The present work was conducted to evaluate controlling the subterranean sand
termite, Psammotermes hybostoma using some unordinary natural oils and others in
the laboratory and field as indoor and outdoor investigations, respectively. The results
were analyzed statistically by T-test.
Ten kinds of oils [Caraway, Onions, Garlic, Clove, Peppermint, Basil,
Eucalyptus (Camphor), Sesame, Tar and Fenugreek] and three other substances
[Neem seeds extraction, gum bees powder (Propolis) and aluminum sulphate powder
(Alum)] were used. These materials have been observed under laboratory conditions,
and field conditions at two regions namely; El-Konooz region and the farm land of
South Valley University during the period from January to December 2011, and in
three infected buildings at El-Konooz region during the period from February till June
2012 in Qena city.
Laboratory results showed that, the highest mortality rate was recorded by using
caraway oil (100 workers per hour). In contrast, the lowest mortality rate was
observed when propolis and neem seeds extraction used (0.26 workers per hour)
equally.
On the other hand, the outdoor field results agreed with the laboratory
investigations. Thus, the highest ratio of sand termite individuals, caught in
corrugated cardboard traps allover one complete year, was in the traps treated with
propolis (95.6 %). In contrast, the lowest was (0.24 %) with clove oil. The ratio was
(0.0 %) in the presence of the following oils (caraway, basil, camphor, garlic,
peppermint and tar) at El-Konooz region.
Moreover, field results of the farm land of South Valley University showed that
the highest ratio of sand termites individuals was in the traps treated with propolis
(92.7 %). Inversely, the ratio was (0.0 %) in the cases of the following oils (caraway,
basil and garlic).
On the other hand, statistical analysis on the feild results showed highly
significant differences between the mean numbers of the individuals caught in traps
treated with all oils and their control. Whereas, no significant differences were
recorded in the case of propolis and neem seeds extraction and their control.
In relation to the results on infected buildings, the total numbers of individuals
obtained from corrugated cardboard pieces were zero in the doors and windows
frames that treated with the following oils (caraway, basil and camphor), despite
continuing injury in the control case (2070 and 1424 individuals from doors and
windows frames, respectively).
Thus, it is recommended using the most effective repellent oils (caraway, basil,
camphor, garlic, peppermint, tar and clove) in subterranean termite control inside
buildings by spraying infected timber or injection in the ground or by traps in the soil
instead of chemical pesticides with harmful impact on the environment and health.