SLU Study Confirms Repello's Strong Effectiveness in Reducing Wild Rat Activity
Swedish researchers have confirmed that Repello, an electronic ultrasonic device, effectively reduces wild rat activity in natural conditions by up to 100%.
- • SLU's field study is the first in Sweden to test electronic repellents on wild rats.
- • Repello reduced rat activity by 94–100% during activation with sustained effect after deactivation.
- • The device uses ultrasonic and hypersonic sounds that disturb rats subconsciously, without harming other species.
- • Researchers recommend further studies to explore long-term efficacy and adaptation.
Key details
A pioneering study by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has demonstrated that the electronic repellent device Repello significantly decreases wild rat activity in natural settings. This study is the first in Sweden to test an electronic repellent on wild rats outside the laboratory, yielding robust and detailed data captured via high-resolution video cameras.
The research involved three phases: baseline measurement, active use of Repello, and post-activation observation. During its operation, rat activity dropped dramatically by 94% to 100%, with numbers remaining notably low even after the device was switched off. The Repello device emits a combination of ultrasonic and hypersonic frequencies, which are imperceptible to humans but disturb rats' subconscious, simulating acute threats. This caused rats to avoid their usual routes and move erratically around the device, impairing their communication and orientation.
According to Professor Örjan Johansson of Luleå University of Technology, the technology is eco-friendly and does not harm other species, offering a promising complement to traditional pest control methods. The findings underscore Repello as a scientifically validated innovation with potential applications in settings from warehouses to urban environments. Researchers advocate for further long-term studies to assess adaptation effects and performance in diverse habitats.
This study provides important scientific evidence supporting sound-based rodent control as an effective, environmentally considerate approach to managing wild rat populations in Sweden.