Termites and standards norms in wood protection: a proposal targeting drywood termites

Abstract A standard is a technical document approved by a recognized certification body at national or international level, which defines and unifies the characteristics and specifications of a process, product or service, to ensure quality and safe, reliable performances in respect to environment. The use of international standards allows to remove barriers to world trade and their importance is particularly recognized in the field of wood technology, to guarantee that preservatives are effective in protecting wood from biotic degradation agents, such as termites. In the European Union, USA, Australia, Japan the existing standard norms to test efficacy against termites are exclusively related to subterranean species (Rhinotermitidae). Due to the great differences in biological features, these standards are not suitable for drywood termites (Kalotermitidae), that, on the other hand, are increasingly indicated as serious wood pests, worldwide. This chapter aims at filling this gap by: outlining the differences in biology, ecology and behaviour of the two types of termites and their importance as invasive pests; describing the importance and features of standard norms; reviewing the available standards for wood protection against termites. Finally, a proposal for a standard protocol is presented, specifically developed to determine the efficacy of preventive wood treatments on drywood termites.