Wood Termite Research Articles

Sulfuryl Fluoride Fumigation as a Quarantine Treatment for the Control of Reticulitermes speratus Kolbe (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) in Wood.

High-risk termites in wood imported to the Republic of Korea are currently treated with methyl bromide (MB), which has ozone-depleting properties and is highly toxic. This study evaluated the effectiveness of sulfuryl fluoride (SF) as a quarantine treatment against Reticulitermes speratus Kolbe (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) in wood, along with its wood sorption and penetration capacity. The LCt50 and LCt99 values for SF were 30.87 and 42.53 mg h/L at 23 °C and 151.62 and 401.9 mg h/L at 5 °C, respectively. The SF Ct values did not significantly differ between dry and wet wood at loading ratios of 10%, 30%, and 50% at both 5 °C and 23 °C (p > 0.05). In a closed wooden cube, the LCt50 and LCt99 for SF for R. speratus were 31.59 and 53.34 mg h/L, respectively, indicating an excellent wood penetration ability. SF caused 100% termite mortality with a 90% loading ratio in the scale-up trials (500 L). The SF concentration during ventilation decreased below the threshold limit value (TLV) of 5 ppm within 30 min, confirming that the working conditions were safe. This study provides a basis for the use of SF as an alternative to MB for the treatment of termites in wood.

Particleboards based on agricultural and agroforestry wastes glued with vegetal polyurethane adhesive: An efficient and eco-friendly alternative

This research aimed to evaluate particleboards produced with bean straw and rubberwood particles glued with vegetable polyurethane adhesive as a proposal for a sustainable insulating material. Therefore, the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of the panels were determined, as well as their resistance to termite attack, combustibility, and thermal insulation. By increasing the bean straw particle content, the water absorption was significantly reduced (from 11.44 % to 7.68 %), with the same tendency observed for thickness swelling (from 4.61 % to 1.73 %) after 24 h of immersion. Panels produced with 25 and 75 % bean straw contents showed an end to thermal degradation before rubberwood-only compounds, being more resistant to combustion. There was a reduction in the modulus of elasticity (66.4 %) and modulus of rupture (52.5 %) due to the increase in the bean straw particle content. The evaluation of the resistance of the particleboard to dry wood termites showed a lower mass loss for composite panels with higher contents of bean straw. The thermal conductivity of particleboards showed that greater amounts of waste resulted in greater thermal insulation. In terms of generating sustainable products and meeting the needed properties, it was concluded that it is feasible to produce particleboards with agricultural wastes and formaldehyde-free adhesive.

Termites can learn

It is generally believed that termites can’t learn and are not “intelligent”. This study aimed to test whether termites could have any form of memory. A Y-shaped test device with one release chamber and two identical test chambers was designed and constructed by 3D printing. A colony of damp wood termites was harvested from the wild. Worker termites were randomly selected for experiment. Repellent odors that could mimic the alarm pheromone for termites were first identified. Among all substances tested, a tea tree oil and lemon juice were found to contain repellent odors for the tested termites, as they significantly reduced the time that termites spent in the chamber treated with these substances. As control, a trail pheromone was found to be attractive. Subsequently, a second cohort of termites were operant conditioned by punishment using both tea tree oil and lemon juice, and then tested for their ability to remember the path that could lead to the repellant odors. The test device was thoroughly cleaned between trials. It was found that conditioned termites displayed a reduced tendency to choose the path that led to expectant punishment as compared with naïve termites. Thus, it is concluded that damp wood termites are capable of learning and forming “fear memory”, indicative of “intelligence” in termites. This result challenges established presumption about termites’ intelligence.

