Abstract
A preliminary short term test was conducted to determine the susceptibility of 5 species of wood grown locally in Saudi Arabia to termite infestation and to evaluate the protective effectiveness of 5 chemical preservatives. Based on the number of damaged stakes, rate of damage, and number of stakes harboring live termites, untreated stakes of Ar-ar (Juniperus procera ) proved to be moderately durable, whereas the remaining 4 species, Athl (Tamarix aphylla ), Sidir (Zizyphus spina-christi ), Hamat (Ficus pseudosycamorus ), and Talh (Acacia etbaica ), were classified as non-durable. Out of the 5 chemicals used as preservatives, Chlordane 72% E.C. proved to be the best by giving almost full protection to treated wood up to the end of the test (1 year). This was followed in order by Bitumen, Permethrin 23.9% W/W, and Sumithion 50% E.C., Sevin 85% W.P., failed to offer protection to treated woods and most of the stakes were moderately or severely damaged at time of first inspection.