DoST develops solutions to address bed bugs

HE Department of Science and Technology (DoST) has developed solutions to address the recent bed bug infestation of wooden and metal furniture in some public facilities.

According to the DoST, the solution includes improving conditions of furniture made from indigenous materials, for example, rattan.

“This news may have caused apprehension towards using rattan and other non-timber forest products (NTFP) for furniture, but the DoST’s Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DoST-FPRDI) would like to clarify that technologies and methods are available to prolong their service life,” Rico Cabangon, a DoST official, said.

Recently, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said that it has received reports about social media posts that some passengers claim to have been bitten by bed bugs at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals 2 and 3.

Cabangon said bed bugs are attracted to the woven pattern of wicker furniture, for instance rattan, not the material itself.

He added that bed bugs thrive in items with tiny cracks and crevices, regardless of the material — whether rattan, metal, cloth, or concrete. Apart from bed bugs, rattan furniture can also be infested with biodeterioration agents such as fungi, termites, and powderpost beetles or “bukbok.”

“Rattan is one of the leading raw materials used in furniture and handicraft products. It is often combined with metals and wood to enhance its aesthetic appeal. Like any lignocellulosic material, rattan furniture and handicrafts are prone to attacks from biodeterioration agents. Proper maintenance is a key to using indigenous materials like rattan,” Cabangon added.

DoST-FPRDI has studied various methods to protect NTFPs against biodeterioration agents — from processing, storage and transit.

One method is applying wood preservatives to freshly cut and condition materials, another approach involves nonchemical control methods, such as kiln drying, to achieve low moisture content and ensure proper drying of raw materials.

Also, the institute is looking for eco-friendly ways to safeguard wood and NTFPs and one of which is through thermal modification.

According to DoST scientist Juanito Jimenez, thermal modification uses high heat to change the kind of chemicals present in a piece of wood.

“This makes the material more durable as it becomes more stable (more weather-proof, less prone to swelling and shrinking) and less appetizing to termites,” Jimenez said.

Moreover, the DoST-FPRDI is recommending minimizing exposure of treated materials to prolonged wetting to extend their service life.