ASTM D3345-22

Standard Test Method for Laboratory Evaluation of Wood for Resistance to Subterranean Termites

ABSTRACT
This test method covers the laboratory evaluation of treated or untreated cellulosic material for its resistance to subterranean termites. This test should be considered as a screening test for treated material and further evaluation by field methods is required. Different kinds of equipment and materials to be used in the evaluation of the cellulosic material include containers, glass or clean plastic, tray, enamel, stainless steel, paper towels, and volatile chemicals. Southern yellow pine (SYP) sapwood with no visible defects and smoothed surfaces shall be evaluated by using reagents like benzalkonium chloride solution and distilled water. Other wood species may be used, but in each separate test using other species as the major test wood, five SYP sapwood blocks should be used as additional controls to permit the correlation of test results among laboratories. A block evaluation with corresponding rating system shall be performed by visualization method.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the laboratory evaluation of treated or untreated wood for its resistance to subterranean termites. This test is considered as a screening test for treated material and further evaluation by field methods is required.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. (Warning—See 7.1.4.)  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2022
• ICS: 71.100.50 - Wood-protecting chemicals
• Technical Committee: D07 - Wood
• Drafting Committee: D07.06 - Treatments for Wood Products

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D1413-07 - Standard Test Method for Wood Preservatives by Laboratory Soil-Block Cultures
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2007
• Refers: ASTM D1413-07e1 - Standard Test Method for Wood Preservatives by Laboratory Soil-Block Cultures (Withdrawn 2016)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2007
• Refers: ASTM D1413-05b - Standard Test Method for Wood Preservatives by Laboratory Soil-Block Cultures
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2005
• Refers: ASTM D1413-05a - Standard Test Method for Wood Preservatives by Laboratory Soil-Block Cultures
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2005
• Refers: ASTM D1413-05 - Standard Test Method for Wood Preservatives by Laboratory Soil-Block Cultures
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2005
• Refers: ASTM D1413-99 - Standard Test Method for Wood Preservatives by Laboratory Soil-Block Cultures
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-1999

Overview

ASTM D3345-22 is a recognized laboratory test method developed by ASTM International for evaluating the resistance of solid wood-treated or untreated-to attack by subterranean termites. This standard provides a controlled screening assessment intended to predict material performance against termite damage. While it delivers reliably comparable results under laboratory conditions, further field evaluation is necessary for comprehensive real-world performance analysis. ASTM D3345-22 plays an integral role in understanding and improving wood protection strategies, promoting the longevity and sustainability of wood products.

Key Topics

• Screening Test Purpose: Designed to provide a preliminary assessment of wood’s termite resistance in a laboratory setting.
• Choice and No-Choice Testing: Two major approaches are described:
  • Choice Tests: Termites are given alternative wood samples, assessing preference and feeding behavior.
  • No-Choice Tests: Only a single wood sample is provided, measuring termite consumption and survival on the test material.
• Test Materials and Controls: The standard specifies the use of Southern yellow pine (SYP) sapwood as a benchmark; when other woods are tested, SYP serves as a control to ensure reproducibility and allow for inter-laboratory comparisons.
• Apparatus and Reagents: Clearly defines the container types, sterilized sand, water, benzalkonium chloride solution, and required environmental conditions (temperature range: 25°C–28°C).
• Termite Handling: Outlines procedures for the collection, identification, and care of subterranean termites prior to and during testing.
• Rating and Evaluation: Details a visual rating scale (from 0 to 10) to grade termite attack on test blocks, and requires determination of wood weight loss for quantitative results.
• Reporting Requirements: Emphasizes documentation of species, treatments, methodology, and results to support reproducibility and comparison.

Applications

• Wood Preservation Research: Enables manufacturers and researchers to assess the efficacy of wood treatments and preservatives in protecting against subterranean termite attack.
• Quality Control for Wood Products: Used as a screening step for construction materials and components intended for use in termite-prone environments.
• Material Selection: Helps architects, engineers, and builders select suitable wood species or treated products for projects in areas at risk of termite infestation.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supports claims about termite resistance, aiding compliance with building codes and standards that require proven performance.
• Comparative Laboratory Studies: Facilitates inter-laboratory studies and benchmarking of termite-resistant treatments by providing standardized protocols and controls.

