During the last few decades, researchers worldwide have investigated and developed new treatment techniques to improve intrinsic wood properties. Some of these techniques were introduced to the market recently and are gaining in importance.. Various wood properties of these new materials have been studied intensively. These include physical-mechanical properties (dimensional stability, moisture related properties) and the resistance against wood degrading fungi. However, only limited knowledge on the performance of these materials against subterranean termites is available. For this reason, two field trials were conducted in northern Queensland (Australia) against subterranean termites. Several wood modification systems were used (furfurylation, acetylation, DMDHEU, heat treatment, melamine). The results after 36 weeks of exposure, indicated a high feeding pressure in both trials, producing significant mass losses in the untreated feeder material (Pinus sylvestris). Most wood modification techniques failed against the subterranean termites Coptotermes acinaciformis and Mastotermes darwiniensis. Apart from the slash pine (Pinus elliottii) treated with copper, chrome and arsenic (CCA) salts standards, only dimethyloldihydroxy-ethyleneurea (DMDHEU)-treated slash pine performed well in the tests.

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