High voltage electric fields have potential to create new physical pest control systems

Abstract

An electric field is the space surrounding an electric charge, within which it is capable of exerting a perceptible force on another electric charge. Especially under high voltage, electric fields induce various electrostatic phenomena, some of which could be utilized to provide remarkable pest control measures. The main focus of the present study was to introduce an attractive force generated by a surface charge on an insulated electrified conductor, which was successfully used to construct an electric field screen that prevented airborne nuisances (spores, flying insects, pollen, and fine smoke) from entering the interiors of various facilities. Another focus was the disinclination of insects to enter the electric field, thus, giving the electric field screen the ability to repel insects. Charges accumulated on the surfaces of non-insulated conductors are mobile through discharge, based on their potential difference. Such arc discharge was strong enough to destroy insects that were exposed to it. Some precedent illustrative examples are cited to explain the principles of attraction, dielectrophoretic movement of spores, and discharge-mediated positive electrification of insects, and to discuss how electric fields are generated and used in electric field-based pest control strategies.