question on The Mount

My biggest question about The Mount is this: How did the Hoots manage to take over human civilization(s) with only electric shock and painful noises? I think it would answer a lot of my questions if I could understand what time period it was set in. That would explain what technologies were available to humans at the time and what they had to counter the Hoots' technology. If it were in the modern era, how would the Hoots have stood up to nuclear missiles? If it were in earlier times (with refrigerators and airplanes, of course), humans would still have had technology to counter the invasion, but they might have been more vulnerable. Also, the area of the world this invasion takes place, if it is an isolated invasion, would make a difference. If it were a third-world country, for example, the Hoots might have an easier job of taking over than if it were in a country where communication were instant. I'm not saying a Hoot invasion would be impossible in today's society (look at how the United States handles natural disasters and attacks), but it would make more sense if the whole situation were explained a little more in depth.