RETTORIA DI CASA PROFESSA - PALERMO LE TERMITI SUGLI ARREDI LIGNEI DELLA SACRESTIA

"Rettoria di Casa Professa" - Palermo. The Termites on Wooden Forniture of the Sacristy. Termites are among the most important agents of wood degradation. They can attack wooden structures (roofs ceiling) or works of art (choirs, altars,wardrobes) causing serious damage to the historical, artistic and ethno-anthropological heritage especially when there are favourable environmental conditions for their growth. High wood moisture is the most important factor that favours termite settlements, it is frequently due to water condensation which is related to the closely contact of the wood with materials (masonry, metal, plastic) having a different thermal coefficient. Observations were carried out during the restoration work which covered only the visible structures of the wardrobes in the sacristy of "Casa Professa" in Palermo. In palticular, it was decided to investigate the inner structures of the same furnishings to detect the presence of xylophagous insects or favourable condition for their development. The results of the survey showed that many places were seriously damaged by termites, attributable to the species Reticulitermes lucifugus Rossi (Isoptera,Rhinotermitidae). In same locations the infestation was recent but no termite in foraging activity was found probability because of restoration activities (removal of branches and platforms) which created temporary disturbance. It cannot be excluded that infestation resume, therefore, it is necessary to provide appropriate measures of sanitation, preservation and conservation.