Instructional Leadership, emphasis: K-12 School Leadership (MEd)
Metal tool being used by two hands to measure the around the trunk of a tree
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  6. Use of Acoustics to Disrupt and Deter Wood-Infesting Insects from and within Trees

Use of Acoustics to Disrupt and Deter Wood-Infesting Insects from and within Trees

Description

This innovation offers a non-chemical method of treating and preventing insect infestation of trees and other wooden objects. An acoustic signal is emitted from the device, which has been shown to aggravate insects, disrupting the mating, tunneling, and reproduction that kill trees. This method appears to be specific in its effects on certain species and has little impact on non-target species, including the host trees.

Additional Information

Patent number and inventors

US 9,480,248, MX 340825; other patents pending.

Richard Hofstetter, Reagan McGuire, and David Dunn.

Potential applications

Targeted invertebrates include bark beetles, termites, carpenter ants, wood wasps, and barnacles. This method can offer protection to both large scale and private lands and tree regions.

Benefits and advantages

This non-chemical device provides lower cost tree protection and treatment against infestation outbreaks with a greater impact on wood-infesting insects. The device is shown not to have a rippling effect on non-target species with natural communities and urban areas.

Case number and licensing status

2010-002

This invention is available for licensing.