Recent headlines are a reminder that rodents are more than a nuisance.
A smart prevention plan can help make homes, garages, cabins, campers, and storage areas less inviting to pests.
9cases reported by ECDC in the MV Hondius Andes hantavirus outbreak as of May 11, 2026
3,000sq. ft. coverage per RODAR® II unit, according to Micron’s product specifications
23–55kHz ultrasonic output range listed for RODAR® II
<2Welectricity use for continuous plug-in operation
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The news in context
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported an Andes hantavirus outbreak linked to the
MV Hondius cruise ship, with seven confirmed cases, two probable cases, and three deaths as of
May 11, 2026. CDC has said the risk to the American public remains extremely low. For homeowners and property
managers, the practical lesson is prevention: reduce contact with rodents and the spaces they contaminate.
ECDC outbreak update ·
CDC statement
Why it matters
Rodents can turn ordinary spaces into risk zones.
Hantaviruses are mainly spread from rodents to people. CDC notes that people can be exposed when fresh rodent
urine, droppings, saliva, or nesting materials are stirred up and contaminated particles get into the air.
1
They hide where people store things.
Attics, basements, crawl spaces, garages, sheds, barns, campers, and stock rooms give rodents dark,
quiet places to nest.
2
They contaminate surfaces.
Droppings, urine, nesting materials, and gnaw marks should be treated as signs to act—not something to sweep
away casually.
3
Prevention beats cleanup.
The best approach is layered: block entry, remove attractants, clean safely, monitor activity, and use a
deterrent to make the space less comfortable for pests.
Where RODAR® II fits
A quiet, plug-in layer for indoor pest deterrence.
RODAR® II Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
uses high-frequency ultrasound designed to help deter pests from staying in a protected area.
It is a non-chemical tool that can run continuously in the background as part of a practical,
layered pest-prevention plan.
Helps repel rodents and many other pests, including rats, mice, squirrels, bats, fleas, and roaches
One unit covers up to 3,000 square feet
Ultrasonic output listed at 23 to 55 kHz
Plugs into a standard outlet and uses less than 2 watts of electricity
Small 6" x 4" design for easy placement in many indoor spaces
The prevention plan
A cleaner space starts with four simple layers.
RODAR® II is not a medical device, disinfectant, or replacement for safe cleanup. Think of it as one useful
part of a broader plan that also includes exclusion, sanitation, and safe handling of rodent-contaminated areas.
Seal entry points
Check around garage doors, vents, utility penetrations, foundations, crawl spaces, rooflines, and gaps
around doors. Blocking access reduces the chance that rodents move in.
Remove attractants
Store food in sealed containers, manage trash promptly, clean spills, keep pet food secured, and reduce
clutter where rodents may nest.
Clean safely
Do not sweep or vacuum rodent droppings or nesting material dry. CDC recommends wetting contaminated areas
with disinfectant or bleach solution before wiping them up carefully.
Deter and monitor
Place RODAR® II where ultrasonic waves can travel freely across the area, then keep monitoring for droppings,
gnaw marks, nesting material, and new entry points.
Placement guide
Give ultrasound a clear path.
Ultrasonic sound behaves best when it can travel into open space. Placement matters, especially in rooms
with heavy storage, furniture, boxes, shelving, or thick barriers.
Tip: For larger or divided spaces, consider whether one unit has a clear path to the area
you want to protect. Walls, closed doors, and dense storage can reduce coverage.
Good placement
Open wall outlet
Clear line into the room
Near problem areas
Away from large obstructions
Running continuously
Avoid
Behind furniture
Inside closed cabinets
Behind stacked boxes
Blocked by thick walls
Turning it off between uses
Use cases
Built for the places pests try to settle.
RODAR® II is especially useful in indoor spaces where you want a plug-in, non-chemical deterrent working in the background.
The MV Hondius outbreak is unusual and serious, but the everyday lesson is straightforward:
rodent exposure is worth preventing before it becomes a bigger problem. Combine sealing, sanitation,
safe cleanup, monitoring, and ultrasonic pest deterrence to make your indoor spaces less inviting to pests.
No. RODAR® II is an ultrasonic pest repeller, not a medical device, disinfectant, or public-health treatment.
