Preliminary research on mortality of wood destroying Anobiidae (Coleoptera) following the application of p-dichlorobenzene in combination with low oxygen atmosphere fumigation

Abstract Experiments were undertaken in connection with the need, indicated in the literature, for the proper choice of a substance enhancing the effect of a low oxygen atmosphere used as a means of controlling wood boring insects in museum collections and historical objects. A low oxygen atmosphere itself causes the death of wood boring insects after a relatively long period of application. Thus, attempts were made to use p-dichlorobenzene to accelerate the effects of a low oxygen atmosphere in the control of wood boring insects. The experiments were performed as a continuation of preliminary research on the effect of p-dichlorobenzene on Anobiidae in an aerobic atmosphere. The paper present the results of gassing Anobium punctatum and Ptilinus pectinicornis (Coleoptera: Anobiidae) larvae with 1,4-dichlorobenzene in a low oxygen atmosphere of nitrogen and argon. The experiments were performed in laboratory conditions at a temperature of 20°C on larvae extracted from wood. The results do not show a faster elimination of larvae of either species using p-dichlorobenzene in a low oxygen atmosphere as compared to using p-dichlorobenzene in an aerobic atmosphere. Complete eradication of larvae in the test groups was obtained after 48 hours when using p-dichlorobenzene in nitrogen. The results obtained when using p-dichlorobenzene in argon appear to be worse at fumigation times shorter than 48 hours.