Laboratory Evaluation of Some Physical Barriers Against Subterranean Termites For The First Time in Egypt

Abstract

Data in metal shield revealed, that termites failed to cross through the metal shield of Galvanized iron throughout the tested period, recorded that zero%. Termite tunneled in the sand layer during seven days and individual died inside the tunnels, and showed an inability to move in the tunnels after the first week. In case of test breaking glass barrier data showed crossed termites recorded 3 individual at rate of 0.6 and 7 individual after 30 days at the rate of 1.4 with average 0.4% and one tunnel created on body of transparent box from the inside. Data of thick plastic bags after 15 days crossed termite counted 11 individuals at rate of 2.2 and 19 individual at the rate of 3.8 after 30 days, with average 1.2% of all tested replicates, termites crossed through the tunnels created in sand layer directly, and also the other horizontal showed from the bottom of transparent box. Data of gravel after 15 days calculated 53 termites crossed at rate of 10.6 and 105 after 30 days at rate of 21.0, the average% for crossed termite counted 6.32%, tested barrier did not cause monitoring tunnels which created vertically. It is worth to mention that, few of horizontal tunnels numbers of termites were detected in the bottom of transparent box.Totally; the four tested physical barriers showed differences between them to prevent the termites from crossing through the barrier. The metal shield was better to prevent termites from passing through it, followed by breaking glass, thick plastic bags and gravel. Data in control counted 71.6% crossed termites from total of tested replicates. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences for all tested physical barriers but, there were strong significant differences with control, and the differences between the tested times 15 and 30 days were significant. The physical barriers can be used down wood and regular floors.