It can help deter certain pests as part of a broader prevention plan, but hantavirus prevention also requires
avoiding rodent exposure and following public-health cleanup guidance.
What does the cruise ship outbreak have to do with home rodent control?
The MV Hondius outbreak involved Andes virus and is unusual because Andes virus can spread person-to-person
after close, prolonged contact. For homes, garages, cabins, campers, and storage areas, the more common
prevention message remains the same: reduce contact with rodents and the spaces they contaminate.
Where should I place RODAR® II?
Place RODAR® II where ultrasonic waves can travel freely across the area you want to protect. Avoid putting
the unit behind heavy furniture, dense storage, thick walls, closed cabinets, or other obstacles that can
reduce coverage.
Do I still need to clean and seal entry points if I use RODAR® II?
Yes. RODAR® II is meant to complement, not replace, basic rodent prevention. Seal openings, remove food and
water sources, reduce clutter, clean safely, and monitor for droppings, nesting material, or gnaw marks.
Is the ultrasonic sound from RODAR® II safe for people and pets?
RODAR® II is designed for occupied indoor spaces and the product page describes the ultrasound as inaudible
to humans and pets. Always follow product instructions. If you keep pet rodents or other sensitive animals,
consult a veterinarian or test the unit in a way that lets you monitor their comfort.
When you’re dealing with pests in offices, healthcare environments, or even at home, there’s rarely a single “magic bullet.”
The best results usually come from combining smart tools that each do a specific job well.
That’s exactly what happens when you use Micron’s
EnergAire® Ionizer – Air Purifier
together with the RODAR® II Ultrasonic Pest Repeller.
RODAR® II focuses on discouraging pests from staying in the treated area, while EnergAire® helps create a cleaner, healthier
environment that’s less attractive to them in the first place.
How the EnergAire® Ionizer – Air Purifier Helps Your Environment
The EnergAire® Ionizer is designed to improve indoor air quality using ionization. In simple terms, it releases charged ions into the air.
These ions attach to airborne particles—such as dust, pollen, dander, some bacteria, and other microscopic contaminants—causing them to clump together and fall out of the air or become easier to capture on surfaces and filters.
What that means in everyday use:
Cleaner air to breathe – Less airborne particulate matter and bioaerosols.
Reduced microbial load – Ionization has been shown in lab and field settings to reduce certain airborne bacteria and fungal spores.
Improved freshness – Many users notice a reduction in musty or stale odors and a general “cleaner” feel to the air.
From a pest-management perspective, EnergAire® helps by reducing airborne organic matter and contaminant load—part of the overall
“food and shelter” picture that can make a space attractive to pests.
How the RODAR® II Ultrasonic Pest Repeller Works
The RODAR® II Ultrasonic Pest Repeller uses high-frequency sound waves designed
to help deter certain pests from staying in a protected area. These ultrasonic frequencies are typically above the range of human hearing,
so the unit works quietly in the background.
Key benefits of RODAR® II include:
Non-chemical pest deterrence – Ideal for environments where you want to minimize or avoid chemical treatments.
Continuous operation – Once plugged in and positioned properly, RODAR® II works 24/7 as a background deterrent.
Versatility – Suitable for many types of indoor spaces, including offices, break rooms, storage areas, and more.
RODAR® II can be used effectively on its own in many everyday applications. For situations where you want an even more comprehensive,
proactive approach, pairing it with EnergAire® is a powerful next step.
Why Using EnergAire® and RODAR® II Together Makes Sense
Think of pest control as both a signal and environment problem:
Signal – What are pests “hearing” or sensing in this space?
RODAR® II creates an ultrasonic environment that encourages pests to leave or avoid the area.
Environment – How attractive or supportive is this area for pests?
EnergAire® helps clean the air of particles, bioaerosols, and some odor-related contaminants that are part of the overall hygiene picture.
When you combine the two:
You’re sending a clear “don’t stay here” message.
RODAR® II runs continuously, creating an ultrasonic field that makes the area less comfortable for pests.
You’re improving the overall hygiene and atmosphere of the space.
EnergAire® reduces airborne particles and certain microbes, contributing to a fresher, cleaner environment.
