Abstract
The scope of physical control of insects is summarised and recent developments (post—1969) in the field are reviewed. Physical control though offering great potential as a component of integrated control systems is not yet in widespread use against field pests. In stored commodity protection physical methods are of increasing importance and may completely replace current chemically‐based protectant methods. Direct insect control by ionising radiation has received much attention but large scale application appears doubtful. Application of many physical methods is restricted by high capital cost and lack of post‐treatment protection. A bibliography of recent reviews is given.