Cultural artifacts crafted from wood—such as statues, frames, furniture, and ceremonial objects—are vulnerable to silent and devastating threats from wood-boring insects. These pests, including beetles, termites, and their larvae, can tunnel into priceless items, leaving behind structural damage, frass (fine dust), and irreversible loss. For museums, conservators, and collectors, protecting wooden artifacts from wood borers is critical to long-term preservation. Modern microwave technology now provides a non-invasive, chemical-free method for treating and preventing such infestations.
Wood borers often go undetected for months or even years, hiding deep within the object. Signs like tiny exit holes, powdery dust, and surface cracks may appear only after internal damage is well underway. Traditionally, methods like fumigation, freezing, or chemical treatments were used to combat infestations—but these approaches come with serious drawbacks. Chemicals can stain or weaken delicate materials, while freezing and gas treatments require special chambers and can disrupt exhibition schedules.
Microwave technology offers a breakthrough alternative. By directing focused microwave energy into the wood, it heats the internal structure where insects, larvae, and eggs are located. As the moisture inside the wood vibrates and heats up, it kills all life stages of the pests without harming the external surface or altering the artifact’s appearance. The treatment is non-destructive and leaves no chemical residue, making it ideal for fragile or historically significant objects.
This method is especially valuable for in-situ treatment. Artifacts don’t need to be moved off-site or placed in containment. Devices like the shashel allow conservators to perform localized treatments directly in storage rooms, display areas, or conservation labs. The equipment is portable and precisely controllable, allowing it to treat one corner of a sculpture or the leg of a historic chair without affecting nearby items.
A major concern with wooden artifacts is not just active infestation, but residual moisture that encourages reinfestation. Microwave treatment addresses this as well. In addition to eliminating pests, it also reduces internal moisture content in the wood—creating an environment less suitable for insects and fungi in the future. This dual action of pest eradication and moisture reduction is what makes microwave technology especially powerful in the preservation of wood-based cultural objects.
Another key benefit is safety for the artifact and its surroundings. Many artifacts are coated in natural oils, paints, gold leaf, or delicate finishes that are sensitive to chemicals or extreme conditions. Microwave treatment involves carefully controlled heat that does not reach levels that would scorch or crack surface finishes. Modern systems also include thermal monitoring to ensure that temperatures remain within safe limits for different types of wood and coatings.
Preventive use of microwave treatment is also gaining popularity. For new acquisitions or pieces returning from loan, a quick microwave treatment ensures they are pest-free before re-entering a controlled collection environment. Some institutions have even included microwave disinfestation as a standard conservation protocol, especially for wood-rich ethnographic collections or colonial-era furniture.
In summary, protecting cultural wooden artifacts from wood borers requires a method that is safe, thorough, and respectful of the object’s historical value. Microwave technology provides exactly that—penetrating deep into the wood to kill pests and reduce moisture, all without the use of chemicals or invasive procedures. It allows conservators to preserve both the form and integrity of the artifact, ensuring it survives intact for future generations to study, admire, and learn from.