It started as a research project at Luleå University of Technology and has now become one of the most talked-about products of the autumn - a rat repeller that uses rats' own alarm signals to drive them away. Interest is so high that Repello sold over 5 000 units in the first two days after its launch.
- "We knew there was a great need, but we could never have imagined this," says inventor Örjan Johansson, professor of acoustics.
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From research lab to national news
When news of the new technology hit the media, interest exploded. Within 24 hours, more than 40 news organisations had contacted us for features and interviews.
- It became national news straight away. Journalists from all over the country, from local newspapers to TV4 and SVT, called. I barely had time to answer the phone," says Örjan, laughing.
The news wave led to a huge sales boom. In just two days, stocks were depleted.
- It was a challenge for us. We hadn't anticipated this rush. But of course it's a luxury problem. We are now working hard to produce new batches for the autumn," he says.
The technology that rodents can't stand
Unlike traditional ultrasonic devices - which have often been questioned and criticised by, for example, Villaägarna - Repello is based on scientifically documented alarm signals.
Researchers at LTU and SLU have mapped how rats communicate when they warn each other of danger. By recreating these sounds and amplifying them with a unique sound chamber, Repello makes rodents instinctively flee.
- To the rats, it sounds like a giant rat sending out a warning of mortal danger. Their only instinct is to flee as quickly as possible," explains Örjan.
An autumn marked by rat invasion
Autumn is the time of year when rats and mice enter houses and buildings to escape the cold. This year alone, an unusually high number of rodent problems are being reported across Sweden.
- Many people are desperate for a solution. We see that more people are tired of traps, poisons and devices that don't work. Repello has come at just the right time," says Örjan.
More products in the pipeline
The success of Repello has also opened doors for future projects. Örjan says he is now investing even more in research and has several exciting ideas in the pipeline.
- "We are already working on prototypes to control mosquitoes and other pests with similar technology. This is just the beginning," he says.
Could be the most sought-after product of autumn
After the initial sales boom, the company behind Repello has ramped up production and expects to sell SEK 40 million worth by the end of the year. But supply will remain limited.
- Keeping up with demand is a challenge. Our goal is that everyone who needs to protect their homes should be able to get their hands on a device before the cold weather hits in earnest," says Örjan.
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Om repello
Repello was founded when Professor Örjan Johansson, in collaboration with Luleå University of Technology, developed the world's first scientifically proven ultrasonic rat repellent. The result: rats quickly disappeared - and never came back. The research was also evaluated by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). Today, we offer safe and research-based pest control for your home.