Related Standards

• ASTM D1413: Formerly provided laboratory soil-block culture methods for wood preservatives (now withdrawn), referenced for weathering and conditioning protocols.
• AWPA E10: Standard procedures for laboratory soil-block tests for decay resistance.
• AWPA E1: Laboratory method for evaluating termite resistance of wood-based materials, offering parallel or supplementary testing options.

These related standards, often cited within ASTM D3345-22, help ensure a consistent framework when evaluating wood durability and resistance to biological threats. Utilizing ASTM D3345-22 in conjunction with these standards supports a comprehensive approach to wood product validation and research.

Keywords: ASTM D3345, wood resistance, subterranean termites, laboratory evaluation, termite testing, wood durability, wood preservatives, choice test, no-choice test, wood treatment screening.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D3345 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Laboratory Evaluation of Wood for Resistance to
Subterranean Termites
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3345; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope AWPA E1 Laboratory Method for Evaluating the Termite
Resistance of Wood-Based Materials: Choice and No
1.1 This test method covers the laboratory evaluation of
Choice Tests
treated or untreated wood for its resistance to subterranean
termites. This test is considered as a screening test for treated
3. Choice or No-Choice Methodology
material and further evaluation by field methods is required.
3.1 There are two types of basic termite bioassays:
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
3.1.1 Choice test—termites are presented with two feeding
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
targets which may or may not contain insecticidal components.
only.
Difference in mass loss may be indicative of preference or
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
avoidance of one material over another.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.2 No-choice test—termites are presented with a singular
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
choice and mass loss indicates ability of the insect to consume
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
the material. In no-choice tests, mortality data is needed to
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
determine dose mortality based on consumption of the test
(Warning—See 7.1.4.)
material, which is often treated with suspected insecticidal
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
compounds.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
NOTE 1—It is recommended that both choice and no-choice tests be
performed when evaluating materials for resistance to subterranean
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
termites as the different tests address different behavioral responses of the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
termites.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.2 Details regarding test methodology shall be included in
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
the final report, and use of choice or no-choice, or both, shall
2. Referenced Documents
be indicated in the report title.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4. Apparatus
D1413 Test Method for Wood Preservatives by Laboratory
4.1 Containers, Clear, Clean Glass or Plastic, with loosely
Soil-Block Cultures (Withdrawn 2016)
3 3
fitting tops with liners removed, 220 cm to 450 cm (225 mL
2.2 Other Documents:
(8 oz) to 480 mL (16 oz)).
AWPA E10 Laboratory Method for Evaluating the Decay
Resistance ofWood-Based MaterialsAgainst Pure Basidi-
4.2 Tray, enamel, stainless steel, or plastic, 0.25 m by
omycete Cultures: Soil/Block Test
0.51 m (10 in. by 20 in.) and bucket.
4.3 Paper Towels or Corrugated Cardboard.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D07 on Wood
4.4 IncubationRoom(orCabinet), maintained at a tempera-
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D07.06 on Treatments for Wood
ture between 25 °C to 28 °C (77 °F to 82 °F).
Products.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2022. Published March 2022. Originally
approved in 1974. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as D3345 – 17. DOI: 5. Reagents and Materials
10.1520/D3345-22.
2 5.1 Benzalkonium Chloride Solution (1:750)—Add 1 part
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM benzalkonium chloride to 750 parts water. A comparable
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
surface antiseptic is satisfactory.
the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on 5.2 Distilled or Deionized Water, heat-sterilized.
www.astm.org.
5.3 Sand, brown or white, screened, washed, and heat-
Available from the American Wood Protection Association (AWPA), PO Box
