterproof, solar-powered stakes that go right into the ground in yards, landscaping, and gardens. Some models have an extension cord, wire plug-in, or battery-operated.
Typically indoor devices can be plugged right into a wall outlet. However, there are corded and battery-operated options as well. The location of your devices, such as in an attic, crawl space, or garage, will determine the type of power you need.
Each device typically comes with product information that states the frequency that is emitted and the range that it extends outwards. Consumers find that these can vary considerably.
Do Electronic Squirrel Repellents Work?
Many ultrasonic devices emit a sound above 20 kHz making it impossible for humans to hear them, but not being able to hear the devices can cause people to question whether they work.
Generally, when these sounds are unpredictably broadcast, squirrels will eventually become irritated, stressed, or confused and stay out of their range to avoid it.
Consumers may state that squirrels will stick around despite the device. Often, a property needs more than one device to cover the size of its yard or property.
If a squirrel has a nest with offspring, they are less likely to leave despite the noise.
Other repellents may be needed to make an area even more undesirable. Offensive sprays, physical barriers, and other deterrents can help in conjunction with ultrasonic devices.
Why Electronic Squirrel Repellents Are Better Than Sprays Or Chemicals
Electronic devices are often a better option than sprays or chemicals.
The following are the reasons why:
- Longer-lasting: Outdoor devices are waterproof. They continue to work despite rainfall which washes away sprays.
- Less work: Low or no maintenance is required.
- Environmentally friendly: There are no chemicals that run off into groundwater and soil
- Non-toxic: No fumes could be toxic to humans or wildlife.
- Cost-effective: People can avoid continuously buying or making sprays, which increases costs over time.
Top 3 Best Electronic Squirrel Repellents Reviewed
After much consideration, we have decided to show you our top 2 indoor and top 1 indoor electronic squirrel repellent. Take a look at the options below and hopefully you see one that meets your needs!
1. T3-R Triple High Impact Mice & Rat Rodent Repeller
Our top recommendation for electronic squirrel repellent is the T3-R Triple High Impact Mice & Rat Rodent Repeller. The R3-R is a stand alone device that is small enough to be unnoticeable in any room. It is an indoor device that can be perfectly placed in any area of your home, including the attic. It has a range of 6000 feet so it can even keep squirrels away from the outside of your home. It is able to deter multiple pests including bats, rats, squirrels, and mice. T3-R Triple High Impact Rodent Repeller is safe to use around cats, dogs, humans, children, and all house hold electronics. It repels by using specially designed dedicated sounds above the human hearing.
2. MaxMoxie Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
The second choice for best indoor electronic squirrel repellent is the MaxMoxie Ultrasonic Pest Repeller. This electronic repellent plugs directly into a wall outlet so you won’t notice it at all! It emits continuous and multiple frequencies to repel various pests and insects. It has a range of 1200 square feet and comes in 2 or 4 packs. MaxMoxie suggests that a reduction of pest activity will occur within two to three weeks.
3. Hoont Solar Powered Motion Activated Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
Our final pick for best electronic squirrel repellent is the Hoont Solar Powered Motion Activated Ultrasonic Pest Repeller. This is our number one recommended outdoor option. You can stake this product anywhere into the ground and it is able to detect motion from up to 30 feet away. It comes with 3 AA rechargeable batteries and can also be recharged via USB. The Hoont Pest Repeller features ultrasonic sounds and flashing LED strobes to repel all types of animal intruders off your property. Some of the reviews suggest that the motion detection isn’t perfect so be sure to find the ideal place for this product.
Product Options
When choosing an electronic device to repel squirrels, consider if it will be indoors or outdoors and its powering needs. Once you know this, you can choose the best ones for your property by taking a closer look at device features.
Device Features: Choosing The Best Ones
To get the best squirrel electronic repeller, opt for one with the following characteristics:
- Durable case: Squirrels love to chew. Opt for a device with a thick and durable casing.
- No wires: Squirrels especially love the taste of wires and often chew them. Opt for a wireless device.
