Rodent Repellers are high frequency signal generators. These signals are fed to the transducers which in turn convert them into high frequency sound waves (well above the 20 Khz frequency which is the upper limit of the hearing range of humans). These transducers are controlled by the main controlling unit. The transducers emit intensive sound waves at high decibels (sound pressure) that are audible and painful to rodents but are inaudible and harmless to humans. The rodents usually leave the area being protected by the ultrasound waves immediately. They do not get killed. The transducers are quiet. If you cannot hear them, do not think that the unit is not working. You cannot hear ultrasound