|
|
Electronic Flea Collars: How They Work, How Much Do They Cost, How Long Do They Last
Pet owners have long since sought methods to control unwanted fleas, tics, and other parasitic companions to domesticated animals. While the first flea collars were introduced in 1964, there has been a dramatic improvement since. One potential advancement is the electronic flea collar, though there seems to be a lot of disagreement about how these products work and even if they work.
The first problem with modern electronic flea collars comes from the fact that they have an alias; Most modern electronic flea collars are actually better known by the title of ultrasonic flea collars. How many legitimate products really need an alias? It is not surprising that many consumers naturally feel that the switch in names has something to do with claims about the efficacy of the products and/or the underlying technology.
In order to evaluate those concerns in a logical fashion, one must understand how electronic flea collars claim to work. According to most advertisements and promotional literature for electronic flea collars, the principle is quite simple: the electronic flea collars periodically emit ultrasonic noises that supposedly send fleas, tics and/or other undesirable life forms scurrying.
As it happens many times, theory and reality are two different things. The problem is that numerous studies conducted and/or sponsored by consumer advocacy groups nearly unanimously indicate that electronic flea collars are not exceptionally effective. Some studies say marginally effective, while other studies indicate that electronic flea collars using sonic pulses are essentially useless.
Perhaps the reason for the poor performance has to do with the frequency at which they emit their ultrasonic sounds, or perhaps the frequency of the sounds themselves. Either way, there are numerous testing facilities which all say the same thing: electronic flea collars are ineffective. If this is indeed the case, and the sonic emissions do indeed deter fleas and/or other unwanted insects then future advances in technology may make this particular technology of electronic flea collars more practical in the future.
There are other types of electronic flea collars on the market which claim to use electromagnetic fields powerful enough to repel hungry insects, but the fact is that such an energy field is not practical. Electromagnetic fields can be created, and indeed some types of room air cleaners use this technology to control airborne particles, but electromagnetic fields powerful enough to require large amounts of power to produce tangible effects in a relatively small space. Unless one plans on hooking their feline and/or canine companion(s) up to a wall socket, there just is not a sufficiently powerful source of electricity that can last long enough to create a field strong enough to repel microscopic particles, much less insects that are visible to the naked eye.
In order to understand why electromagnetism will not work on insects one only has to grasp the basics of electromagnetism. The principle is much like using a magnet and then applying a charge to the local air. If both are charged positively or negatively, then everything in the field is repelled. The amount of time it takes to establish a field depends on the density of particulate matter in the air which also impacts the effective radius of such a field. It is unreasonable to expect a large effective field to simply follow Fido around while he romps through the house and/or garden; the field needs several second to establish itself and thus may only be effective when the animal is at rest, if it is ever effective.
Of course the power requirements are what makes the electromagnetic field impractical. There simply is no way an animal could carry around enough batteries to power an electromagnetic field for any period that is measured in even hours. Furthermore, the field would have to be so strong that the hair on the animal would likely stand on end much as it one's hair does when they touch the static electricity inducing electrical balls at a science fair. Considering how much current is running through those electrical balls versus the amount of time it takes one’s hair to resemble that of Albert Einstein should give one a basic appreciation for the power versus efficacy problem.
The claims made against electronic flea collars would seem to be well founded and backed up by most veterinarians. The vast majority of veterinarians advise that topically applied anti-parasite is the most effective method available to rid a canine or feline of unwanted parasitic passengers as well as deter future fleas and/or tics. Most veterinarians also suggest the use of specialized anti-flea/anti-tic collars which are made from special plastic containing time released pesticide. This tried and true combination has been effective for decades. It does not yet seem like ultrasonic or electronic flea collars are quite ready to replace this winning combination.
Of course, it would not hurt to augment a winning combination, right?
Well, if one is not concerned about wasting money and supporting businesses that seem to be fraudulent, then sure. Go ahead and invest all one wants; electronic flea collars typically cost $25-$50 and are rated to last for months or even years. Why they are not rated to (not) work for lifetimes may have more to do with acquiring repeat business than anything else.
If there are any lingering doubts as to the veracity of the claims made on behalf of electronic flea collars, simply ask the manufacturer for empirical test data in writing. Evaluate the testing methodology and results to see if they make sense, and determine if the company is based out of a country where rule of law is something to be feared or laughed at.
Other than depleting the funds in one's bank account, there seems to be no harmful side effects directly attributable to the use of electronic flea collars. One should at least try to find a model of electronic flea collar that is made from plastics impregnated with time released insecticide. At least this way some verifiable benefit can be had for one’s hard earned money.
|
|
|
