Suitability of different termite species for laboratory testing

IRG/WP 1159

U Kny, H Kühne

Different termite species were tested in the laboratory to evaluate the effectiveness of insecticides and wood preservatives in wood against termite attack. Determined were the optimum group size and composition, the matrix (vermiculite) volume and its moisture content. Choice feeding tests with fully impregnated wood blocks which are carried out according to a modified EN 117 procedure for Reticulitermes santonensis may also be used for the Rhinotermitid species Heterotermes indicola and Coptotermes formosanus. Even the Mastotermitid species Mastotermes darwiniensis may be used for this method, but not Coptotermes niger. For Nasutitermes nigriceps which may anyway only be used with hardwoods, smaller test vessels seem to be more appropriate. The standard method EN 118 which is used to test a surface protection against subterranean termites may also be used for Heterotermes indicola and Coptotermes formosanus when the moisture content of the vermiculite is raised to 350%.For the compulsory feeding tests which are usually carried out with Kalotermes flavicollis, the drywood termites Cryptotermes dudleyi and Neotermes jouteli could also be utilised. Mastotermes darwiniensis may not be used for compulsory feeding tests.


Keywords: TESTING; VERMICULITE; PRESERVATIVES; MOISTURE CONTENT; SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES; DRYWOOD TERMITES; FEEDING TESTS; EN 117; LABORATORY TESTS

Conference: 82-05-24/28 Çesme, Turkey


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