Stakes as Aggregation and Detection Tools for Control of Termites at Three Different Stations in Lahore, Pakistan

Some imported woods are well known for their durability and their characters have carried them far from their original homes. It is necessary to know the behavior of wood species under different environmental conditions and their durability class before the timber or timber product is put into use. The extent of wood deterioration is dependent on various conditions such as soil, rainfall, altitude, temperature, and other environmental conditions under which the timber is put to use. Natural durability refers to the ability of wood species to resist attack by different agents, especially biological ones. This paper describes the natural resistance of important imported timber species of Pakistan against termites at different stations. Field experiments were carried out at three locations with the aim of evaluating the natural resistance of 18 species of imported woods. Wood stakes measuring (L x W) 19 inches x 3.0 inches were installed in the soil and observed for a period of 3 months alone and in different combinations with M. anisophilae, Fipronil and Imidacloprid. The termites active in the test yard and on the test stakes were collected and identified. Results revealed significant variation in rate of degradation of wood species with climatic zones producing significant variation as well. Termites collected belonged to three species with the single family Termitidae. While Odontotermes obesus Microtermes obesi and Coptotermes heimi was the dominant species in most of the locations.