Resistance of Six Wood Products Used in Paneling to Reticulitermes flavipes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Six wood products used in wall paneling were tested for resistance to feeding damage by the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes fiavipes (Kollar). Alaska-cedar, Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (D. Don) Spach, fiber without wax and resin treatments normally used in paneling production was not a preferred food source in choice tests where all 6 wood products plus pine, Pinus palustris Mill., were simultaneously provided. However, the same nontreated Alaska-cedar fiber sustained severe damage when provided as the only food source in no-choice tests. Nontreated fiber of western hemlock, Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg., and hardboard and hardboard paneling made from a mixture of western hemlock and Douglas-fir. Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco, sustained significant feeding damage in both choice and no-choice feeding tests. Pressed paneling mats made from Alaska-cedar or western hemlock exhibited antifeedant properties. Waxes, resins, and additives used in manufacturing these mats imparted resistance to R. fiavipes .