Termites Infestation on Different Eucalyptus Wood Species and Control Using Natural Oil from Plants

Abstract Termites are one of the major pests of wood and the use of synthetic insecticides in the control constitutes a major challenge to environmental health. This study assessed the level of damage on the wood of four Eucalyptus species on exposure to subterranean termites using preference and non preference tests in the field; and the efficacy of different plant oils to protect wood damage. 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 highest and lowest wood damages were recorded in Eucalyptus tereticornis and Eucalyptus cloeziana, respectively throughout the period of observation in Samaru-Zaria and Afaka, Kaduna. The results also showed that wood of E. cloeziana was harder than that of E. tereticornis; and correlated significantly with the percentage wood loss. Solignum, a synthetic wood protectant, reduced wood loss to termite infestation more than the plant oils. Oil extracts from neem seed, Jatropha seed and palm kernel significantly reduced wood loss than in the control treatment. However, the potency of these plant oils reduced with time. The wood of E. cloeziana demonstrated high level of resistance against termite infestation; and neem oil, Jatropha oil and palm kernel oils can be used as wood protectants as alternatives to synthetic wood preservatives.