Heat sterilization is one of the primary methods used worldwide to eliminate insects, nematodes, and other pests that may be transported in solid wood packaging materials through international trade. The process protects forests and ecosystems by preventing the spread of invasive species while allowing wood products to move safely between countries.

This course explains the international heat-treatment requirements established by the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM)15, including conventional heat treatment and dielectric heating. It discusses the factors that control heating times, including the heating medium, air circulation, wood size and configuration, species, moisture content, and stacking methods.

The course also introduces practical methods for estimating heating times and summarizes American Lumber Standards Committee (ALSC) enforcement requirements for commercial heat-treatment facilities. Upon completion, participants will have a practical understanding of the engineering principles governing heat sterilization of wood and the factors necessary to produce effective, code-compliant heat treatment schedules.

After completing course, the student will be able to: 

Understand the purpose of heat sterilization of wood products

Identify ISPM 15 heat-treatment requirements

Recognize pests controlled by heat treatment

Understand factors affecting wood heating times

Compare conventional and dielectric heating methods

Understand the effects of heating medium and air circulation

Evaluate the effects of wood size, species, moisture content, and stacking methods

Understand analytical and empirical methods used to estimate heating times

Understand ALSC heat-treatment enforcement requirements and quality assurance