Changes in the Detection Performance of Termatrac T3i as a Reticulitermes Speratus Detection Device According to the Wood(Species and Moisture Content) and Detection(Depth and Direction) Condition

Abstract

This study confirmed the detection performance and applicability of microwave devices used to detect subterranean termites inside the wood. The detection performance of Termatrac T3i decreased as the specific gravity and moisture content increased due to the anisotropy and wave absorption characteristics of wood. Additionally, Termatrac T3i was able to detect termites within a radius of 50 mm and a maximum depth of 50 mm based on the measurement point due to the strong straightness of the 2.4 GHz microwave. These results suggest that the measurement interval and depth o f Termatrac T3i sho uld be set within 100 mm and 50 mm to determine the termite activity inside the pine wood member. Additionally, the applicability according to the detection performance of Termatrac T3i was investigated. The results confirmed the damage pattern in which <i>Reticulitermes speratus</i> preferentially attacked the sapwood of the wood member, and that the average sapwood width of the pine tree used as the wood member of the wooden structure was approximately 60-70 mm. Therefore, Termatrac T3i, which has been confirmed to be able to measure termite activity up to 50 mm deep in a straight line for pine trees, is considered to be applicable to the detection of activity of <i>R. speratus</i>, which prefers sapwood.