- High-frequency rating: The higher, the better. If you have pets, try to find one over 45 kHz for dogs and over 85 kHz for cats. Minimally, aim for 50kHz to deter squirrels.
- Extensive range: Choose a device that offers a wide range of coverage. If not, purchase more than one device that overlaps areas that you wish to keep squirrels away from.
- 360-degree area: Opt for devices that emit sounds in a 360-degree area. This means the sound will extend out in any direction from the device.
- Multi-feature: Some devices come with bright or flashing lights. Squirrels don’t like these, so it’s an added feature to scare them away. Even if the device doesn’t cover your entire yard, the flashing lights may be enough to keep them from coming closer.
6 Advantages Of Electronic Squirrel Repellents
Electronic ultrasonic squirrel repellents are excellent options for homeowners looking to deter pests in a low-maintenance and chemical-free way.
The advantages of these make them a popular choice for gardeners and homeowners.
1. User-Friendly
Often these devices stake right into the ground in a sunny spot or are plugged into an outlet. Others need a couple of batteries or a plug-in with an extension cord.
Once it is powered, it turns on immediately or with the flip of a switch.
2. Deters Multiple Pests
As mentioned above, most other creatures hear high frequencies that humans cannot. So, these devices can also repel other creatures such as mice, rats, chipmunks, and raccoons.
3. Offer Safety
Electronic devices are safe for children, do not release chemicals, and do not kill squirrels.
Squirrels can carry diseases that are harmful to people, so these devices encourage them to leave without ever having to touch them.
You don’t have to worry about a beloved pet or other wildlife eating deceased or poisoned squirrels.
4. No Clean-Up
You do not have to remove dead carcasses from your property by simply repelling squirrels with electronic devices.
You also won’t have any chemicals or other sprays that leave a residue.
5. Long-Lasting
Ultrasonic devices typically last 3 to 5 years, and indoor ones not exposed to the elements may last even longer!
6. Cost-Effective
A one-time purchase of electronic devices lasts much longer than the frequent purchases of chemical sprays, traps, baits, and other strategies.
Costs typically related to long-term use are battery replacement or an aging device.
Plugged-in devices typically only consume about 1-3 watts of electricity, which is a negligible cost.
4 Disadvantages Of Electronic Squirrel Repellents
1. Sounds May Negatively Affect Other Animals
Depending on how the device is modulated, the high-frequency sounds could bother other animals like birds, or pets like your dog or cat. On many products, the ranges and frequencies are listed.
Your pet may be out of the range of the device, but it is a good idea to shop around to find a range that keeps squirrels out but is far enough away, so it doesn’t impact your pet negatively.
2. Poorly Designed Device
Some electronic devices will be inferior due to design flaws, poor frequencies, and range, or cheap materials that wear down quickly.
Reading reviews and product logistics carefully and with discernment is a good idea. A more expensive device may be worth it in the long run.
3. Potential for Inconsistent Operation
If the ultrasonic device fails after several years of use or becomes damaged by weather or other adverse effects in the yard, it needs to be replaced.
If it is battery-operated, batteries should be replaced as needed.
Solar panels can wear out with exposure to extreme weather and ultraviolet rays from the sun.
If you do not replace the device, the stressful sound to the squirrels is gone. However, if you do not have other deterrents, the squirrels will likely return.
Due to unpredictability, devices often work best in conjunction with other methods.
4. Takes Time To Work
Electronic devices may not be your first choice if you want quick removal. These devices typically take a couple of weeks to work.
Squirrels will try to come back to nesting sites and food sources and will continue to notice the sounds. Once they realize the sounds will persist, then they are more likely to move away.
Electronic Squirrel Repellent – Key Takeaways
Electronic squirrel repellents offer many advantageous benefits.
These user-friendly devices need little power to emit high-frequency sounds that generally keep multiple pests, including squirrels, away. Instead, they are long-lasting, easy to set up and maintain, cost-effective, and prevent human and squirrel interaction risks.
The downside is that the device is not covering a wide range, is poorly designed, emits a frequency that bothers pets, or takes too long to work.
However, careful research on customer reviews and device logistics can help eliminate potential downsides.
