EFFICACY OF BALANITE AEGYPTIACA LEAF AND BARK EXTRACT AS ECO-FRIENDLY WOOD PRESERVATIVES AGAINST SUBTERRANEAN TERMITE INFESTATION

ABSTRACT The study evaluated the efficacy of Balanite aegyptiaca bark and leaf extracts as eco-friendly wood preservatives against termite infestation in Gmelina aborea. The aim assessed the protective potential of these botanical extracts and compare their effectiveness individually and in combination. The specific objectives determined the effect of bark extract, assessed the effect of leaf extract, evaluated the combined effect of bark and leaf extracts, and compared treated billets with untreated controls. Sixteen billets of Gmelina arborea (2 × 2 × 18 inches) were prepared and divided into four treatment groups: bark extract, leaf extract, combined bark and leaf extracts, and an untreated control. Extracts were obtained by soaking air-dried bark and leaf powders in water for seven days. Billets were exposed to subterranean termites at a depth of 10–15 cm in termite mounds for twelve weeks. Termite damage was evaluated visually using a 1–5 severity scale, with 1 indicating less than 10% damage and 5 indicating more than 70% damage. Results showed that bark-treated billets had a mean damage score of 1.5, leaf-treated billets 1.7, and combined treatments 1.2, while control billets recorded the highest damage score of 4.8, indicating severe termite attack. The findings demonstrated significant termite resistance in treated billets, with the combined extract providing the most effective protection. In conclusion, Balanite aegyptiaca extracts, particularly the combined bark and leaf formulation, effectively reduced termite damage, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic preservatives. Recommendations include the development of standardized extract formulations, optimization of stability and penetration, and commercial adoption of these eco-friendly wood preservation strategies for termite-prone regions.