Nature 179, 670 (30 March 1957); doi:10.1038/179670a0

Use of Gamma Radiation for the Destruction of Wood-boring Insects

J. D. BLETCHLY & RONALD C. FISHER

Entomology Section, Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Aylesbury, Bucks. Jan. 18.

COMPLETE eradication of wood-boring insects in timber in buildings is difficult to achieve, particularly in structural members of large dimensions, often inaccessible for thorough surface treatment. Moreover, the value of insecticidal fluids and of fumigants is restricted by the impenetrability of many timbers and varies according to the species of insect and extent of attack. Radiation treatments may offer a means of reducing this problem of penetration, especially in large built-in timbers, such as oak infested by the death-watch beetle, but before their possible application in practice can usefully be considered, accurate data are required upon the effect of different dosages on the various stages of development of the insects.

1. Bletchly, J. D. , Xth Int. Congr. Ent., Canada, 1956 (in the press).