Does Riddex Get Rid of Mice in the Attic?

Expert Insight

• According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, ultrasonic devices do not work effectively against mice, bugs or any other home pests. The site points out that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) went after several manufacturers of similar devices during the 1980s and demanded that the companies refund the money of customers based on false advertising. The companies promised that the ultrasonic devices repelled pests, including bugs and rodents, by releasing an ultrasonic pulse or sound that the pests did not like. While the FTC never charged Riddex, the company uses the same promises in advertising online and offline.

Stopping Mice

• The most effective way of stopping mice in your attic is a multi-part system, according to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The University recommends examining your attic for any holes at least 1/4-inch wide that the mice can crawl through. Cut back any vegetation around your house because mice feed off the vegetation and may come inside during cold bouts. When you notice mice inside the attic, lay down glue boards and traps that kill the mice before the rodents breed.

Manufacturer Claims

• The manufacturers of Riddex claim that the device provides a safer way of removing pests from your home. The device does not release any fumes or chemicals and starts working from the moment you plug it into the wall. According to the manufacturer, one device works effectively on a single level of your home, and one device repels and removes mice in your attic. The company claims that the device is safer than chemical repellents and is not dangerous to children or pets.

Considerations

• As of 2011, the review website Epinions listed 86 reviews from customers on the Riddex device. While the device does have several supporters, the average rating sits at just 2.5 stars out of five stars, based on the average of all reviews. Reviewers claimed that the device did not work effectively as a long-term solution for rodents and pests and that the device did not work as the manufacturer claimed. If you decide to use the device in your own home, understand that it may not work as you expect.