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<div><br/></div><p>MANILA -- The Department of Science and Technology has offered solutions to address bed bug infestations in wooden and metal furniture in some public facilities, including the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.</p><p>The local innovations look to enhance furniture made from indigenous materials, such as rattan.</p><p>DOST-FPRDI has studied various methods to protect non-timber forest products (NTFPs) against biodeterioration agents—from processing, storage, and transit. </p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/2/29/bedbugs-at-naia-surot-reports-bite-airport-1606">READ: Bedbugs at NAIA? &#x27;Surot&#x27; reports bite airport</a></div><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/2/29/naia-chairs-disinfected-amid-bedbugs-infestation-1936">READ: NAIA chairs disinfected amid bedbugs infestation</a></div><p>They said one method is applying wood preservatives to freshly cut and conditioned materials. Another approach involves non-chemical control methods, such as kiln drying, to achieve low moisture content and ensure proper drying of raw materials. The DOST  is also researching eco-friendly ways to safeguard wood and NTFPs, one of which is through thermal modification.</p><p>“This news may have caused apprehension towards using rattan and other non-timber forest products for furniture, but Department of Science and Technology’s Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) would like to clarify that technologies and methods are available to prolong their service life,” said Rico J. Cabangon, DOST-FPRDI Officer-in-Charge, in a statement.</p><p>According to Cabangon, bed bugs are generally attracted to the woven pattern of wicker furniture, like rattan, not the material itself. Bed bugs thrive in items with tiny cracks and crevices, regardless of the material—whether rattan, metal, cloth, or concrete. </p><p>Apart from bed bugs, rattan furniture can also be infested with biodeterioration agents such as fungi, termites, and powder-post beetles or bukbok.</p><p>“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 key to using indigenous materials like rattan,” Cabangon added.</p><p>“Thermal modification uses high heat to change the kind of chemicals present in a piece of wood,&quot; said According to DOST Scientist Juanito P. Jimenez. &quot;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.” </p><p>DOST-FPRDI recommends minimizing exposure of treated materials to prolonged wetting to extend their service life.</p><p>“We urge the public not to be discouraged in using furniture made from rattan and other NTFPs. It is a triumph of Filipino ingenuity that indigenous materials have been showcased for public use in NAIA. Through science, technology, and innovation, we can continue to take pleasure in bug-free Filipino craftsmanship,” said Cabangon.</p><p>DOST&#x27;s suggestions come after several cases of infestation, including bed bugs, rodents were reported at the NAIA Terminal 3. </p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/3/1/how-to-manage-rat-infestation-in-homes-establishments-1616">READ: How to manage rat infestation in homes, establishments</a></div><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/3/2/miaa-to-revisit-pest-control-housekeeping-contracts-after-naia-pest-mess-813">READ: MIAA to revisit pest control, housekeeping contracts after NAIA pest mess</a></div><p>The sightings of bed bugs and rats roaming NAIA have gone viral.</p><p>In response, the Manila International Airport Authority has brought in 38 new steel gang chairs at the terminal to replace the 30 old ones the MIAA pulled out for being infested with bed bugs.</p><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="950" height="534" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zZxqZ8vwSrI?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>The Department of Science and Technology has offered solutions to address bed bug infestations in wooden and metal furniture in some public facilities, including the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.</p>

The Department of Science and Technology has offered solutions to address bed bug infestations in wooden and metal furniture in some public facilities, including the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

DOST develops innovations on wood processing to protect indigenous wooden materials

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DOST develops innovations on wood processing to protect indigenous wooden materials

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Published Mar 13, 2024 08:00 PM PHT

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Updated Mar 14, 2024 10:55 AM PHT

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