Evaluation of Aloe Species–Based Botanical Treatments and Application Methods for Controlling Termite Infestations Associated With Maize Crop in Northwest Ethiopia

Termites are among the most destructive soil‐dwelling pests in tropical and subtropical agroecosystems. Maize growers in the Northwestern region of Ethiopia face a critical threat from termite damage, which directly weakens regional food security and causes significant yield loss. Therefore, this study was intended to evaluate Aloe species–based botanical treatments for sustainable termite control and soil health improvement in Northwestern Ethiopia with the objective to close the gap by investigating the efficacy of Aloe vera L. in controlling termite pressure in maize crops in Northwestern Ethiopia. A two‐year field study (2023/2024 and 2024/2025) comprises 3 application methods of A. vera extract (solution, mulch, and powder) and 4 species of A. vera plants ( Aloe adigratana, Aloe barbadensis, Aloe berger , and Aloe laterita ) totally 12 treatments together with one control, summing up to 13 treatment combinations. They were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a factorial structure of 3 × 4 and three replications, and a hybrid variety of maize crop was used as a test crop. Analysis of variance showed that percentage of damaged plants per plot, termite population density (TPD), average damage severity per plot, and number of termite mounds per plot were significantly influenced by different treatments. A combined average mean of 93.98% of plant damage and high termite population was recorded from untreated control treatment; severe termite pressure was recorded. The most effective methods of application were mulch to suppress termite population as well as the number of mounds per plot. From A. vera , the plant species A. adigratana applied as a mulch shown as the superior treatment recorded the lowest TPD (2.0 m −2 ) and fewest termite mounds per plot (1.81%). Soil physiochemical properties like potential of hydrogen, organic carbon, available phosphorus, and cation exchange capacity were improved by the application of A. adigratana with a combination of mulch. Based on the current finding, A. adigratana in combination with mulch treatment offers smallholder farmers a cost‐effective, nontoxic‐to‐environment, and effective way to stabilize yield in terms of quantity and quality.