Inherent Natural Resistance of Woods to the Attack of the West Indian Dry-Wood Termite, Cryptotermes brevis Walker

Abstract

Based on extensive feeding tests with nymphs of the West Indian dry-wood termite, Cryptotermes brevis Walker, on the woods of nearly 300 species of trees from all parts of the world, it would appear that inherent natural resistance to termite attack resulting from the characteristic presence and abundance in the wood of a specific repellent chemical constituent does not occur in any wood of the Temperate Zone of either the Northern or Southern Hemispheres. Such inherent natural resistance is of comparatively rare occurrence in the semi-Tropics, but has developed in a considerable number of trees of the Tropics of both the Old and the New World.