Ultracold for pest control

[Michael A. Ivie]

Hello everyone,

We have just received a large donation that is, or has been, partially
infested with dermestids.  The material is currently isolated, and we
are running it through a freezer to eliminate the problem before we
examine it further. Does anyone have data on how long infested insect
specimens need to be left in an Ultracold (-80C) freezer before all
dermstids are surely dead?  I am guessing that after 48-72 hours,
everything would be safe, but actual data would be more comforting.

Thanks,

Mike

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Michael A. Ivie, Ph.D.
Department of Entomology
Montana State University
Bozeman, MT 59717
USA

(406) 994-4610 (voice)
(406) 994-6029 (FAX)
mivie at montana.edu