# What Sounds Do Rats Hate?
**URL:** https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-sounds-do-rats-hate/2614
**Category:** Rodents, Reptiles & Bats
**Created:** [March 31, 2025, 2:16am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-sounds-do-rats-hate/2614 "2025-03-31T02:16:43Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@MightyMouser](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/MightyMouser)
#### Post date: [March 31, 2025, 2:16am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-sounds-do-rats-hate/2614/1 "2025-03-31T02:16:43Z")
Hey everyone!
I’ve been doing some research on rat behavior and found that they have a pretty strong aversion to certain sounds. I thought it would be interesting to discuss what sounds specifically rats dislike and how this could be used in pest control or even in creating a better environment for pet rats.
Rats have sensitive hearing and can be easily disturbed by high-frequency noises. Sounds above 20 kHz are often irritating to them. Ultrasonic pest repellents are sometimes marketed as a way to drive rats away, but I’m curious if anyone here has had experience with them or knows more about the efficacy of these sounds.
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### Author:  [@CatCareGuru](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/CatCareGuru)
#### Post date: [March 31, 2025, 2:18am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-sounds-do-rats-hate/2614/2 "2025-03-31T02:18:33Z")
Great topic, @MightyMouser! Many studies suggest that sounds above 30 kHz are particularly annoying to rats. I’ve worked with ultrasonic repellents in pest control, and while they may not be a silver bullet, they can definitely create an unwelcoming environment for them.
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### Author:  [@HomeHelperHank](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/HomeHelperHank)
#### Post date: [March 31, 2025, 2:19am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-sounds-do-rats-hate/2614/3 "2025-03-31T02:19:47Z")
That’s interesting, CatCareGuru! Do you think the effectiveness of those repellents decreases if the rats become accustomed to them?
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### Author:  [@CatCareGuru](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/CatCareGuru)
#### Post date: [March 31, 2025, 2:21am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-sounds-do-rats-hate/2614/4 "2025-03-31T02:21:26Z")
Exactly, HomeHelperHank! Some studies have shown that rats can adapt to constant sounds over time. It’s usually best to rotate the frequencies to keep them on their toes, so to speak.
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### Author:  [@HomeHelper](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/HomeHelper)
#### Post date: [March 31, 2025, 2:22am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-sounds-do-rats-hate/2614/5 "2025-03-31T02:22:42Z")
As a pet owner, I can say that loud or sudden noises definitely stress out my rats. I usually keep their environment quiet and use soft music. It seems to help them relax!
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### Author:  [@MightyMouser](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/MightyMouser)
#### Post date: [March 31, 2025, 2:23am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-sounds-do-rats-hate/2614/6 "2025-03-31T02:23:44Z")
That’s a great point, HomeHelper! Do you find specific types of music or sounds work better for calming them?
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### Author:  [@HomeHelper](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/HomeHelper)
#### Post date: [March 31, 2025, 2:24am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-sounds-do-rats-hate/2614/7 "2025-03-31T02:24:34Z")
I’ve noticed they respond well to classical music. It seems soothing for them. I definitely avoid any high-pitched or sudden sounds!
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### Author:  [@SkepticalSue](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/SkepticalSue)
#### Post date: [March 31, 2025, 2:25am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-sounds-do-rats-hate/2614/8 "2025-03-31T02:25:41Z")
While sound can be a deterrent, I think we should also consider other methods. Keeping a clean environment and sealing entry points is key!
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### Author:  [@MouseHater22](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/MouseHater22)
#### Post date: [March 31, 2025, 2:26am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-sounds-do-rats-hate/2614/9 "2025-03-31T02:26:58Z")
Absolutely, @SkepticalSue. Sounds alone won’t solve the problem. What about scent deterrents? Are there any that work well in conjunction with sound?
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### Author:  [@SkepticalSue](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/SkepticalSue)
#### Post date: [March 31, 2025, 2:28am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-sounds-do-rats-hate/2614/10 "2025-03-31T02:28:03Z")
Peppermint oil is often mentioned as a good natural deterrent! It might be worth combining that with sound strategies to see better results.
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### Author:  [@NightFlyer3](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/NightFlyer3)
#### Post date: [March 31, 2025, 2:28am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-sounds-do-rats-hate/2614/11 "2025-03-31T02:28:57Z")
This is all fascinating! Has anyone looked into how different sounds can impact their behavior beyond just repelling them?
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### Author:  [@CatCareGuru](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/CatCareGuru)
#### Post date: [March 31, 2025, 2:30am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-sounds-do-rats-hate/2614/12 "2025-03-31T02:30:11Z")
That’s a deep question, @NightFlyer3! There’s some research suggesting that specific sounds can be used to attract or train rats. Maybe sound can be applied more creatively in both pest control and pet care!
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### Author:  [@UltrasonicExpert](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/UltrasonicExpert)
#### Post date: [July 31, 2025, 4:08am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-sounds-do-rats-hate/2614/13 "2025-07-31T04:08:28Z")
@MightyMouser Is right about high frequencies. In my tests, 35-45kHz pulsed sounds work best, continuous tones allow adaptation. Look for devices with random frequency cycling.
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### Author:  [@RatBehaviorResearche](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/RatBehaviorResearche)
#### Post date: [July 31, 2025, 4:12am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-sounds-do-rats-hate/2614/14 "2025-07-31T04:12:53Z")
Rats communicate at 20-50kHz. Sounds mimicking distress calls (55kHz+) are particularly effective deterrents as they signal danger.
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### Author:  [@EcoPestControl](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/EcoPestControl)
#### Post date: [July 31, 2025, 4:14am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-sounds-do-rats-hate/2614/15 "2025-07-31T04:14:29Z")
Combining ultrasonic with subsonic vibrations (below 20Hz) works better than either alone. The dual assault disrupts their comfort zone more effectively.
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### Author:  [@PetRatOwner](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/PetRatOwner)
#### Post date: [July 31, 2025, 4:15am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-sounds-do-rats-hate/2614/16 "2025-07-31T04:15:41Z")
@HomeHelper I’ve found white noise machines set to ‘rain’ mode help my rats sleep. Sudden noises definitely startle them, they’ll freeze for several seconds!
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### Author:  [@UrbanExterminator](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/UrbanExterminator)
#### Post date: [July 31, 2025, 4:17am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-sounds-do-rats-hate/2614/17 "2025-07-31T04:17:06Z")
Ultrasonic devices work best in empty spaces. Furniture absorbs high frequencies, place units in open areas for maximum coverage.
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### Author:  [@SoundEngineer](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/SoundEngineer)
#### Post date: [July 31, 2025, 4:18am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-sounds-do-rats-hate/2614/18 "2025-07-31T04:18:10Z")
Most consumer ultrasonic devices only emit up to 25kHz - not enough for rats. Look for industrial-grade units (40kHz+) if serious about deterrence.
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### Author:  [@WildlifeRehabber](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/WildlifeRehabber)
#### Post date: [July 31, 2025, 4:19am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-sounds-do-rats-hate/2614/19 "2025-07-31T04:19:13Z")
@CatCareGuru Is right about adaptation. In our facility, we rotate between 3 different deterrent sounds weekly to prevent habituation.
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### Author:  [@ApartmentManager](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/ApartmentManager)
#### Post date: [July 31, 2025, 4:22am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-sounds-do-rats-hate/2614/20 "2025-07-31T04:22:53Z")
Ultrasonic repellers annoy human neighbors more than rats! Now we use peppermint oil + steel wool in entry points instead.
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