361784, Birmingham, AL 35236-1784, http://www.awpa.com. sterilized.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3345 − 22
5.4 Southern Yellow Pine (SYP) (Pinus spp.), measuring the bottom of the pail. Rinse these towels in distilled water and
25.4 mm (1.00 in.) square by 6.4 mm (0.25 in.) in the longitu- squeezeanumberoftimesuntildamp.Coverthesetowelswith
dinal or tangential direction. Sapwood, no visible defects, about ten unfolded, dry paper towels.
smoothed surfaces equivalent to planed or sanded, 2 to 3 7.1.3 Shake the damp towels covering the tray debris into
rings/cm (4 to 6 rings/in.). All test samples shall come from the above described pail.After 2 to 4 h, remove the dry towels
same parent board (1, 2). and any insects and debris on them from the pail and discard.
5.4.1 Other wood species may be used, but in each separate Gently shake insects clinging to the lower, damp towels into a
test using other species as the major test wood, untreated SYP clean tray. Using a small piece of paper (approximately 7.5 cm
sapwood blocks shall be used as additional controls to permit by 7.5 cm (3 in. by 3 in.)), gently slide the paper under the
the correlation of test results among laboratories. termites and lift up, tilting the paper slightly so any remaining
debris falls off. Healthy termites will cling to the paper. Collect
5.5 Subterranean Termites—Use a major common species
termites for testing into a clean tray by lightly tapping the hand
of the region being studied.
holding the paper, which will cause the termites to fall off.
5.5.1 Specific identification of any termites used shall be
7.1.4 Add termites to test containers as soon as possible
obtained and reported with the test data. Methods used for
once separated from debris. Do not hold termites in the pail or
termite identification, as well as source of termites/collection
tray longer than 24 h before using. (Warning—Exercise rea-
location, shall also be reported.
sonable care to ensure that any termites discarded (for
example, 7.1.3) are dead. Oven-drying debris and towels used
6. Determining Amount of Water Based on Moisture
at100°Cfor6hissufficient. When a test is finished, exercise
Content
reasonable care to ensure that living insects are not discarded.)
6.1 Determine the quantity of sterile distilled or deionized
water to be added to the sand based on genus of termite used
8. Weathering of Test Blocks
in testing. A moisture content between 8 % to 10 % and 15 %
8.1 If the test material is weathered prior to termite
to 20 % shall be used for tests using Coptotermes spp. and
exposure, the weathering procedure shall follow that of Test
Reticulitermes spp., respectively (2).
Method D1413 or AWPA E10.
6.1.1 Water shall be added to oven dried sand in the
8.1.1 Complete details on the weathering procedure used
following ratios:
shall be included in the final report and noted in the report title.
6.1.1.1 Coptotermes spp., 100 g sand+8mLto10mL
water.
9. Treatment and Conditioning of the Test Blocks
6.1.1.2 Reticulitermes spp., 100 g sand + 15 mL to 20 mL
9.1 Treatment of test blocks shall follow standard treatment
water.
methods detailed in AWPA E10, initial, wet, and final weights
7. Collection of Termites
shall be reported to determine uptake and retentions of treat-
ments used in bioassays.
7.1 Subterranean Termites, (for example, Reticulitermes
spp., Coptotermes spp.)—Collect from an active, large colony
9.2 All specimens shall be placed on a screen or mesh rack
in a natural forest situation (for example, fallen logs, stumps),
and maintained under open laboratory room conditions or
or from strong laboratory cultures. It is vital to the execution of
under a laminar flow hood for at least 48 to 72 h prior to
this assay that healthy termites are collected for use in the
conditioning.
laboratory tests. Non-aggressively feeding termite data can
9.2.1 If volatile formulations are tested, appropriate solvent
skew results and often lead to improper conclusions. Careful
controls shall be included as treatments to identify possible
attention shall be paid to untreated control data over the
solvent/carrier effects.
duration of each test and if mass loss due to feeding is not in
9.2.2 Blocks treated with volatile formulations should be
anacceptablerangebasedonpaststudies(3, 4)thetestshallbe
placed on a screen or mesh in a flow hood for at least 1 week
repeated with a fresh collection of termites (see also 15.1.2).
to allow for outgassing.
(Note: Survival, wood consumption, and behavior can vary by
9.3 Condition all test blocks, following weathering if used,
termite colony. Therefore, depending on availability, tests may
to a constant weight within the equilibrium moisture content
be run using termites from multiple colonies.)
range from 6 % to 14 % to ensure that all solvent is removed
7.1.1 Transport short sections of infested logs or cellulosic
prior to exposure to insects.
