Do the Riddex Pest Control Units expire after a year? Or are they meant to last much longer?

And if they are connected to a multi-socket outlet extender (e.g. 3 plugs patched into 1 outlet), are they less effective?



If you are familiar with the Riddex system, you know that it sends a reverse signal through your home's wiring, emitting an ultrasonic sound that is not noticable to the human ear but is irritating to bugs and mice, driving them away and supposedly out of your home.



I purchased 3 Riddex Units a little over a year ago and have been quite pleased with the results. They seem to have worked well. But lately, we've been doing reparations to my condominium complex in the aftermath of a hurricane this past summer, installing a new roof and tearing away wood rot that had built up over the years. This may have caused unusual disruption and in effect, drove rodents INTO our home. I've seen only one little mouse thus far. There may be others I know...those darn mice all look alike, you know (smiles). But I've not seen more than one at any given time so I suspect my pest problem is most likely minor.



But as I never expected, this little mouse keeps re-appearing in a location that is literally just 5 feet away from my plugged in Riddex unit, leading me to believe the unit has worn out or is not working, or else the mouse is just tone deaf.



I've tried calling the Riddex people on the phone, but they have one of those mind-numbing / soul-murdering computer-automated systems where it is virtually impossible to get to a live customer service agent unless you buy something. And then that live body ends up trying to sell you something and may not really be a tech expert on the Riddex system.



So I turn here to Yahoo! Answers in hopes someone here might be able to tell me if I should expect to have to replace these Riddex units on some regular basis because they have built in obsolesence or something similar in an effort to keep consumers buying their stuff and Riddex in perpetual business. What's the real story here? If it is electonic only, lights up, and appears to work on the face of it, I would suspect it is still working properly although I don't have ultrasonic testing gear to tell for sure. I think the little mouse is laughing at me and my Riddex units now. Time to get a cat! I've got mouse burgers on the menu here. Come and get 'em, Sylvester!Do the Riddex Pest Control Units expire after a year? Or are they meant to last much longer?
You do realize that insects do not have ears? These devices have no effect on insects. None.Do the Riddex Pest Control Units expire after a year? Or are they meant to last much longer?
They've never worked, and won't work any better. You're just seeing more bugs and mice. Winter's comingDo the Riddex Pest Control Units expire after a year? Or are they meant to last much longer?
Pest populations flux in cycles, like many things. So does this idea that ultrasonic sound will drive out pests. It doesn't, and you are victim of a scam. These devices didn't work when you first got them, and they don't now. Their entire effect is as a placebo. No responsible agency promotes the use of these pest "repellers", or else farmers would be using them everywhere - think about it. I think the Riddex manufacturers themselves are laughing at you now. Sorry. You will have to resort to more typical methods if you want real pest control to happen.