Electronic Pest Control Devices: A Review of their Necessity, Controversies and a submission of Design Considerations

Abstract

The use of Electronic Pest Control Devices has been bedeviled by lots of controversies bothering on their effectiveness. The arguments are that they are ineffective, partially effective or very effective. This work reviewed the underlying factors that led to the introduction of Electronic Pest Control Devices, their advantages over other pest control measures, and examined the controversies surrounding their usage. Investigation reveals that habituation is the reason behind the controversy while delay of habituation by the introduction of variability is a way out of the controversy. Design considerations and practices to technically fortify the device and aid in the delay of habituation were also proffered.