Possibility of liquid smoke from plant waste as an anti-termite agent to protect traditional houses in Indonesia: a systematic review

Indonesia is a country with a rich diversity of traditional houses that represent various ethnic groups and cultures. However, these traditional houses are increasingly being abandoned due to deterioration and termite infestations. One potential method to preserve these cultural assets is by utilizing liquid smoke. This study aims to provide a valuable reference for protecting traditional houses in Indonesia from termite infestations. Liquid smoke is eco-friendly because it utilizes waste from plant species readily available in Indonesia. This systematic review follows the reporting guidelines for Synthesis Without Meta-Analysis (SWiM). The study identifies three termite families commonly found in residential areas of Indonesia: Kalotermitidae, Rhinotermitidae, and Termitidae. Most frequently reported species are Macrotermes gilvus and Coptotermes curvignathus. The liquid smoke can be produced from 13 plant species from eight families distributed across Indonesia, effectively controlling termite populations. These plant families include Apocynaceae, Arecaceae, Dipterocarpaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Lauraceae, Meliaceae, and Poaceae. Utilizing waste from these plants to produce liquid smoke offers an environmentally friendly alternative for termite control. The application of liquid smoke can play a crucial role in protecting traditional houses in Indonesia from termite infestations, thereby ensuring that these cultural symbols of ethnic identity and heritage are preserved.