Treated poles. Image credit lynnridgetimbers.co.za

Treated poles. Image credit lynnridgetimbers.co.za

ZIMSEC O Level Combined Science Notes: Experiment: To compare the resistance of different woods to termite attack

Aim: To compare the resistance of different types of wood to termite attack

Materials: gloss paint, used motor oil, creosote, 4 samples of softwood (pine), 4 samples of hardwood (teak/eucalyptus)

Method

  1. Coat one piece of each wood with used motor oil
  2. Paint one piece of each piece of wood with gloss enamel
  3. Paint one piece of each wood with creosote
  4. Place a bare piece of wood and the other ones above near a termite hill during dry weather
  5. Examine each piece of wood once a week for a month

Observation and Results

  • Bare hardwood is more resistant to termite attacks than compared to softwood
  • Creosote is the most resistant coating to termite attacks

To access more topics go to the Combined Science Notes page