Apparatus for using microwave energy for insect and pest control and methods thereof

An apparatus for using microwave energy to treat an infected site infested with insects or other small pests, the apparatus comprising:

• a source of microwave energy that provides the microwave energy at a frequency greater than about 2.4 GHz,
• a flexible transmission element configured to propagate the microwave energy,
• a scanning microwave antenna that receives the microwave energy via the flexible transmission element and emits the microwave energy, the scanning microwave antenna comprising:
• an outer surface, and
• a handle connected directly to the outer surface,
• wherein the handle facilitates an operator safely and accurately scanning the infected site with the scanning microwave antenna while the scanning microwave antenna is emitting the microwave energy,
• a microwave isolator connected between the source of microwave energy and the flexible transmission element, wherein the microwave isolator is configured to prevent the microwave energy from reflecting back from the scanning microwave antenna toward the source of microwave energy, and
• a power controller connected to a power source to control the microwave energy emitted by the scanning microwave antenna.