Abstract

P. G. Kareru*, J. M. Keriko, G. M. Kenji and A. N. Gachanja

Thevetia peruviana (Pers.) K. Schum. seed oil was used to make a surface coating with antifungal, antibacterial and anti-termite properties. The paint exhibited inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans in a concentration dependent manner. The antibacterial activities were statistically significant (p = 0.05). The repellent action of paint against subterranean termites (Microtermes spp.) was significant (p = 0.03). From these results, it was concluded that the Thevetia peruviana-based oil paint was selfpreserving against microbes and substantially protected wood from subterranean termite attack.