Devices and methods for selective eradication of insects using microwave radiation

A method for selectively eradicating insects in an insect-infested object using microwave radiation while minimally heating the object, the method including:

• providing a decontamination system to envelop the insect-infested object, wherein the decontamination system includes:
• one or more RF shielding curtains configured to envelop the insect-infested object, wherein the one or more RF shielding curtains is supportable by a collapsible canopy frame;
• and
• a portable cart including a microwave generator movably disposed outside the RF shielding curtains, wherein the decontamination system is configured to transmit
• microwave radiation from the microwave generator toward the insect-infested object;
• selecting a first incident microwave radiation frequency that is within +250 MHz of a resonance frequency of an insect;
• and
• exposing the insect-infested object to microwave radiation for a first predetermined treatment time, wherein the insect in the insect-infested object is killed by localized flash heating within its carapace as it oscillates at its resonance frequency when hit by microwave radiation.

An insect eradication system for treating an insect-infested object while minimally heating the object, the system including:

• a collapsible canopy frame configured to be inflated to form an inflated canopy frame over an insect-infested object;
• a prefabricated microwave shield (RF shield) configured to envelop the inflated canopy frame;
• one or more microwave horn antennas supported by a plurality of roof support members disposed on the collapsible canopy frame, wherein the one or more microwave horn antennas are disposed at a predetermined distance above the insect-infested object;
• a portable cart movably disposed outside the prefabricated microwave shield, wherein the portable cart includes:
• an air pump to inflate the collapsible canopy frame;
• and
• and a microwave generator configured to transmit microwave radiation from the microwave generator to the one or more microwave horn antennas;
• and
• a control system configured to implement one or more of:
• operate the microwave generator to generate microwave radiation at a frequency that is within ±250 MHz of a resonance frequency of an insect;
• or
• direct the microwave radiation towards the insect-infested object, wherein the insect in the insect-infested object is killed by localized flash heating within its carapace as it oscillates at its respective resonance frequency when hit by microwave radiation.