Radio wave pest control

The Concept of radio wave (RW) or radio frequency (RF) in the use of controlling the behavior of living organisms have been speculated on for years. Only recently, studies have shown promise in using this technology in commercial applications.

According to Drs. Juming Tang and Shaojin Wang at Washington State University (WSU) with colleagues at the University of California-Davis and USDA's Agricultural Research Service in Parlier, California, RF energy generates heat through agitation of bound water molecules, This process generates heat through ionic conduction and agitation of free water molecules in insects. As a result, more thermal energy is converted in insects.

RF treatments effectively control insect pests at life stages present a variety of locations, without negatively affecting food stuffs and storage locations. This process is technically feasible for large-scale commercial applications. RF treatments may serve as a non-chemical alternative to chemical fumigants for post-harvest pest control in commodities (such as almonds, pecans, pistachios, lentils, peas, and soybeans), reducing the long-term impact on the environment, human health and competitiveness of agricultural industries.

References

:USGovernment|sourceURL= [http://www.csrees.usda.gov/newsroom/impact/2008/nri/01154_radiowaves.html "Radio Waves May Offer a New, Environmentally Safe Pest Control Method"] , USDA press release.