maiTermite Resistant

Termites are building's worst enemies! in the US alone, residents spend an estimated USD5 billion annually to control termites and repair termite damage. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), US residents spend at least USD1 billion on Formosan termite control and repairs each year. Meanwhile, Subterranean termites are the most dangerous termites for buildings.

While some claim that termites only chew on wood-based materials, they have been known to chew through plaster, plastics, asphalt and even thin sheets of soft metals like lead and copper, according to some pest control experts.

It is a common misconception that termites are eating wood. In reality, they are eating the cellulose materials that the wood is made of. But while they do consume cellulosic materials, termites cannot retrieve any nutrition without the assistance of bacteria, fungi and protozoa to break down the cellulose and release the nutrients that can be absorbed by the host termite. In other words, bacteria, fungi and termites are good friends with each other. Since maiCompact is anti-microbial, termites have no benefits or interest to chew into the product.

Termites are also capable of emitting methane, one of the most important non-CO2 greenhouse gases, and is responsible for nearly as much global warming as all other non-CO2 greenhouse gases put together.

Maica's maiCompact had been sent to the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) to determine the durability of maiCompact against Subterranean Termites compared to softwood, hardwood and particle boards. The tests include:

• Laboratory tests using the standard ASTM D3345-08

• Field test using FRIM Working Procedure PK A1 test

The conclusion is as follows:

1. maiCompact was highly resistant to both termite and fungi attack based on both laboratory and field test and may be used for exterior application and at high humidity area.

2. In this test, maiCompact was found to be most durable against termite attack, followed by pinewood (softwood), rubberwood and particle board under the local condition.

* Note: While the test concludes that maiCompact may be used for exterior application, Maica recommends the use of maiCompact for interior use, unless stated otherwise in the catalogues.

Advantages of Applications:

Toilet cubicle panels, sports facilities cubicles and lockers, F&B table tops, kitchen tops, hospitals and health care facilities, public facilities, remote area facilities.