OBSERVATIONS ON INSECTS' BEHAVIOR IN ATTACKING WOOD

Abstract

Insect attack is a major problem to wood generally, whether it was shaped in objects or in structures. Thus, the present study aims to highlight the behavior of insects while attacking the wood. It also aims to study the effect of preparation layers as well as coating and consolidation materials’ presence on wood-destroying insects’ behavior. Eleven samples were selected among numerous infected wood for investigation and examination by the Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM). Moreover, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to identify the materials employed in previous treatments. The chemical composition of the preparation layers applied on the wood surface was analyzed by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Then, the results of the different samples were compared. The SEM examination suggested that there are different insect behaviors in attacking wood according to its status, i.e. covered with preparation layers, coated, or consolidated. It is quite evident from the obtained results that bare wood is the most affected, whereas the loss was reduced in wood samples covered with chalk-preparation layers. Furthermore, Paraloid B72 enhances hardwoods protection against re-infestation.