collection materials (for example,
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D3345 − 17 D3345 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Laboratory Evaluation of Solid Wood for Resistance to
Subterranean Termites
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3345; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the laboratory evaluation of treated or untreated solid wood for its resistance to subterranean termites.
This test is considered as a screening test for treated material and further evaluation by field methods is required.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. (Warning—See 7.1.4.)
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1413 Test Method for Wood Preservatives by Laboratory Soil-Block Cultures (Withdrawn 2016)
2.2 Other Documents:
AWPA E10 Testing Wood Preservatives by Laboratory Soil-Block CulturesLaboratory Method for Evaluating the Decay
Resistance of Wood-Based Materials Against Pure Basidiomycete Cultures: Soil/Block Test
AWPA E1 Laboratory Method for Evaluating the Termite Resistance of Wood-Based Materials: Choice and No Choice Tests
3. Choice or No-Choice Methodology
3.1 There are two types of basic information that can be obtained from termite bioassays:
3.1.1 Choice test—Choice test data-termites termites are presented with multiple feeding targets and preferential mass loss
indicates a material preference over an alternative food source.two feeding targets which may or may not contain insecticidal
components. Difference in mass loss may be indicative of preference or avoidance of one material over another.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D07 on Wood and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D07.06 on Treatments for Wood Products.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2017Feb. 1, 2022. Published March 2017March 2022. Originally approved in 1974. Last previous edition approved in 20082017 as
D3345 – 08.D3345 – 17. DOI: 10.1520/D3345-17.10.1520/D3345-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Available from the American Wood Protection Association (AWPA), PO Box 361784, Birmingham, AL 35236-1784, http://www.awpa.com.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3345 − 22
3.1.2 No-choice test—No-choice data-termites termites are presented with a singular choice and mass loss indicates ability of the
insect to consume the material. In no-choice data,tests, mortality data is needed to determine dose mortality based on consumption
of the test material, which is often treated with suspected insecticidal compounds.
NOTE 1—It is recommended that both choice and no-choice tests be performed when evaluating materials for resistance to subterranean termites as the
different tests address different behavioral responses of the termites.
3.2 Both choice and no-choice tests shall be permitted when evaluating materials for resistance to subterranean termites as the
different tests address different behavioral responses of the termites.Details regarding test methodology shall be included in the
final report, and use of choice or no-choice, or both, shall be indicated in the report title.
4. Apparatus
3 3
4.1 Containers, Clear, Clean Glass or Clean Plastic, with loosely fitting tops with liners removed, 220220 cm to 450 cm450 cm
(8 to 16 oz).(225 mL (8 oz) to 480 mL (16 oz)).
4.1.1 If volatile chemicals are to be tested, a 4.8 mm (No. 12 or approximately ⁄16 in.) hole is drilled in the center of the top and
the appropriate solvent controls shall be included as treatments to identify possible solvent/carrier effects.
4.2 Tray, enamel, stainless steel, or plastic, 0.25 m by 0.51 m (10 0.25 m by 0.51 m (10 in. by 20 in.) and bucket.
4.3 Paper Towels. Towels or Corrugated Cardboard.
4.4 Incubation Room (or Cabinet), maintained at a temperature between 25 °C to 28 °C (77 °F to 82 °F).
5. Reagents and Materials
5.1 Benzalkonium Chloride Solution (1+750)(1:750)—Add 1 part benzalkonium chloride to 750 parts water. A comparable surface
antiseptic is satisfactory.
5.2 Distilled Water. or Deionized Water, heat-sterilized.
5.3 Sand, brown or white, screened, washed, and heat-sterilized.
5.4 Southern Yellow Pine (SYP) (Pinus spp.) measuring 25.4 mm (1.00 in.) square by 6.4 mm (0.25 in.) in the spp.), measuring
25.4 mm (1.00 in.) square by 6.4 mm (0.25 in.) in the longitudinal or tangential direction. Sapwood, no visible defects, smoothed
surfaces equivalent to planed or sanded, 2 to 3 rings/cm (4 to 6 rings/in.). All test samples shall come from same parent board.board
(1, 2).
5.4.1 Other wood species may be used, but in each separate test using other species as the major test wood, fiveuntreated SYP
sapwood blocks shall be used as additional controls to permit the correlation of test results among laboratories.
5.5 Subterranean Termites—Use a major common species of the region being studied.
