Nippa hut with termites.

[Clermont]

7 hours ago, Lee said:

I have noted that the locals apply used motor oil on wood to help keep the termites at bay. Not sure how well this works either.

We used to use it in the bush back home, diesel is just as good if not better, when changing bike or car oil pour it around the outer wall, don’t be lousy, let it soak in,

[jimeve]

3 hours ago, Clermont said:

We used to use it in the bush back home, diesel is just as good if not better, when changing bike or car oil pour it around the outer wall, don’t be lousy, let it soak in,

Bet that smelt lovely, like working in a garage.

[Mike J]

22 hours ago, Lee said:

I have noted that the locals apply used motor oil on wood to help keep the termites at bay. Not sure how well this works either.

They will usually add malathion to the oil.  I was not at all comfortable having that mixture near our house.

[Mike J]

15 hours ago, Clermont said:

We used to use it in the bush back home, diesel is just as good if not better, when changing bike or car oil pour it around the outer wall, don’t be lousy, let it soak in,

Back in the 50/60s I would pour it on the weeds in the gravel driveway.

[PinoyDani]

On 10/8/2023 at 2:28 AM, Lee said:

I'm not sure how well this stuff really works. It is quite expensive.

When our rest house was redone every stick of wood was bathed in the stuff yet a powdery termite residue was noted in 2 weeks.

We have the type of termites that eat away at the insides of the wood leaving the outer "shell" behind. Maybe they aren't termites. IDK.

You’re right, they’re not termites. I believe they’re powderpost beetles and some of the locals name them “unos”.