Thermal Damage To Construction Materials by Termites (Isoptera)
  Key Words  
  insulation, wood, plywood, Reticulitermes falvipes
  Philip G. Koehler, Cynthia L. Tucker, and Roberto M. Pereira
  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).