What non-chemical temperature manipulation is recommended for treating smaller quantities of infested food items or fabrics?
Answer
Freezing items for approximately 72 hours
Temperature manipulation offers a crucial non-chemical method for terminating infestations within materials that are either sensitive to chemicals or too cumbersome to discard. The recommended procedure to ensure the death of all life stages, including eggs and larvae, is prolonged freezing. This involves subjecting the infested items to temperatures low enough to cause mortality for a duration of approximately 72 hours. While high heat (around 140°F or 60°C) is an alternative, freezing provides a reliable kill for all stages in susceptible items.
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