Durability of Mangrove Timber Against Termites

Subterranean termites are the biggest contributor to wood and wood products damage billions of dollars each year, and their food is wood (cellulose). Due to the lack of supply of wood from classes that have natural durability, use has been focused on wood species from other classes, i.e. from moderately durable or non-durable with treatment. However, to date, few termite infestation studies have been conducted from that class. This study evaluated the natural resistance against termites of mangrove species. Tests are performed in the laboratory as well as in the field. The results showed that the mangroves were resistant to the attack of Coptotermes curvignathus.