"Mosquitoes" − 24 April, 2008
So there are these electronic noise “teen-repellent” devices called “Mosquitoes” and I think it is absolutely COOL. They are touted as “getting rid of” loiterers in a harmless way – apparently the high-pitched noise can only be “heard” by people from about 12 years old up into their early 20’s (less if they have damaged the sensitive sensors in their ears by IPOD overuse, etc.). They were introduced in this country not too long ago and have been a hit for businesses wanting to control their surroundings. And it works. It rather reminds me of the “pigeon-repelling” devices one sees on rooftops or the sound devices touted to get rid of rodents.
Some places have outlawed their use, as parents of said teens complained that it was torturing their kids. There are a couple of places Mosquitoes have been installed that make the teens who live there (some apartment buildings, for instance) hightail it out the door to get away from the annoying sound.
I remember when I was younger, I used to “hear” the sonic alarm devices in jewelry stores. I don’t think my hearing them was intentional – either I was super-sensitive or they gave off enough of a sound that a certain segment of the population “heard” it too. It was annoying, though not enough to deter me from ogling the sparklies. And now I have either lost that sensitivity or the alarm devices have improved past that. I know that if an audio device is on (the TV or radio) even on “mute” or no volume, I can still “hear” that it is on. It is not quite a sound, but I can hear it. It is annoying enough that I can’t sleep with it on – which annoyed my college roommates to no end, as they liked to fall asleep to the radio on very low. It now annoys my husband who is forced to turn of ALL the electronic equipment in our bedroom for me to fall asleep – and he has a pretty complicated mini home theatre thing all set up.
So, yes, the teen loiterers are going to be annoyed by the Mosquitoes, but that’s the point – it’s a deterrent. It’s supposed to annoy them so much they want to congregate elsewhere. Why they are loitering around places they shouldn’t be is questionable anyway – why aren’t they hanging out at the homes of the parents who complained? That might make some folks change their mind.
I think it’s a great idea – modifying behavior through noise aversion therapy (like that phrase? Sounds so scientific). Harmless, effective, clean… Can’t wait to see what they come up with next…
Comments:
edunn (April 25, 2008. 03:49am)
Love it! So, how did your training class go?
intrepideddie (April 26, 2008. 02:58am)
Weeeellll... personally, I wouldn't waste your money on these things. Some people hear it, some don't -- regardless of age (women seem to be more sensitive to it). Anyone wearing headphones won't hear it at all. These companies are looking to make money by selling a product that is one small step above snake-oil. Better off with a garden hose...