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
- Coat one piece of each wood with used motor oil
- Paint one piece of each piece of wood with gloss enamel
- Paint one piece of each wood with creosote
- Place a bare piece of wood and the other ones above near a termite hill during dry weather
- 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
