When it comes to treating wood for pests like termites, woodworms, and other insects, two popular methods are microwave treatment and heat gun application. While both use thermal energy to eliminate pests without chemicals, they operate in fundamentally different ways—and their results, safety, efficiency, and usability vary significantly. In this comparative review, we’ll examine the key differences between microwave devices like the Shashel Pro and traditional heat guns, helping you decide which option is more suitable for your needs.
Microwave pest control devices, such as those from Shashel, use high-frequency electromagnetic waves to penetrate deep into the wood. These waves generate heat from the inside out, effectively destroying pests and their larvae buried deep within the material. In contrast, heat guns emit hot air from the outside, relying on surface-level heat to kill insects. This difference in heat application is a major factor in performance. Microwave energy reaches pests hidden in the core of wood structures, while heat guns may fail to deliver enough heat to internal infestations, leaving some pests unharmed.
Another major difference lies in efficiency. Microwave devices offer fast, targeted treatment with consistent results. Once positioned correctly, a microwave unit can deliver the necessary temperature directly into the infected area, eliminating the pests in minutes. Heat guns, on the other hand, require manual handling, constant movement, and more time to heat a section thoroughly. They are also more likely to cause surface damage if held too close or used too long in one spot. For larger jobs or thicker wood materials, heat guns often prove inefficient and labor-intensive.
Safety is another area where microwaves outshine heat guns. Microwave units like the Shashel Pro are designed with safety sensors, insulated casings, and automatic shut-off systems that regulate temperature and prevent overheating. Heat guns, in contrast, pose a much higher risk of burns, fire hazards, and surface scorching. Because they produce direct, high-heat airflow at temperatures exceeding 500°C, any mistake or prolonged focus on one spot can damage the wood or even ignite it. Beginners using heat guns must take extreme care, whereas microwave devices operate hands-free once activated, reducing the risk of operator error.
When it comes to depth of penetration, microwaves clearly win. The electromagnetic waves penetrate through the wood layers and heat the pests internally, reaching eggs, larvae, and hidden insects that traditional heat guns simply can’t affect. Heat guns are mostly effective against surface infestations and may not fully eliminate the problem if the insects are burrowed deep inside beams, furniture, or floorboards. As a result, heat gun treatment often leads to repeated infestations or the need for follow-up chemical treatments.
User experience is another key comparison point. Microwave units, despite their professional-grade capabilities, are beginner-friendly. They require minimal physical effort and are designed for safe, hands-free operation. Once set up, users can monitor treatment from a distance using a remote control. Heat guns, however, demand constant attention, physical handling, and technique to avoid damage. They can be tiring to use over long sessions and require significant experience to apply heat evenly and effectively.
In terms of cost, heat guns are generally cheaper to purchase up front. They are widely available and commonly used for tasks like paint stripping or shrink-wrapping, making them accessible to homeowners. Microwave systems like the shashel are more of an investment, as they are built for professional use and long-term durability. However, the initial cost is often offset by greater effectiveness, reduced treatment time, and long-term pest prevention—meaning fewer callbacks, reapplications, or property damage in the future.
Microwave treatment also shines in preservation and restoration work. Museums, conservators, and restoration specialists prefer microwave devices because they are non-destructive, leave no residues, and do not harm valuable antiques or historical woodwork. Heat guns, by contrast, are too aggressive for delicate surfaces and are rarely used in professional conservation environments.
In conclusion, while both microwaves and heat guns offer non-chemical alternatives to traditional pest control, microwave technology is clearly superior in depth, safety, effectiveness, and long-term results. Heat guns may be suitable for small, surface-level infestations or DIY repairs, but they fall short in treating deep, widespread, or valuable wood structures. If you’re looking for a safe, efficient, and proven way to eliminate wood pests without chemicals, microwave treatment—especially with a trusted system like Shashel—is the smarter and more reliable choice.