Pemanfaatan Limbah Kayu Ulin (Eusideroxylon zwageri) sebagai Bahan Pengawet untuk Mencegah Serangan Rayap Kayu Kering pada Kayu Jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba)

Eusideroxylon zwageri wood is a type of wood wich have high natural durability that contains extractive compounds such as alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, and phenolics that are toxic to wood-destroying organisms. The ironwood sawmill industry produces waste in the form of sawdust that has not been used but only disposed of into the environment. Therefore, that wood sawdust waste can be used as a natural wood preservative to preserve wood whish have low natural durability such as Anthocephalus cadamba. In this study, A. cadamba wood preservation was carried out with irondust extract with various solution formulas, namely 5%, 10%. 15% and 20%. The purpose of this study was to know the effect of irondust extract solution formula as a preservative on the results of jabon wood preservation which includes absorption and retention of preservatives, mortality of dry wood termites, and the percentage of weight reduction of test samples after being fed to dry wood termites. The results of this research showed that the irondust extract solution formula had a significant effect on the absorption and retention of preservatives and the mortality of dry wood termites. The 20% irondust extract solution formula resulted in a higher preservative retention and drywood termite mortality value than the 5%, 10% and 15% solution formula, which was 12.13 Kg/m3 for retention and 88% for drywood termite mortality.

Screening the diversity of cellulolytic bacteria inhabiting the gut of subterranean termite Coptotermes sp. and their control using Azadirachta indica leaf extract

Termite control is essential to mitigate the damage they cause worldwide. It can be achieved by targeting the celluloytic bacteria that thrive within the termite gut. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to isolate and characterize the cellulose-degrading bacteria from the gut of the wood termite, Coptotermes sp. The cellulose degrading bacteria was isolated from the gut of the termite using the medium containing cellulose as the only carbon source. Three different bacteria were isolated and their cellulolytic activity on CMC-containing media was confirmed by the congo red clearing zone assay. Based on the morphological and physiological characteristics the isolates were identified as Bacillus sp., Enterobacter sp., and Micrococcus sp. Of the three isolates Bacillus sp. exhibit maximum cellulolytic activity. In vitro antibacterial efficacy of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract against the cellulolytic bacteria was analysed. All the three isolates were found to be susceptible to the neem leaf extract. In addition to bactericidal activity termicidal potential of the leaf extract was determined by no-choice bioassay method.

The toxicity of ammonia as a fumigant to dry wood termite (Cryptotermes cynocephalus L.) on sengon wood

Wood-based packaging material is usually made from low-quality kind of wood, making it a potential medium for carrying or housing wood-destructive organisms. The objective of this research was to investigate the toxicity of ammonia as a fumigant for controlling the dry-wood termite, Cryptotermes cynocephalus. Ammonia was applied as ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) 25%, which was placed inside the fumigation chamber. At 2.25 cm wood thickness, toxicity tests were performed using 3 levels of NH4OH doses (0, 700, and 3800 mL/m³) and 4 levels of exposure (4, 6, 8, and 10 hours). The toxicity of ammonia fumigant at 1.25 cm wood thickness was assessed using 6 dose levels of NH4OH (0, 200, 378, 587, 1732, and 4188 mL/m³) for 4 hours of exposure. The LD50 and LD90 values of ammonia against the dry-wood termite, C. cynocephalus, inside the sengon wood at 2.25 cm thickness after 4 hours of exposure were 3263 mL NH4OH/m³ and 22,781 mL NH4OH/m³, respectively. Moreover, for 1.25 cm wood thickness, for the same exposure duration (4 hours), the LD50 and LD90 values of ammonia fumigant were 541.594 mL NH4OH/m³ and 1432.125 mL NH4OH/m³, respectively. Meanwhile, for 0.25 cm wood thickness, the LD50 and LD90 values were 67.67 mL of NH4OH/m³ and 241.140 mL NH4OH/m³, respectively. In addition, for 2.25 cm wood thickness, the LD50 and LD90 values of ammonia fumigant were lower when the exposure time was longer (2149 and 10,722 mL NH4OH/m³ for 6 hours of exposure, and 1373 and 8705 mL NH4OH/m³ for 8 hours of exposure).