You’re supporting long-term pest management.
Cleaner air and better environmental hygiene generally make it harder for pests to thrive or re-establish themselves over time.
In short: RODAR® II focuses on the pests; EnergAire® focuses on the environment. Together, they create a less hospitable space for pests and a more comfortable space for people.
Best Practices for Using Both Products
To get the most out of EnergAire® and RODAR® II—whether you’re using one or both—keep these simple tips in mind:
1. Placement Matters
Position RODAR® II according to the instructions, with a clear line for ultrasonic waves to travel across the room
(minimize heavy obstructions and thick walls).
Place EnergAire® where air can circulate freely around the unit—ideally not tucked away in a tight corner or behind large objects.
2. Run Them Consistently
Continuous operation helps maintain a steady level of ultrasonic deterrence (RODAR® II) and ongoing air improvement (EnergAire®).
In high-traffic or critical areas, keeping them running provides a constant layer of protection.
3. Combine with Basic Good Housekeeping
Wipe down surfaces regularly, manage trash and recycling promptly, and avoid long-term food or liquid spills.
EnergAire® helps remove airborne particles; basic cleaning helps remove what has settled—together, that keeps the environment less attractive to pests.
4. Scale the Approach to the Problem
For light to moderate pest concerns or prevention, RODAR® II alone may be perfectly appropriate.
For sensitive environments, odor-prone areas, or long-term prevention strategies, adding EnergAire® offers a stronger,
more comprehensive solution.
Where This Combination Really Shines
Using EnergAire® and RODAR® II together is especially appealing in:
Healthcare and wellness spaces – Where cleaner air and non-chemical deterrence are both highly valued.
Offices and break rooms – Where food, snacks, and trash can attract pests and stale odors.
Storage rooms, basements, and utility areas – Where dust, dampness, and low air circulation can make conditions favorable for pests.
Residential or assisted-living environments – Where occupants may be sensitive to chemicals or strong odors and air quality is a priority.
The Bottom Line
Both the EnergAire® Ionizer – Air Purifier and the
RODAR® II Ultrasonic Pest Repeller are effective tools on their own.
RODAR® II offers a quiet, non-chemical way to help keep pests away, while EnergAire® helps keep the air cleaner and the environment less appealing to them.
When you use them together, you’re addressing both sides of the equation—pest behavior and environmental quality—
giving yourself a smarter, more layered approach to managing pests indoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the RODAR® II Ultrasonic Pest Repeller without the EnergAire® Ionizer – Air Purifier?
Yes. RODAR® II is designed to function as an effective, stand-alone ultrasonic pest repeller and can be used on its own in many everyday applications.
Adding EnergAire® provides an extra layer of support by improving air quality and helping make the space less attractive to pests over the long term.
What are the benefits of using EnergAire® and RODAR® II together?
RODAR® II focuses on discouraging pests from staying in a protected area, while EnergAire® helps clean the air and support overall environmental hygiene.
Used together, they provide both a behavioral deterrent (ultrasonic sound) and environmental conditioning (cleaner air), giving you a more complete and proactive
approach to indoor pest management.
Is the ultrasonic sound from RODAR® II safe for people and pets?
The ultrasonic frequencies produced by RODAR® II are typically above the range of human hearing and are designed for use in occupied indoor spaces.
As with any device, always follow the product instructions and guidelines. If you have small pet rodents or other sensitive animals, consult your veterinarian
or test the unit in a way that lets you monitor their comfort.
Where should I place EnergAire® and RODAR® II for best results?
Place RODAR® II where its ultrasonic waves can travel freely across the room, avoiding thick walls and large obstacles directly in front of the unit.
Position EnergAire® in an open area with good air circulation, rather than hiding it behind furniture or in tight corners. Following the placement guidelines
in each product’s manual will help you get the best performance.
Do I still need basic cleaning and sanitation if I use these products?
Yes. EnergAire® and RODAR® II are meant to complement, not replace, good housekeeping practices. Regular cleaning, prompt spill cleanup, and proper trash handling
help remove food sources and harborages, while EnergAire® improves air quality and RODAR® II deters pests. Together, they support a more effective, long-term pest
management strategy.
