Further Comments on Deleterious Behavioral and Physiological Effects of Sound

Abstract

The use of ultrasonic sound as a means of controlling rat populations is questioned. The following points are discussed: (1) the processes of refraction and decreased audiogenic seizure susceptibility with repeated exposure to sound; (2) the genetic variability of the rat with respect to auditory behaviors; (3) the behavioral and physiological responses of organisms other than the rat; and (4) the behavioral responses of rats to ultrasonic sound at distances from the sound source. It is concluded that such a device may be effective under certain circumstances, but more data are needed with respect to the behavioral and physiological effects of ultrasonic sound before it is used for rat control.