Termites infestation on different Eucalyptus wood species and control using natural oil from plants

Abstract

Termites are a major cause of damage to wood, and the use of synthetic insecticides for their control constitutes a significant challenge to environmental health. This study assessed the damage to the wood of four Eucalyptus species upon exposure to subterranean termites, as well as the efficacy of three plant oils and a synthetic wood preservative. The physical properties responsible for wood resistance were determined using standard procedures. Pearson correlation, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (p < 0.05) were used for data analysis. The results showed that the greatest and least wood damage was recorded in Eucalyptus tereticornis and Eucalyptus cloeziana, respectively. The wood hardness recorded in E. cloeziana was higher than in E. tereticornis and correlated significantly with the percentage of wood loss. Solignum, a synthetic wood preservative, reduced the wood loss due to termite infestation more effectively than the plant oils. Oil extracts from neem seeds, Jatropha seeds, and palm kernels significantly reduced wood loss compared to the control treatment. However, the potency of the plant oils decreased over time. The wood of E. cloeziana demonstrated a high level of resistance against termite infestation, and neem oil, Jatropha oil, and palm kernel oils possess the potentials as alternatives to synthetic wood preservatives for wood protection.