5.5.1 Specific identification of any termites used shall be obtained and reported with the test data. Methods used for termite
identification, as well as source of termites/collection location, shall also be reported.
6. Determination of Sand Water-Holding Capacity Determining Amount of Water Based on Moisture Content
6.1 Determine the quantity of sterile distilled or deionized water to be added to the sand during the test as follows:based on genus
of termite used in testing. A moisture content between 8 % to 10 % and 15 % to 20 % shall be used for tests using Coptotermes
spp. and Reticulitermes spp., respectively (2).
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of this standard.
D3345 − 22
6.1.1 Place 100 g of oven-dry sand in a beaker and determine the volume of water required to saturate the sand. The saturation
point is defined as the point when the addition of more water will result in free water on the surface of the sand.Water shall be
added to oven dried sand in the following ratios:
6.1.1.1 Coptotermes spp., 100 g sand + 8 mL to 10 mL water.
6.1.1.2 Reticulitermes spp., 100 g sand + 15 mL to 20 mL water.
6.1.2 Calculate the percent saturation as follows:
% Saturation 5~weight of water/oven dry weight of sand!3100 (1)
6.1.3 Add water to the sand as follows:
% water to add 5 saturation 2 7.0 (2)
6.1.4 For example, the saturation point was reached at 20 mL of water:
Saturation 5 20/100 3100 5 20.0 % (3)
~ !
%Water to add 5 20.0 2 7.0 5 13.0 %
7. Collection of Termites
7.1 Subterranean Termites, for (for example, (Reticulitermes,Reticulitermes spp., Coptotermes,Coptotermes spp.)—Collect from
an active, large colony (over 50 000) in a natural forest situation, forsituation (for example, from fallen logs, stumps, and so forth,
stumps), or from strong laboratory cultures. It is vital to the execution of this assay that healthy termites are collected for use in
the laboratory tests. Non-aggressively feeding termite data can skew results and often lead to improper conclusions. Careful
attention shall be paid to untreated control data over the duration of each test and if mass loss due to feeding is not in an acceptable
range based on past studies (13, 24) the test shall be repeated with a fresh collection of termites.termites (see also 15.1.2). (Note:
Survival, wood consumption, and behavior can vary by termite colony. Therefore, depending on availability, tests may be run using
termites from multiple colonies.)
7.1.1 RemoveTransport short log sections sections of infested logs or cellulosic collection materials (for example, corrugated
cardboard traps) to the laboratory and split them. carefully break open. Shake the insects out onto a tray or trays. After
distributingtrays and distribute the debris and insects evenly on the tray(s), laytray(s). Lay damp paper towels, sheets of kraft paper,
and so forth, over the debris. The termites will cling to the damp paper after a few minutes.
7.1.2 Prepare an 88 L to 11-L (211 L (2-gal to 3-gal) pail by placing about ten unfolded, slightly crumpled, damp paper towels
in the bottom of the pail. Rinse these towels in distilled water and squeeze damp a number of times. times until damp. Cover these
towels with about ten unfolded, dry paper towels.
7.1.3 Shake the damp towels covering the tray debris into the above described pail. After 2 to 4 h, remove the dry towels and any
insects and debris on them from the pail and discard. Use Gently shake insects clinging to the lower, damp towels in the test.into
a clean tray. Using a small piece of paper (approximately 7.5 cm by 7.5 cm (3 in. by 3 in.)), gently slide the paper under the termites
and lift up, tilting the paper slightly so any remaining debris falls off. Healthy termites will cling to the paper. Collect termites for
testing into a clean tray by lightly tapping the hand holding the paper, which will cause the termites to fall off.
7.1.4 Add termites to test containers as soon as possible once separated from debris. Do not hold termites in the pail or tray longer
than 24 h 24 h before using. (Warning—Exercise reasonable care to ensure that any termites discarded (for example, 7.1.3) are
dead. Oven-drying debris and towels used at 100°C100 °C for 6 h is sufficient. When a test is finished, exercise reasonable care
to ensure that living insects are not discarded.)
8. Weathering of Test Blocks
8.1 If the test material is weathered prior to exposure to the insects, report the complete details on the weathering.termite exposure,
the weathering procedure shall follow that of Test Method D1413 or AWPA E10.
8.1.1 Complete details on the weathering procedure used shall be included in the final report and noted in the report title.
D3345 − 22
8.2 The ASTM weathering procedure for the soil-block test is recommended (see Test Method D1413).
9. Treatment and Conditioning of the Test Blocks
9.1 Treatment of test block
...