Abstract The objective of these tests was to determine if various types of paints and wood preservatives would prevent drywood termite penetration or feeding on treated wood surfaces and paper. Western drywood termites, Incisitermes minor (Hagen), were removed from infested sycamore and walnut logs collected in the Riverside vicinity. Termites were maintained at 25°C and 30-50% RH in covered petri dishes containing wood chips and moistened paper toweling. Termite nymphs (ca 4-6 instar) were used in all tests. The compounds painted on wood surfaces included: white latex gloss enamel (#9006 A-1 Paint 4 Varnish Co.), clear urethane flat varnish (A-1 Paint 4 Varnish Co.), Zerolac white pigmented shellac (Zehrung Corp.), epoxy appliance white aerosol spray (#530, Zenolyte Products Co.), Stadco 97% coal tar creosote (Stay A Dry Paint Materials Co.), and oil-based white Thermo Iite high gloss enamel (#5900 A-1 Paint and Varnish Co.). Douglas-fir boards were cut into 30.5 X 10 cm sections sanded to smoothness, painted with 1 or 2 coats of each material, and allowed to dry 1 wk before exposing them to termites. Crown Contract Natural paper toweling was treated at a rate of 0.05 mg/cm with CCA type I (chromated copper arsenate, American Wood Preservers Institute), creosote, 99% pentachlorophenol (Penta), stearic acid, and 2-bromooctadecanoic acid. Compounds were evenly deposited with 2 ml of an appropriate solvent over 72 cm2 of paper. Ten termites placed in Stender dish bottoms (3.7 cm dia) were inverted onto the treated surfaces. Mortality was recorded over time and percent feeding was determined after experiment termination.