Qualitative and Quantitative Determination of Resistance of Twenty Two Malaysian Commercial Timbers through Subterranean Termite Feeding Behavior

As defined in BS EN 350-1 [1], natural durability is ‘the inherent resistance of wood to attack by wood destroying organisms’. Eaton and Hale [2] defined natural durability or decay resistance as the ability of the Heartwood of any wood species to resist decay. Normally, natural durability is measured by exposing the wood to biological agents such as termites, beetles, fungi and marine borers (e.g., [3,4]. While the natural durability of Heartwood is important for situations either to be used partially or fully exposed to the weather, sapwood is always regarded as having low natural durability (perishable or non-durable) except if treated. Certain types of timber are noted for their marked resistance to deterioration and are commonly used as untreated material. In contrast, non-durable timbers generally require preservative treatment if they are to be used in exposed conditions, adding significantly to their cost.