BRRI

INTRODUCTION
Termites are social insects which live in colonies. They are commonly called white ants but they are more closely related to cockroaches than ants.

Termites are found almost everywhere in Ghana, although only about 30% of termites actually damage wood, buildings etc. The species vary in the different areas, the coastal plains, the forests and the northern savanna. However, in all areas, there are species which cause damage. Two groups of these damaging species can be recognized; the subterranean termites and the dry-wood termites. For over 30 years the Building and Road Research Institute (BRRI) has been engaged in a research programme to study the natural resistance of timbers, plastic pipes, clay bricks and rubberized products against termites and fungi. Within this period, the resistance of over 80 selected species of West African hardwood timber has been monitored with regard to their relative resistance to attack by over 30 different species of termites found in various parts of Ghana as well as their other engineering characteristics.

ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
Cellulose, which is predominantly found in timber, is the prime source of food for termites. They can eat dried timber, rotting timber and living trees. Termites often infest buildings and damage lumber, wood panels, flooring, sheetrock, wall-paper, plastics, paper products and fabric made of plant fibres. The most serious damage is the loss of structural strength.

Although periodic estimates have been prepared for certain countries, the true world-wide losses in wood destroyed and labour replacement cannot be determined with any degree of accuracy. The annual cost of maintenance due to termite infestation has been estimated at about 2-5% of the initial construction cost. This figure may rise as high as 10% if buildings are allowed to be infested with termites. It has also been said that the annual cost to the world of termite damage is more than the cost arising from all fires storms and earthquakes combined. It is sufficient to state that sound measures taken by stakeholders in the building industry to reduce such damage are a sound investment.

OBJECTIVES

• To educate stakeholders in the building industry on the prevention of termite hazard through anti-termite treatment of building site
• To provide consultancy services and other technical assistance in the control and prevention of termite infestation of building sites and existing building.
• To study the natural resistance of timbers, plastic pipes, clay bricks and rubberized products against termite and fungi .
• To study the efficacy of extracts from local plants in the control and prevention of termites in buildings.

FACILITIES

• Termite testing machines,
• Laboratory,
• Drilling equipments
• Injection machines

CLIENTS
Amongst the many clients to whom the Institute has offered anti-termite consultancy services in the recent past include:

1. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology:
   Great Hall, Library complex and several staff bungalows of the KNUST.
2. Asanteman Council:
   The Asantehene and Queen mother's Palaces, Kumasi.
3. World Vision International:
   World Vision International Offices in Kumasi and Ejura.
4. Social Security and National Insurance Trust:
   SSNIT Hostels at the University of Ghana, Legon.
   KNUST, Kumasi.
   UCEW, Winneba.
5. Ministry of Works and Housing:
   Redevelopment of Government Residential Properties at Roman Ridge, Accra of the Ministry of Works and Housing
6. Ministry of Health:
   Volta Regional Hospital, Ho
7. Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
8. Get Fund Hostels at Kumasi and Sunyani Polytechnics.
9. Amenfiman Secondary School, Wassa Akropong.
10. Council for Scientific and Industrial Research:
    The Audit Block of the CSIR Secretariat
11. Ghana Football Association:
    Feynoord Fetteh Football Academy, Gomoa Fetteh.

ACHIEVEMENTS:
Examples of tests carried out at the BRRI termite site include:

• U-PVC and Polythene water-carrying pipes Plastic cladding for buildings.
• Woodwool
• Fencing materials
• Recently-developed termiticides
• Four different types of water-borne preservatives.
• 85 different species of Ghanaian hardwoods.