Termite Resistance

Termite Resistance of Merbau

     The Department of Plant & Environmental Protection Sciences of the University of Hawaii conducted studies on the termite resistance of Merbau (Intsia palembanica) and concluded that Merbau is extremely deterrent to termites, with performance comparable to preservative-treated wood.

Test:

     Wafers cut from Merbau heartwood were evaluated for resistance to attack by Formosan subterranean termites in a rigorous laboratory test following the standards of the American Wood-Preservers’ Association Standard, Method E1-97, which fulfills the requirements of ASTM D 3345-74.  Merbau has been tested during a period of 4 weeks both as a no-choice alternative (the only wood in an isolated environment) and in a dual-choice alternative (Douglas fir) with the following results:
No-choice environment reported a mass loss of 7.01%
Dual-choice environment reported a mass loss of 1.44%.

Conclusion:

     Merbau, rated at between 9.50 and 10 (10-sound, 0-failure) compares favourable to lumber treated with the commonly used preservative CCA (rated 9-10) and disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (rated 7-10).

History:

     Construction materials used in tropical and subtropical regions are exposed to a severe risk of attack by subterranean termites.  In particular, The Formosan subterranean termite Coptotermes formosanus is a severe pest in many tropical parts of the world.  Lumber used for the production of windows and doors has traditionally not been treated with any pressure-impregnated wood preservative. 

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