COMPARATIVO DO DESEMPENHO ENTRE PRODUTOS PRESERVATIVOS EM RELAÇÃO AO ATAQUE DE XILÓFAGOS EM MADEIRA PINUS

ABSTRACT CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) is a pre-fabricated engineered wood panel, generally made from conifer woods, mainly pine and spruce. Due to the low natural resistance of this species to deteriorating organisms attack, the Brazilian standard ABNT NBR 7190:1 (2022) orients the treatment of structural elements before being used. This study aimed to evaluate the resistance of woods from Pine and Spruce species, with different preservative treatments and retentions, against wood termite (Cryptotermes brevis) attack. Different species of Pine and Spruce (Pinus abies, Pinus sylvestris, Pinus elliottii e Pinus taeda) were evaluated, as well as different preservatives such as Impralit KDS-B, CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate), CCB (Copper Borate Chromated), MCA-C (Micronized Copper Azol type C) and HQC 791 (fire retardant for wood), usually used in Brazil, the United States and Europe. The results demonstrated that the fire retardant induced greater resistance to attack by xylophagous organisms, with total insect mortality and no surface deterioration after 45 days of testing. The CCA preservative also demonstrated efficiency in wood treatment with high resistance to termite attack, high mortality and only superficial wear of the specimen. It was concluded, therefore, that preservative treatments are recommended to guarantee the durability of the constructive system so that the so-called engineered wood elements can be used as structural systems.

Potential of Dioscorea bulbifera L. as a bio-insecticide in controlling dry wood termites (Cryptotermes cynocephalus Ligh.)

Currently, chemical control techniques prevent termite attacks, but these chemicals’ effects are concerning because they negatively impact human health and the environment. Therefore, pest control is focused on alternative insecticides that are effective, selective, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly. Several secondary metabolites from the methanolic extract of Dioscorea bulbifera leaves have insecticidal activities. This study aimed to examine the potential of D. bulbifera extract as a bio-insecticide in controlling dry-wood termites (Cryptotermes cynocephalus Light.). The study was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with seven treatments and three replications. The treatment in this study was a combination of concentration and source of D. bulbifera extract. Parameters observed were termite mortality, weight loss percentage of the paper disc, and damage degree. Based on the One-Way ANOVA test at a 5% significance level, the treatment had a significant effect on mortality but had no significant effect on the weight loss percentage and the degree of damage. A concentration of 50% from D. bulbifera extract leaves was able to control dry wood termites with mortality of 70.97%., a weight loss percentage of 33.88%, and a degree of damage of 65.05%. This result indicates that D. bulbifera has the potential as a bio-insecticide in controlling dry wood termites.

DIMENSIONAL STABILITY AND DURABILITY OF HYBRID SANDWICH PANEL MADE FROM OIL PALM LUMBER, SENGON AND GMELINA WITH BORON-ALUM IMPREGNATION

In this study, sandwich panels made from oil palm lumber, sengon, and gmelina wood were impregnated with a boron-alum solution to improve their water andtermite resistance. Waterresistance testing was evaluated using a thickness swelling test following the method in SNI03-2105. The sandwich panelwasalso tested for its durability against dry wood termites,according to SNI 01-7207. Theweight loss, mortality,and attack degree were used as theparametersfor evaluating termite durability. The results showedthat the treatment with aboron-alum solution can increase the stability, water resistance, and weight loss properties up to 73%, 41%, and 100%, respectively. The best properties of the sandwich panel were obtained by the sengon-isocyanate panel with 8% boric acid-borax and 5% alum treatment which has thickness swelling of 2.37%, water absorptionof 49.04%, weight loss of 0.0124%, termite mortality of100%,and attack degree of 0.

