Insects

Wood’s natural enemies of animal origin are wood destroying insects, which, as indicated by their name, feed on wood. Wood destroying insects lay their eggs in cracks in the wood. Their larvae feed on wood, altering its appearance and mechanical properties. They develop their life partly or fully in the natural biological environment of wood, seriously affecting its basic qualities and characteristics. This group includes two types of insects: larval insects and social insects.

 

Larva Insects

These are insects that go through different stages in their life cycle. Their metamorphosis undergoes four stages: egg, larva, nymph and adult. The larva phase is the longest, and it is in this phase that insects degrade wood to satisfy their need for nutrients. Their growth and the wood’s degradation are two sides of a single phenomenon. Larvae can make typical, audible sounds while eating. Two families of wood destroying insects pose the greatest risk for construction wood:

   - Anobiidae or Woodworms

These insects typically attack only the sapwood of certain species of coniferous and non-coniferous woods. They also damage both outdoor and indoor structural and carpentry wood.

   - Lyctids or Moths

These insects attack non-coniferous woods with high starch content, mainly targeting parquet floors and constructions platforms.

   - Social Insects

Termites are the main example of this type. The most dangerous one is Reticulitermes Lucifungus Rosse or underground white ant. The main nest is always underground and outside the building. The insects enter houses through humid wall corners or through wooden beams and door frames. Wood damage is not visible, because they leave the outer 1-2 mm layer intact. Unlike larval insects, termites do no not make any noise while eating the wood. Termites live in organized colonies, where they can be divided into three categories:
      - Reproducers
      - Workers
      - Soldiers

Illustration shows the reproductive cycle of wood-eating insects




Illustration shows eggs and larvae in contact with the insecticide. They will not develop as the wood is now protected against insect attacks.


Illustration shows fi lm degradation over time. The bridge for eggs occur at the level of flaked film and in depth to the wood.


Termites


Carpenter Bee


Capricorne


Sirice


Lyctus


Attacked Wood

 

Product solution for Biological Attacks

Illustration shows the application of an impregnation product (example GORI 11 and 22) on wood. The active ingredients are locked up in the impregnation film.