Riddex Plus: Does it work?

In this bad economy, the cost of exterminating roaches, ants, or rodents in your home can be a bigger pest than the pests themselves. Riddex Plus says it can help for just $15. All you have to do is plug it into an electrical outlet. Can controlling pests really be that simple and cheap? We asked Clemson University Entomologists to test it.

The ad on the Riddex Plus website calls it "a revolutionary new plug-in device that sends digital pulses through the wiring in your walls." The box says Riddex Plus is a "pest repelling aid."

The instructions say that when you plug the Riddex Plus into an electrical outlet, it's supposed to alter the normal field around your wiring and help you control pests and rodents.

Clemson University entomologist Eric Benson filled two bins with American cockroaches. He wrapped one bin with an electrical cord and plugged in Riddex Plus. A tube connects the bins to allow the roaches to change sides. But after a week, Benson opened the bin with Riddex Plus and showed us, "You can see some cockroaches are around. It doesn't look like the device repelled any of the cockroaches from this harborage."

In fact, the roaches had been sleeping right next to the device and wire. Benson repeated the test on another set of bins and showed us the same result.

The Riddex Plus website says "laboratory tests have proven that Riddex Plus really works." The box says it's also for rodents, ants and spiders. Benson only tested American cockroaches. But Clemson University Entomologist Cam Lay says other similar devices have already been tested. Said Lay, "There's a substantial body of evidence that says these devices do not work. They don't work for roaches, they don't work for rodents."

So why are they on the market? Answered Lay, "As a regulatory agency, we have a lot bigger fish to fry. There are a lot more important things going on out there with pesticides."

Benson says the only thing Riddex Plus is good for is ridding your wallet of $15.

We contacted the manufacturer by letter and phone. They declined to comment for our story.

In 2003, the Federal Trade Commission says it demanded Global Instruments prove that earlier models, Riddex and Riddex, Jr., worked and says it cannot tell us whether or not it is investigating the claims of Riddex Plus.

Here are some free and low-cost steps to control pests:
seal openings around water pipes, baseboards, and windows,
remove clutter: pests like dark hideaways,
don't leave food or crumbs out, don't leave dirty dishes in the sink,
don't leave pet food out,
and keep a tight lid on trash.

You can also find low-cost traps, baits and sprays in stores.