Efficacy of teak and pine litter extract with several solvent against wood termites (Cryptotermes cynocephalus light)

Termites are social insects that play an important role in the decomposition and nutrient turnover. In addition, termites are also categorized as pests that eat wood or materials composed of cellulose. Some form of control one of them has been done by making biopesticides. Various types of raw materials have been used from agricultural, plantation and forestry crop groups. Termite mortality is one indicator to determine extract bioactivity by calculating the percentage of the number of termites that died after being given treatment at a certain time. Compound content bioactive substances such as alkaloids, phenolics and other chemicals that can be used to kill and controlling insects in the environment. This study examines the effectiveness teak litter extract and pine litter extract with various solvents against wood termites through experimental research activities in the laboratory. The content of teak litter extract levels and pine litter obtained by 2.5%. Based on the termite mortality value test, the highest toxicity in the ethyl acetate extract, which is at week 3, it has reached 100% at a concentration of 1% which is. In addition, based on testing the retention value of the test paper, The highest percentage of weight loss was in the control, followed by the n-hexane fraction 49.55%. Whereas in testing the level of termite consumption, the highest percentage was in the aquades fraction.

Biological resistance of sandwich particleboard made with sugarcane, thermally-treated Pinus wood and malva fiber

Particleboards produced with other lignocellulosic materials, beyond wood, are promising products for the furniture and building construction components, as doors, lining, floor, partitions, and coverings. However, there is little information about the resistance of them to xylophagous organisms. This is important due the different uses of particleboards, where they will be subject to attacks by decaying organisms, which can affect a structure and put people at risk. The present study aims to determine the biological resistance of particleboard produced with pine, sugarcane bagasse and malva particles to xylophagous organisms. The particleboard was produced with different proportions of pine wood heat treated at 200 °C and malva fiber (outer layers) and sugarcane bagasse core glued with an adhesive based on polyurethane from castor oil. No-choice and choice feeding tests with dry wood (Cryptotermes brevis) and conehead (Nasutitermes corniger) termites were carried out for the resistance test to xylophagous organisms, in addition to a test with rotting fungi which cause brown (Gloeophyllum trabeum and Rhodonia placenta) and white rot (Irpex lacteus and Trametes versicolor). The trial with dry wood termites showed low mass losses, regardless of the proportions applied. The mass losses were accentuated for the test with conehead termite, having the particleboard composed of 100% pine been the most resistant among the boards tested. The greatest mass losses for fungal resistance were caused by Gloeophyllum trabeum. The particleboard produced with 100% pine (outer layer) showed the highest resistance to the tested xylophagous organisms.

Efficacy of the Methanolic and Aqueous Extracts of Carica Papaya and Azadirachta Indica against Wood Termite (Odontotermes Badius) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Evaluation of the efficacy of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Carica papaya and Azadirachta indica against the wood termite (Odontotermes badius) was carried out in the Botany garden, University of Uyo main campus, Akwa Ibom State. The phytochemical properties of the extracts were carried out in the Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, using the standard procedures. The untreated wood (Ceiba pentandra) was cut into 60 pieces of equal sizes of 11cmx8cm. 40ml and 80ml concentrations (Using 100ml unit syringe) of each of the extracts of the leave and stem parts of C. papaya and A. indica were applied on the woods using soft-faced brush, the control treated with water. The treated woods well marked using marker together with the control were inserted horizontally into the termitarium and were monitored for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. The data collected were analyzed using two ways Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and their means separated using p < 0.05 probability. The phytochemical screening result of aqueous and methanolic extract of C. papaya and A. indica indicates the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, terpernoids, phenols, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids and anthraquinine. In conclusion, from the results showed that the methanolic plant extract of C. papaya and A. indica leaves and stem offered greater effectiveness for wood protection against termite (O. badius) compared to aqueous extracts of the plants.

The Resistance of Modified Manii Wood with Boric acid and Chitosan/Glycerol and Heating Against Fungi and Termites

Manii wood (Maesopsiss eminii Engl.) is a fast grown species that has low durability (class IV) and requires preservation. Boric acid is generally used in wood preservation. However, its application needs to be combined with other treatments to prevent from leaching. This study aimed to evaluate the resistance of manii wood after double impregnation of boric acid and chitosan or glycerol and heat treatment. Heating temperatures were 70ºC and 140ºC. The durability test was carried out against white rot fungus (Schizophyllum commune), dry wood termites (Cryptotermes cynocephalus), subterranean termites (Coptotermes curvignathus) according to SNI 7207-2014 standard, and field test based on ASTM D 1758-08 standard. The retention of boric acid in manii wood was 15,2 ± 1,0 kg ma−3. The interaction of boric acid and chitosan/glycerol impregnations and heat treatment significantly affected the wood resistance against decay fungi and termites. Impregnation of boric acid and glycerol by heating at 140ºC increased the resistance of wood against dry wood and subterranean termites. Double impregnation of boric acid and chitosan followed by heating at 140ºC was the best treatment in this research that improved significantly the resistance of manii wood against white rot fungi, dry wood termites and subterranean termites.

