The possibility of controlling the growth of three species of wood-boring insects (xestobium rufouillosum, lyctus brunneus and anobium punctatum) by means of gamma ray irradiation was tested. The minimum dosage which inhibits further development was determined for each stage of the insect's life-cycle (eggs, pupae, adults). In view of the high resistance of mature eggs of anobium and xestobium, gamma radiation is of little utility for these insects.