Termite Sand-Block Laboratory Test Method

 

This method provides for the laboratory evaluation of treated or untreated cellulosic material for its resistance to subterranean termites. As described below, both a single choice (also referred to as a "no choice") test and a two-choice test procedure are required with each material to be tested.  This test should be considered as a screening test for treated material and further evaluation by field methods is required.

Single-choice (or no-choice) test procedure.  As described below, each replicate container contains damp sand, termites, and a single test block.  This procedure is useful for determining the toxicity of materials to termites, especially the threshold concentrations necessary for toxicity, and whether materials are sufficiently repellent to prevent termite feeding even when no other

Two-choice test procedure.  As described below, each replicate container contains damp sand, termites, and two test blocks - normally a treatment block and an untreated or (solvent-treated) control block.  This procedure is useful for determining whether materials are repellent to termites when other choices are available, as is the case in most field situations; or whether the toxicity is sufficient to deter termite feeding when that feeding is not limited to the single toxic material.


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