Specific gravity, Extractive Content, and Natural Durability of Balsa (Ochroma pyramidale) Wood at 3 and 4 years old

The aim was to investigate the specific gravity, extractive content, and natural durability of balsa (Ochroma pyramidale) wood. A total of six trees of balsa at 3 and 4 years old were harvested and cut into the sample of specific gravity, extractive content, and natural durability test. Natural durability was tested according to SNI 01-7207-2006 against dry wood termites (Cryptotermes cynocephalus Light.). Specific gravity, extractive content, mass losses, and termite mortality were measured. Variance analysis was used to find the differences. The results showed that age influenced significantly on specific gravity and mass losses, while axial direction/position influenced significantly on extractive content and mass losses. Variance analysis also showed that radial direction influenced significantly on specific gravity and extractive content. The specific gravity of three years balsa wood is 0.14, which is lower than that of four years old three, which is 0,19. Extractive content in the bottom part (3.95%) is higher than that of in the middle (2.87%) and top (2.74%). Mortality in the bottom part (33.83%) is higher than that of in the middle (10.5%) and top part (5,8%) of the stem. In general, balsa wood is classified into durability class II-III.

BIOACTIVITY ANALYSIS of Annona glabra L. SEED EXTRACTS FOR WOOD PROTECTION AGAINST Termites (Cryptotermes cynocephalus Light. AND Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren.)

Pond apple (Annona glabra L.) belongs to the family of Annonaceae. The seed of A. glabra contains bioactive substance that is toxic to some organisms, however the effectiveness to control wood degrading termites has not yet been scientifically reported. This research analyzes the efficacy of A. glabra seed extract to wood degrading termites. Seed extraction was conducted using n-hexane and ethyl acetate. The paper disc test showed that the extract of A. glabra is toxic to Cryptotermes cynocephalus (dry-wood termites) and Coptotermes curvignathus (subterranean termites). The higher extract concentration (up to 63%) resulted in a higher termite mortality (up to 100%) and lower weight loss of paper sample (less than 1%). Ethyl acetate extract of A. glabra seeds has a better toxicity effect than n-hexane extract against dry wood termites and subterranean termites.

BIOACTIVITY ANALYSIS OF Annona glabra L. SEED EXTRACTS FOR WOOD PROTECTION AGAINST TERMITES (Cryptotermes cynocephalus Light. AND Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren.)

Pond apple (Annona glabra L.) belongs to the family of Annonaceae. The seed of A. glabra contains bioactive substance that is toxic to some organisms, however the effectiveness to control wood degrading termites has not yet been scientifically reported. This research analyzes the efficacy of A. glabra seed extract to wood degrading termites. Seed extraction was conducted using n-hexane and ethyl acetate. The paper disc test showed that the extract of A. glabra is toxic to Cryptotermes cynocephalus (dry-wood termites) and Coptotermes curvignathus (subterranean termites). The higher extract concentration (up to 63%) resulted in a higher termite mortality (up to 100%) and lower weight loss of paper sample (less than 1%). Ethyl acetate extract of A. glabra seeds has a better toxicity effect than n-hexane extract against dry wood termites and subterranean termites.

