Abstract:
This study assesses timber susceptibility to termite species in Maiduguri and environs. A
structured questionnaire was administered on 10% of target population giving a sample size of
235 respondents. The result shows that 27 identified timber tree species wood are used locally.
The most susceptible timber to termite attack were Arere/Obeche (20.0%), 14.5% for Afun and
Akwamili (9.6%), Abu (7.6%), Afara (7.3%), Oro (6.3%), Abago (5.1%). It is not established
whether to attribute termite attack to either susceptibility or the preponderance of usage. The
result also shows no significant difference within location but between locations, like old/new
building site, outskirt/urban centres, where newly established and outskirt areas experience
higher termite devastations compared to the old and urban centres. It was recommended that
people should use local methods that do not require use of chemical; that are relatively
affordable and environmentally friendly such as use of wood ash, death animal using cow dungs,
expired engine oil and kerosene to combat termite attacks. Where necessary solignum,
permethrin and cypermethrin which do not kill but scare away termite should be employed at
right time and place to control termites because despite their devastating effects on wooden and
agricultural materials, they plays important ecological and environmental roles in recycling soil
nutrients for productive agricultural land use. |
