Knowing the need and potential market for a non-chemical cost effective solution Midwest Freeze Dry undertook the task of finding a better way.
The goal was to find a method where no chemicals are used, toxins were not to be released in to the environment and there could be no residue left on the product.
The Problem
Most insects which effect stored grain are more resistant than those which normally infest textiles, museum collections and furniture. The effectiveness of the radio-frequency method on these resistant grain insects would become our guideline. If the radio-frequency destroyed the grain insects, then the less resistant insects would met the same fate.
The Solution
Tests were conducted at Midwest Freeze-Dry, Ltd. to examine the capabilities of using radio-frequency waves for insect pest control. Exposing the insects to a radio-frequency energy field might result in a high kill ratio for the eggs, larvae and adult.
The insects tested were the Sitophilus oryza (Rice Weevil), Plodia interpunctella (Indian Meal Moth), and Tribolium castaneum (Red Flour Beetle).
The insects were obtained from Insects Limited Incorporated, Indianapolis, Indiana. The eggs, larvae, adults were placed in the commercial chamber. A vacuum was pulled to one-quarter atmosphere. The insects were then exposed to a radio frequency energy field for short pulsations totaling 90 seconds of exposure. Upon removal from the chamber all insects had been killed. For an independent verification, eggs and larvae were sent back to Insects Limited Incorporated to test for any further development or hatching. Insects Limited confirmed that none occurred and all stages of the insects were killed. We had acheived a 100% kill ratio.