The use of Annona squamosa seed, leaf and bark as an alternative in the control of Cryptotermes brevis

The changes in human behavior towards the environment, the disorderly urban development, globalization and climate change are some of the factors that promote the occurrence and spread of pests that somehow bring damage. This occurrence is aimed at termites, which are insects known for their habit of feeding on cellulose, that is, papers, books, and wooden structures, causing accidents. Cryptotermes brevis are a major cause of damage to various wood species commonly used throughout the country, which cause major public health problems. Annonaceae have been extensively investigated because they present many species as a source of insecticidal compounds with different modes of action on insects. Therefore, this work aims to develop a natural, economical and sustainable product by using the extracts of the seeds of the fruit of the earl (Annona squamosa) as a resource to combat dry wood termites. From the results, it was possible to prove the veracity of the hypothesis that the natural insecticides developed from the extract of the seeds of the fruit of the earl (Annona squamosa) are very efficient, and are effective in the issue of mortality rates of Cryptotermes brevis.

Impact of the adoption of good agricultural practices on tea bush debilitation in two smallholding ranges in Galle District Sri Lanka

It was reported that tea bushes of smallholdings in some areas were debilitated and are expressing certain stress symptoms. This study attempted to understand the technology adoption level among the tea smallholders in Neluwa and Udugama ranges and to examine their tea bush debilitation status and identify possible attributes. Data were collected from randomly selected smallholdings. Cultivation history, technology adoption, and field problems were identified by using a structured questionnaire and were statistically analyzed. Results show that stress symptoms appeared in 75% of the holdings from a low to a moderate acuteness level and mostly distributed less than 30% of the lands investigated. However, in certain cases, there has been an impact on the yield. Results revealed that the adoption level of some of the GAPs is not at a satisfactory level and was identified as one of the attributes of debilitation. It was found that certain pests such as Lowcountry live wood termite, Canker, Wood-rot, and Horsehair blight are significantly contributing to the problem. About 28% of parasitic nematode incidents were detected, which could make a serious consequence under the poor crop management strategies.

MONITORING THE TOXICITY OF DRY WOOD TERMITES USING THREE PLANT POWDERS IN LABORATORY CULTURE

In order to model a suitable control alternative for subterranean termites and termites infesting wooden furniture and cabinets where consumables are likely stored, this present study monitored the efficacy of three plant powders at different doses (0.50-1.50g) against the dry wood termite,Cryptotermes cavifrons Banks (Blattodea). Plant materials were locally prepared into powders and assigned to 20 wood termites in 5g substrates of sand and stick. The culture was set up in triplicates and lethal concentrations were determined by Probit analysis. The plant powder could not exerted 100% mortality, but the highest mortality was recorded in Dennettia tripetala (1.50g) on stick (mean= 8.33±0.80). All concentration of D. tripetala on sand and stick caused mortality within 0 to 48 hours after exposure and compared favorably with Permethrin which recorded the highest mean time mortality on sand at 0-24 hrs after exposure. The lowest LC50value (0.75 and 0.79g/g) corresponded to Permethrin and D. tripetala on sand and stick respectively. This results suggest that best concentrations of pepper fruit powder can be adopted as potential alternative to chemical powders.

Effectiveness of <i>Azadirachta indica</i> A. Juss (Neem) Seed Oil in Controlling Wood Termite

The protection of wood against biodeteriorating agents like termite during processing or in service has call for serious possible approach using new safer, environmental friendly preservatives hence this study therefore evaluated Azadirachta indica seed oil against termite attack on Gmelina arborea and Triplochiton scleroxylon wood. The seed oil was obtained using a soxhlet apparatus and N-hexane as the solvent. The wood was dimensioned into 20x20x20 mm and the seed oil was applied by brushing, dipping and soaking and exposed to termitarium while the absorption rate and weight loss to termite attack were determined. Data collected was analyzed using simple statistics and analysis of variance at α0.05. The antimicrobial properties of the need seed oil are due to the availability of phytochemicals which promote antimicrobial activity. The maximum wood protection against termite of all the methods of application was obtained from soaking. The absorption and weight loss ranged from 11.20 - 43.88 % and 56.50 -61.58 % for G. arborea and T. scleroxylon respectively. However, all the application methods used for the wood treatment proved to be effective over the untreated wood.
 Keywords: phytochemicals, seed oil, wood species, wood preservation, wood termite