ISSN 2360-7971
Abstract
In Lafia, Nasarawa State, untested wood preservatives and untreated wood use contribute to termite-induced structural failure. This study evaluated the efficacy of termiticide (Termiguard®), fire retardant, and neem extract on Mahogany (Khaya spp.), Gmelina arborea, and Tectona grandis against subterranean termites, aiming to guide foresters, builders, and homeowners. Using a 5 x 4 x 4 factorial experiment in a Completely Randomised Design (CRD) with 80 samples (4 treatments, 5 replicates), wood samples (4 x 4 x 40 cm, 10–12% moisture) were treated via brushing, spraying, soaking (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 g/640 cm³ in 20 ml acetone; Termiguard® at 5 ml/640 cm³), or control (acetone only). Samples were exposed out at the timber graveyard and the termitaria testing sites within the horticultural garden of the College of Agricultural Science and Technology, Lafia, Nasarawa State. (20 cm depth), weighed monthly over three months, and rated for damage (5 = sound, 1 = failure). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant effect (P = 0.0190) for Tectona grandis with Termiguard® in Month 1, indicating soaking or spraying enhances initial efficacy. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were found for other treatments, suggesting wood species and preservative type outweigh application method. Cost-effective brushing or spraying is recommended for Lafia’s tropical climate, providing baseline data for sustainable wood protection.
Keywords: Wood preservatives, subterranean termites, Preservative efficacy, Application methods