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Title |
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Thermal Damage To Construction Materials by Termites (Isoptera) |
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Key Words |
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insulation, wood, plywood, Reticulitermes falvipes
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Author |
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Philip G. Koehler, Cynthia L. Tucker,
and Roberto M. Pereira |
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Abstract |
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Wood construction materials were exposed to eastern subterranean termites, Reticulitermes flavipes, for 8 wk to determine termite damage and changes in thermal properties. Termite tunnels allowed heat to flow unobstructed through the sample resulting in ~35% increase in temperature (damaged vs. undamaged) despite a small amount (6.7% consumed) of damage. Once damaged (3.1% consumed) by termites, plywood was the most thermally damaged with a temperature increase of 74% (damaged vs. undamaged samples). Insulation was significantly the most damaged with ~12% of the material removed by termites. Termites excavated rigid board insulation and consumed the paper which lined the outside surface; they also scarified the aluminum foil surface. In rigid foam board insulation termites formed extensive tunnels resulting in temperature increasing ~27% (damaged vs. undamaged). |
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