Chemical‐Free Pest Control by Dielectric Heating with Radio Waves and Microwaves: Thermal Effects

Abstract

AbstractThermal pest control with hot air is widely accepted as an alternative to chemical methods. However, it requires relatively long treatment times owing to the low thermal conductivity of wood. Direct dielectric heating that applies radio waves or microwaves has the advantage of more homogeneous heating. However, sound experimental data on this technique are currently rare. Therefore, the thermal treatment of wood‐destroying insects with radio waves and microwaves was studied with two model pests, Anobium punctatum and Hylotrupes bajulus, and with Tenebrio molitor as a reference. The secure elimination of pests was achieved, and the corresponding treatment time was in the range of a few minutes. Temperature profiles were more homogeneous when applying radio waves.