History and use of heat in pest control: a review

This review describes the history and use of heat in the management of a wide range of agricultural and structural pests. Definitions and concepts used in heat treatments are discussed as well as possible mechanisms of thermal lethality. Factors used in determining treatments are availability, costs, complexity, and other constraints. Heat can be used separately in multiple forms or in combination: fire, water-based and atmospheric, steam, vapor heat, dry heat, forced hot air, high temperature controlled atmospheres, electric fields, and electromagnetic energies. The early research into each of these strategies is presented, including design, temperature ranges, and target pests. An understanding of the development of thermal treatments will increase efficacy of pest control and adaptability, and will reduce duplication.