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Published VersionCC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Non-destructive Detection of an Invasive Drywood Termite, Cryptotermes brevis (Blattodea: Kalotermitidae), in Timber
Sociobiology, Vol.69(4), pp.1-7
2022
Abstract
Reliable drywood termite detection in structures is challenging but is critical for effective management. A microwave-based non-destructive method was evaluated for detecting termite activity. This study evaluated factors affecting the ability of this device to reliably detect Cryptotermes brevis in timber. The device displayed a high probability of successfully detecting C. brevis in naturally infested boards. The system detected termites 97% of the time when used at the highest sensitivity level, while producing few false positives. The number of termites did not affect detection ability, and detectable signals were produced even when a single termite was present. Detection success decreased with both increasing wood density and testing perpendicular to the grain in abrupt transition timber species. The device detected termites to a maximum depth of 45 mm in southern pine (Pinus spp.), but sensitivity declined with increased wood density with the detection limit declining to only 20 mm in denser Tasmanian oak (Eucalyptus spp). The device could only detect termites in samples with densities between 392 to 511 kg/m3 in 38 mm thick radiata pine samples. The results support the ability of microwaves to reliably detect C. brevis in timber.
Details
- Title
- Non-destructive Detection of an Invasive Drywood Termite, Cryptotermes brevis (Blattodea: Kalotermitidae), in Timber
- Authors
- Janet McDonald (Author) - Department of Primary IndustriesChristopher Fitzgerald (Author) - Department of Primary IndustriesBabar Hassan (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, National Centre for Timber Durability and Design LifeJeffrey Morrell (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life
- Publication details
- Sociobiology, Vol.69(4), pp.1-7
- Publisher
- Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana
- Date published
- 2022
- DOI
- 10.13102/sociobiology.v69i4.7881
- ISSN
- 2447-8067; 0361-6525
- Copyright note
- Copyright (c) 2022 Janet McDonald, Christopher Fitzgerald, Babar Hassan, Jeffrey Morrell. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life; Forest Research Institute
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99698697702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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