The use of microwaves to kill insects is based on the dielectric heating effect produced in grain which is a relatively poor conductor of electricity. Since this heating depends upon the electrical properties of the material, there is a possibility of advantageous selective heating in mixtures of different substances (Hamid et al. 1968). In a mixture of dry food stuffs and insects, it is possible to heat the insects to a lethal temperature because they have high moisture content while leaving the drier foodstuff unaffected or slightly warm (Hurlock et al. 1979). The major advantage of using microwave energy is that no chemical residues are left in the food and hence no adverse effects on human beings (Hurlock et al. 1979). Microwave energy has no adverse effect on the environment as do chemicals. Insects are unlikely to develop resistance to this treatment (Watters 1976). High frequency radiation may not only kill insects by the
dielectric heat induced within them but may also affect the reproduction of the survivors (Hamid et al. 1968).
The objectives of this research were: