Emilio Aguinaldo College -Manila

1113-1117 San Marcelino St.

Ermita, Manila

Effectiveness of Calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa) Peels and

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) Extract as an Alternative
Bed Bug (Cimicidae) Repellent

Buenviaje, Denise Magnaye

Anrico, A-Cee

Fernandez, Leah Mae

Molinos, Sinead Margaret

Reyes, Mikko

Suarez, Niño Denzel

12 STEM 1

School Year 2020-2021

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I. Introduction
A. Background of the Study
B. Statement of the Problem
C. Scope and Delimitation of the Study
D. Significance of the Study
E. Review of Related Literature and Related Studies
F. Conceptual Framework
G. Hypothesis of the Study
H. Definition of Terms

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Introduction

Citrus fruits contain ingredients that are widely used in pesticides or insect repellents.. The

rind of citrus fruits contain limonene and the primary constituent of citrus oils is limonene, which

is derived from the peels of the fruits. Limonene is an insect repellent that is present in the peels

of citrus fruits. Pests despise limonene and will avoid places where they have been applied.

(Mulwane, 2018). Calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa) is a citrus fruit indigenous to the

Philippines with a high content of essential oils that is widely used. Calamansi waste like

calamansi peels is underutilized and, if not properly processed, can cause environmental

problems. Therefore, the researchers have conducted this study in order to make use of calamansi

and its known pesticidal properties. A previous study’s gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

qualitative analysis results revealed that d-limonene is the major constituent of calamansi oils

extracted comprising at least 92.67% of the total oil. (Bugayong et. Al, 2018).

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) essential oil is a primary source of menthol. Other active

substances found in peppermint and its essential oil include menthone and pulegone. As a

pesticide, the primary active ingredient, menthol, has biocidal properties and is effective at

controlling mites, mosquito larvae, and various other pests. When used on bed bugs, peppermint

extract can kill and repel the said insects. Its strong scent because of its high menthol content

effectively repels bed bugs and when applied directly, a burning sensation on human skin is

equivalent to a painful death on bed bugs and so, it has been proven that peppermint oil can be

used as a contact insecticide to kill bed bugs. (Donahue et al., 2015)

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1.1. Background of the Study

Bed bugs are small, flat, oval insects that feed on the blood of people and animals while

they are asleep. They do not possess wings which means that they are unable to fly, and range

from 1 to 7 millimeters in length. Their color is reddish-brown and they can live for several

months without the need to consume a blood meal. The optimal temperature for bed bugs is

between 21C to 27C , allowing them to develop into adults faster and produce up to three

generations per year. The two species of bed bugs that are most common in human infestations

are Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus. (CDC, 2017).

According to TopBest Pest Service Incorporated (2013) which is a pest-control company

established in the Philippines, many countries including the Philippines are still experiencing an

alarming resurgence in the population of bed bugs despite the fact that their populations

dramatically dropped during the mid-20th century. They have said that it is hard to pinpoint the

exact cause but experts suspect that their resurgence is due to the lack of knowledge regarding

proper pest control of bed bugs. In fact, public health agencies all over the world have been

overwhelmed by complaints about this particular insect in recent years. Compared to other pests,

bed bugs present various challenges because they affect the way people live—more specifically

in terms of sleep. 

It is crucial to conduct this study in order to generate a non-toxic and organic solution to

bed bugs since these pests can have a variety of negative effects on the mental health and

physical health of the individuals affected by them. According to EPA or Environmental

Protection Agency (2018), there are a lot of people that have a mild to severe allergic reaction to

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bed bug bites, with effects that range from no reaction to a small bite mark to (in some cases)

anaphylaxis or severe whole-body reaction. They can also affect the mental health of people

living in infested homes in the forms of systemic reactions, anxiety, and insomnia (due to the

lack of sleep). Limonene is produced from citrus extracted from oranges and other citrus fruit

peels. Calamansi fruits, also known as Calamondin, is a fruit tree native to the Philippines. In

2019, the volume of calamansi produced in the Philippines was approximately 126 thousand

metric tons and so many households have calamansi as one of their staple food items and

calamansi peels are usually regarded as waste (Statista, 2019). However, the d-Limonene

component of the calamansi peel extract is a good organic alternative when creating an

insecticide since it destroys the wax coating of the insect's respiratory system and when applied

directly, the insect suffocates (Juwan et. Al, 2013). One of the solvents employed in pesticide

concentrates is xylene, an aromatic hydrocarbon widely used in paints, lacquers, or glues

however this component is toxic for household pets and even humans since breathing xylene

vapors in small amounts can cause headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and even nausea. Hence, a

known non-toxic substitute for xylene is d-limonene which is the major constituent of citrus peel

oils such as calamansi. (Laynesa et. Al, 2019) Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is a special type of

essential oil widely used by us humans for various purposes. The essential oil of peppermint is

the primary source of menthol. Other active substances found in peppermint and its essential oil

include menthone and pulegone. As a pesticide, the primary active ingredient, menthol, has

biocidal properties and is effective at controlling mites, mosquito larvae, and various other pests.

When used on bed bugs, peppermint extract can kill and repel the said insects. Its strong scent

because of its high menthol content effectively repels bed bugs and when applied directly, a

burning sensation on human skin is equivalent to a painful death on bed bugs and so, it has been

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proven that peppermint oil can be used as a contact insecticide to kill bed bugs. (Donahue et al.,

2015)

1.2. Statement of the Problem

This study aims to prove the effectiveness of calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa)

peels and peppermint (Mentha x piperita) extract as a natural repellent for bed bugs (Cimicidae).

More specifically it aims to answer the following questions:

1. What is the effectiveness of calamansi peels and peppermint extract as an alternative bed

bugs repellent in terms of the following:

a. Mortality Rate

b. Time of Death

2. Which is the most effective amount of the alternative bed bugs repellent in terms of the

following:

a. 1 drop

b. 2 drops

c. 3 drops

d. 4 drops

e. 5 drops

3. Is there a significant difference between the amounts of alternative bed bugs repellent in

terms of the following:

a. Mortality Rate

b. Time

4. Are calamansi peels and peppermint extract effective in eliminating bed bugs?

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1.3. Scope and Delimitation

The study focuses on determining the effectiveness of Calamansi (Citrofortunella

microcarpa) peels and Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) extract as an alternative bed bug

(Cimicdae) repellent in Manila, Philippines. The aspects looked into how the Cimicidae will

react to the mixture of repellant, and how long it will take them to repel and die depending on the

numbers of drops.

It delimits that the study will only be conducted on the generalized Cimicidae family of

insects which are also known as bed bugs. Since only experts can classify the types of bed bugs,

the researchers will conduct the study on the present Cimicidae family specimen however that

does not mean that the whole Cimicidae family will be used as test subjects.

1.4. Significance of the Study

The study focused on determining the efficacy rate of the calamansi (Citrofortunella

microcarpa) peels and peppermint (Mentha x piperita) extract as an alternative repellent for bed

bugs (Cimicidae). Moreover, the results of the study will be beneficial to the following:

Households. The result of the study will help them to create a natural repellent to get rid of bed

bugs more easily. Households will benefit from the results of the study and that is due to the fact

that if the alternative repellent made from calamansi peels and peppermint is proven to be true, it

would make a great alternative to store-bought bed bug repellents that typically contain toxic

chemicals that can harm pets at home as well as humans.

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Bed Bug Exterminator. The result of the study will help them to acknowledge that there are

alternative ways to exterminate bed bugs without using chemicals. Bed Bug Exterminators

typically use Pyrethrins and pyrethroids which are known as the most common compounds used

to control bed bugs and other indoor pests (EPA,2017). Ingestion (accidental or suicidal

ingestion or in food), inhalation, and/or skin contact are all ways for pyrethrins and pyrethroids

to enter the body. Despite the fact that these pesticides pose a low risk to mammals due to their

rapid metabolism and lack of substantial accumulation, they can cause adverse health effects,

most often in the form of acute toxicity, but also in the form of chronic exposure.(Macan et. Al,

2006). If our product is proven to be effective, it would become a great alternative that bed bug

exterminators can consider since it’s natural and not harmful compared to pyrethrins and

pyrethroids.

Future Researchers. The findings of the study will serve as a reference material and a guide for

future researchers who wish to conduct the same experimental study or any study related to bed

bug repellent. The future researchers may use this study as a basis in order to conduct a similar

study with different ingredients or perhaps different pest test subjects.

1.5. Review of Related Literature and Related Studies

1.5.1. Calamansi Peels

Local Literature

According to an article titled “Health Benefits of Calamansi” published (2019) by Henrylito

D. Tacio, calamansi has been designated as “one of the most important fruit crops grown in the

Philippines” by the Department of Agriculture (DA). It ranks fourth in terms of area and

production after banana, mango, and pineapple. Calamansi is indigenous to the Philippines and

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the tree grows to about 25 feet tall at maturity. Calamansi is also known to have many uses from

medicinal up to household use due to its pesticidal properties and antibacterial properties.

According to an article titled “GOODBYE MOSQUITOES WITH CALAMANSI” published

(2015) by Anne V., calamansi also known as Philippines’ very own lemon is quite effective as a

citrus mosquito repellent. The author suggested adding calamansi extract to the water and baking

soda mix and to use it for everyday moping and even wiping dust off the surfaces around the

house. The author also commented on how it worked like a charm and how there were visibly no

mosquitoes around the house after adding calamansi juice to the mops and cloths for cleaning.

Foreign Literature

According to an article titled “Citrus Fruit: A New Natural Alternative to Fighting

Mosquitoes” published (2020) by Kristiana Kripena, mosquitoes are one of today's most lethal

predators, spreading diseases that kill millions of people each year and it’s natural to want to

fight them. Due to the blood of humans and animals, they tend to attract these pests. Nectar is

consumed by both male and female mosquitoes. Females, on the other hand, typically require the

protein found in blood to lay their eggs. Female mosquitoes can live for a few days up to six

months. Citrus is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs in the Rutaceae family. Orange, lemon,

lime, grapefruit, tangelo, pomelo, calamansi, and other fruits belong to this genus. Several

studies have shown that citrus essential oils are effective mosquito repellents. Citrus essential

oils are also effective against adult mosquitoes and larvae, according to studies. Citrus peels

contain organic chemicals that have the ability to kill mosquito larvae. In addition, studies have

shown that some citrus scents repel adult mosquitoes. Unfortunately, you must extract the

essential oils from the peels for this to be effective.

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According to an article titled “Citrus fruit peel: Potential alternative to mosquito control

discovered” published (2017) published by Taylor & Francis Group, according to a new study

published in Natural Product Research, natural essential oils extracted from the peel of a citrus

fruit could be an effective new eco-friendly alternative in mosquito control programs. The

essential oils that were extracted in large quantities from the peel of an orange-like fruit that is

available in many countries around the world has been proven effective. Because of the ease of

access and production of the oils, it has the potential to be used in areas where there is little or no

access to an alternative. It was discovered that the essential oils were highly effective in

mosquitocidal activity on the larvae, leading researchers to conclude that it could be used as an

eco-friendly alternative in mosquito control programs.

Local Studies

According to a research done (2020) by LJ Acabal, Adrienne Caugma, Erickson del

Mundo and Alliya Gerolaga, their study’s results showed that an increase in concentration of C.

microcarpa peel extract leads to higher percent mortality of N. lugens. Calamansi peel extract at

8.37% can control LC50 and LC90 at 54.57% concentration. To sum it all up, calamansi peel

extract is a potential pesticide against brown planthopper and is suggested to be utilized as an

organic plant-based pesticide. Brown Planthopper or BPH (Nilaparvata lugens stål) is known as

one of Asia’s significant rice pests that sucks plant sap and lays eggs in the tissues of plants

(Cabauatan et al., 2009). The damage of this insect in Samar alone was estimated at 4,000 ha of

rice plants and cost about PhP18.75 million (Fernandez, 2017). Calamansi (Citrofortunella

microcarpa) is a citrus belonging to the family Ructaceae (Yee, 2014). Calamansi is known to

contain the compound D-Limonene, which is proven to have pesticidal activities (Yee, 2014).

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Calamansi is also known to contain flavonoids and alkanoids, which were found to have

insecticidal effects (Hollingsworth, 2005) and was found to be an effective larvicide against

Aedes aegypti (Linn.)

According to a study conducted (2020) by Ma.. Anna E. Carigaba, Alicia G. Garbo, Mary

Angeli J. Leonida, Caryl Jane C. Masculino, and Catherine Joy A. Mediodia, Calamansi is a

citrus-related plant that is common, native, and widely cultivated in the Philippines. Frequently,

only the fruit itself is used, and the rest, including the peels, is discarded. Calamansi peels were

chosen for this study in order to get the most out of the plant. To assess the efficacy of the

essential oil at 8 ppm, 9 ppm, 10 ppm, and 11 ppm, a larvicidal assay was performed against the

test species. Probit Analysis was used to interpret data on larval mortality after 24 hours of

exposure. Calamansi peel EO in 95 percent ethanol had a high larvicidal capacity, with an

average LC50 of 8.89 ppm and LC90 of 10.57 ppm, according to the results of the bioassay. This

means that calamansi peel essential oil is effective against third and early fourth instar Aedes

aegypti mosquito larvae at low concentrations.

According to a research done (2015) by Crissa B. Buensuceso, Abigail D. Castillo, Valen

Jane M. Liggayu and Joshua A. Purgarillas which were done on cockroaches which are known to

carry a variety of bacteria that can be harmful to human health. Cockroach allergens tend to

exacerbate asthma symptoms more than dust mite or pet allergens, according to the findings of a

national study on factors that affect asthma in inner-city children. (Journal of American Colleges

and Universities, 2005). Calamansi, a well-known plant native to the Philippines and abundant in

Isabela, is recognized as a good source of vitamins and minerals, as well as having a number of

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medicinal and insect-killing properties. Calamansi, in reality, contains Limonenes, a cyclic

terpene that has been shown to repel and destroy arachnids as well as insects.

According to a study conducted (2015) by Laniza Rica G. Despi, Rustom R. Eleria,

Michelle N. Suma-Oy, and Dr. Gina Fe G. Israel, their study’s statistical analysis showed that the

Calamansi or Citrus microcarpa extract has the fastest efficacy rate as mosquito larvicide after

one hour of observation. The result of their study confirmed the research conducted by Bustillo,

et. al (2012), which revealed the preliminary report of the Philippine Citrus microcarpa as

mosquito larvicide. In his analysis, it showed that 90% to 100% of mortality can be attained at

15% of solution concentration. Thus, the plant extract may be considered as a possible larvicide

substitute to other commercial larvicide against mosquito larvae if other biological means are not

available.

Foreign Studies

According to a study done (2005) by Robert Hollingsworth, the limonene from the citrus

extract can penetrate the waxy coating of such mealybugs and kill them. Calamansi has

flavonoids and alkanoids, which were found to have pesticidal effects (Hollingsworth, 2005). It

was also found to be an effective larvicide against Aedes aegypti (Linn.). The mortality of BPH

when exposed to the varying concentrations of calamansi may be attributed to the D-Limonene

present in calamansi, which is proven to have insecticidal activities (Yee, 2014). The presence of

phytochemicals such as flavonoids and alkaloids in calamansi, which was found to have

pesticidal effects (Hollingsworth, 2005) may have caused the mortality of brown planthoppers.

According to a study done (2013) by Hsin-Chun Chen, Hsiu-Mei Chiang, Yu-Chang

Chen, Li-Wen Peng, Li-Yun Lin, Ming-Jen Sheu, Chun-Ta Wu and Chin-Sheng Wu the volatile

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components of the calamansi essential oils which were identified by direct injection coupled with

gas chromatography–flame ionization detector included limonene which is a known biocidal

component for pesticides. A total of 54 compounds were identified, including 13 monoterpenes,

7 monoterpene alcohols, 1 monoterpene oxide, 4 monoterpene aldehydes, 2 monoterpene

ketones, 4 monoterpene esters, 12 sesquiterpenes, 3 aliphatic alcohols, 6 aliphatic aldehydes, and

2 aliphatic esters, with limonene and β-myrcene as the major compounds. The results showed

that hot water treatment increased the yields of essential oils from both peel and whole fruit.

1.5.2. Peppermint Extract (Mentha x piperita)

Local Literature

According to an article published (2018) by The Asian Heart Philippines, cockroaches

hate the smell of peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils because it disrupts and

masks the scent trails which cockroaches use to hunt for their food.Cockroaches die when they

are exposed to higher concentrations of essential oils, particularly peppermint oil.

According to an article published (2018) by Bicol Consortium for Health Research and

Development, many extracts and compounds from medicinal plants have “antiviral properties”

which may not only alleviate dengue but present a less toxic and inexpensive cure for it. Two

more methanol extracts obtained from two plants – the Andrographis paniculata and Momordica

charantia or bitter melon (ampalaya in the Tagalog language) – were discovered to fend off the

dengue virus infection.

Foreign Literature

According to a publication published (2017) by Science Reports, methyl benzoate (MB),

an organic compound that can be found in many plants such in peppermint, may possess toxicity

against various stages of a variety of insect pests, including the brown marmorated stink bug,

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Halyomorpha halys, diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, and tobacco hornworm, Manduca

sexta, as well as the spotted wing drosophila. This publication also concluded that methyl

benzoate (MB) is a great alternative as an organic pesticide because it is considered

environment-friendly, thus, it will cause no harm to human health and to our natural

environment.

According to an article titled as Peppermint & Peppermint Profile published (2018) by

eCommons, peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a culinary and medicinal herb that is widely

cultivated and used in various cuisines. Its essential oil is the primary source of menthol. Other

active substances found in peppermint and its essential oil include menthone and pulegone. As a

pesticide, the primary active ingredient, menthol, has biocidal properties and is effective at

controlling mites, mosquito larvae, and various other pests. It also has repellent properties to

insects, dogs, and cats. Peppermint oil is an effective antimicrobial. Because of its history as a

flavoring agent, peppermint and peppermint are considered safe when used properly.

According to an article published (2011) by Malaria Journal, many commercial repellents

contain a number of plant essential oils either for fragrance or as repellents including

peppermint, lemongrass, geraniol, pine oil, pennyroyal, cedar oil, thyme oil and patchouli. The

most effective of these include thyme oil, geraniol, peppermint oil, cedar oil, patchouli and clove

that have been found to repel malaria, filarial and yellow fever vectors for a period of 60-180

mins

Local Studies

According to a study done (n.d.) by Luz O. Belardo, the predominant component of oil of

peppermint is menthol; oil of turpentine, pinene; oil of anise, anethole. Menthol Acetate is the

present compound in peppermint. For pesticides, the primary active ingredient, menthol, has

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biocidal properties and is effective at controlling mites, mosquito larvae, and various other pests.

It also has repellent properties to insects, dogs, and cats.

According to a study conducted (2014) by Jasper John A. Obico and Elena M. Ragragio,

the Ayta utilized mainly a combination of the dried stem and leaf of the plant, which is burned

to elicit its repellent activity against hematophagous insects. The study lists 54 species of plants

used by the Ayta people of Porac, Pampanga with insect-repellent property including mentha

piperita.

Foreign Studies

According to a study published (2014) by American-Eurasian Journal of Scientific

Research, mentha piperita plant extracts have both repellent and insecticidal activity against

cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae). This study tested the repellent and insecticidal activity of

solvent extract of peppermint against cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae) by using topical

application method.

According to a conducted study published (2011) by Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical

Medicine, the peppermint essential oil is proved to be efficient larvicide and repellent against

dengue vector. The larvicidal potential of peppermint oil was evaluated against early fourth

instar larvae of Ae. aegypti using WHO protocol.

According to a study conducted (2020) by Xue Pang, Yi-Xi Feng, et.al., the essential oil

of M. piperita leaves and two tested components have potential to be developed as natural

insecticides and repellents for the control of stored product insect pests. The researchers looked

into the repellent activity of Mentha piperita and its toxicity against stored product insects and

they evaluated these by fumigation, contact, and repellent activity bioassay.

1.5.3. Bed Bugs (Cimicidae)

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Local Literature

According to an article published (2013) by TopBest Pest Inc., many countries including

the Philippines are still experiencing an alarming resurgence in the population of bed bugs

despite the fact that their populations dramatically dropped during the mid-20th century. They

have said that it is hard to pinpoint the exact cause but experts suspect that their resurgence is

due to the lack of knowledge regarding proper pest control of bed bugs. In fact, public health

agencies all over the world have been overwhelmed by complaints about this particular insect in

recent years. Compared to other pests, bed bugs present various challenges because they affect

the way people live—more specifically in terms of sleep.

According to an article titled “Bed Bugs” published (2021) by Rentokill, Cimex

lectularius and Cimex hemipterus are the most common bed bug species in the Philippines that

bite humans. While bed bug infestations are more common in public places where people lounge,

sleep, or sit, such as hotels and movie theaters, they are not uncommon in private residences.

This is because bed bugs can be transported home in luggage, clothes, and bags, and taking even

one single surviving female bed bug home can be catastrophic. Bed bug infestations are easy to

spread and difficult to treat, particularly when a Cimex lectularius infestation grows to epidemic

proportions, as they thrive in any climate. Early detection and treatment by a professional pest

controller are important for bed bug eradication.

Foreign Literature

According to an article published (2012) by Katelyn Williams and Dr. Monte S. Willis

M.D. Ph.D. titled “Bedbugs in the 21st Century: The Reemergence of an Old Foe”, Cimicidae

insects, more commonly known as bedbugs, are small parasitic insects that feed solely on the

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blood of vertebrates. Not only in the scientific literature, but also in the news media, attention to

these parasites had largely vanished until the last decade. Cimex lectularius and Cimex

hemipterus are the two most common bed bug species that affect humans. Both sexes of bed

bugs are blood sucking and can go for up to a year without eating. Cimex lectularius prefers

temperate climates, including areas of the United States, while Cimex hemipterus prefers tropical

climates.

According to an article published (2012) by Edward M. DeSimone II RPh, PhD, FAPhA

and Mallory C. McKenzie RPh, PharmD titled “The Rise in Bed Bugs: Prevention, Management,

and Treatment”. For thousands of years, bed bugs have been a reported human pest. They are

small, wingless insects with a flat body that are great for hiding in headboards, mattresses, and

box springs. They just eat the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals. Human bites

can cause a variety of cutaneous and systemic reactions, which are usually treated

symptomatically. Bed bugs have mouthparts that are designed for feeding on blood. During

feeding, the bed bug injects saliva, which includes an anesthetic and an anticoagulant, which can

make the bite go unnoticed by the host. Some people, however, do feel a painful bite. Saliva also

contains proteins that can cause the host to respond in a variety of ways.

According to an article written (2018) by Romain Garrouste titled “Everything you never

wanted to know about bed bugs, and more”, Cimex lectularius, the bed bug, is a small insect that

measures about 6mm in length (about a quarter inch). It only consumes human blood and has

extraordinary sensory abilities, allowing it to detect prey even in total darkness. The adults need

blood meals to lay eggs, and the larvae need blood meals to complete their development. Itching

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and allergies are caused by the insect's bite and saliva, as well as social phobias and even

extreme fears.

Foreign Studies

According to a study (2015) done by Richard Cooper, Narinderpal Singh & Changlu

Wang, the released bed bug test subjects in the experiment exposed significant movement within

and between apartments over the course of 32 days. Marked bed bugs were released in six

original units and then recaptured periodically. Observing the population changes in the original

apartments and 24 neighboring units, researchers found bed bugs in five of six apartments

adjacent to the original location. This means that in approximately a months’ time, bed bugs

made major moves.

According to a study (2011) done by Michael F. Potter, bed bugs started leeching on bats

and then turned to humans. Life for host and parasite became easier with the formation of

villages and cities, making it simpler for infestations to become established. Bed bugs have been

unearthed from archeological sites dating back more than 3,500 years, when they were

considered both pest and potion (Panagiotakopulu and Buckland 1999). Bed bugs also became a

sure to many deases until the 20th century in Europe and North America. As civilization and

commerce expanded, bed bugs spread throughout Europe and Asia, reaching Italy by 77 C.E.,

China by 600 C.E., and Germany and France, respectively, in the 11th and 13th centuries

(Kemper 1936, Usinger 1966). In ancient Rome, bed bugs were called Cimex (meaning “bug”),

while the species designation lectularius referred to a bed or couch. The early Greek term for bed

bug was coris, meaning “to bite”. Tiffin and Son of London, who formed a business in 1690 to

exterminate bed bugs for the nobility.

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According to a study done (2015) by Mohammad Akhoundi, Jean-Michel Berenger,

Arnaud Cannet, Gregory Michel, Pierre Marty, and Pascal Delaunay, their study conducted a

comparative literature review in demonstrating preferred bedbug colony conditions. They did a

test in temperature where bed bugs can survive and the results are relative humidity (46–75%)

with an average of 25 °C that they have found in those colonies.

According to a research conducted (2019) by Zerlinda Febriana, Nanda Ayu Lestari, Tri

Wahyu Ningsih, Sri Mursiti, and Yuan Maylia Rosanti, bedbugs are ectoparasites that feed on

human blood. Itching, redness bumps, secondary infections, and anemia are all side effects of

bedbug bites in infants. Bedbugs have been regulated with toxic chemical pesticides in the past,

but their reappearance means that these pesticides are no longer successful, and this has become

a serious issue. As a result, a safer controller is needed for human health. The results revealed

that the essential oil of orange peel contained the main compounds as d-Limonene (90.018%),

1,6-Octadien-3-ol, 3,7-dimethyl- (3,017%), β-Myrcene (2.071%), Octanal (0.349%), 1-Octanol

(0.589%), 1R-α-Pinene (0.688%), 6-Octen-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl- (0.667%), 3-Cyclohexene-1-

methanol, α, α, 4-trimethyl-, (S) - (1.453%), and Bicyclo [3.1.1] heptane, 6.6-dimethyl-2-

methylene-, (1S) - (1.147%). The Bioassay Y test shows that d-Limonene was both repellent and

fumigant, d-Limonene nanoparticles had uneven and irregular surface morphology, and in the

flea activity test showed more than 50% bedbugs death. These research concluded that d-

Limonene compounds from sweet orange peel had activity to control the bedbugs.

According to a study (2007) conducted by Klaus Reinhardt and Michael T. Siva-Jothy,

the Cimicids or what we know as Bed Bugs belong to the highly specialized hematophagous

(“blood sucking”) taxon and that it leeches mostly on humans, birds, and bats. The study aims to

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identify issues relevant to pest control, such as dispersal ecology and the recent global spread,

and to understand the selective forces that have shaped the unique aspects of this insect's biology.

1.6. Conceptual Framework (INPUT-PROCESS-OUTPUT)

Input Process Output

1. Effectiveness of 1. Preparation of Bed bug repellent
calamansi peels and Materials made from
peppermint extract as 2. Extraction of Materials calamansi peels and
an alternative bed 3. Mixing of Materials peppermint
bugs repellent in terms 4. Testing of Product
of: 5. Analysis of Results
a. Mortality Rate
b. Time of Death
2. Effective amount of
the alternative bed
bugs repellent in terms
of:
a. 1 drop
b. 2 drops
c. 3 drops
d. 4 drops
e. 5 drops
3. Significant
difference between the
amounts of alternative
bed bugs repellent in
terms of:
a. Mortality Rate
b. Time
4. Effectiveness of
calamansi peels and
peppermint extract in
eliminating bed bugs

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The paradigm above presents the input, process and output of the researchers’ topic titled,

“Effectiveness of Calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa) Peels and Peppermint (Mentha ×

piperita) Extract as an Alternative Bed Bug (Cimicidae) Repellent”. Under the input are the

factors considered in order to prove the effectiveness of calamansi peels and peppermint extract

as an alternative bed bugs repellent which are mortality rate and time of death. Under that are the

different number of drops that will be tested on the bed bugs. Next is the comparison between the

amounts of alternative bed bugs repellent in terms of mortality rate and time.

In the process, the first step is the preparation of the materials like the calamansi peels,

the peppermint extract, and the test subjects which are the bed bugs. The second step is the

extraction of materials more specifically the limonene component from the calamansi peels. Next

is the mixing of materials more specifically, the extracted calamansi peels and the peppermint

extract in a 60:40 ratio. After that, the next step would be the testing of product on the bed bugs

with different number of drops administered but same number of test subjects. The last step

would be the analysis of the results and the analysis of the product’s effectivity based on the

mortality rate and time of death.

For the output, it would be the finished product of alternative bed bugs repellent made

from calamansi peels and peppermint extract. This bed bugs repellent will be contained inside a

dropper bottle in order for it to be easy to use for direct contact application on Cimicidae or bed

bugs.

1.7. Hypothesis (null and alternative)

Null Hypothesis

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H0 There is no significant difference between the amounts of alternative bed bugs repellent in

terms of mortality rate and time.

Alternative Hypothesis

HaThere is a significant difference between the amounts of alternative bed bugs repellent in

terms of mortality rate and time.

1.8. Definition of Terms (operational)

Anaphylaxis - anaphylaxis is one of the possible effects of bed bug bites, it is a series of

symptoms, including a rash, low pulse, and shock, which is known as anaphylactic shock.

Bed Bugs - they are the experimental animals in this study, they are small, oval, brownish

insects that live on the blood of animals or humans. Bedbugs are active mainly at night and

usually bite people while they are sleeping. They feed by piercing the skin and withdrawing

blood through an elongated beak.

Biocidal Properties - biocidal properties are the present active substances in an organism that is

intended to destroy, deter, render harmless, prevent the action of, or otherwise exert a controlling

effect on harmful or undesired organisms.

Calamansi - one of the variables that the researchers would use in the making of the organic

insect repellent, it is a fruit about half the size of a lime and almost perfectly round, though they

ripen to orange, they're usually picked while they're still green and the flesh within is a bright

and deep yellow-orange.

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Limonene - a chemical found in the rind of citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, and oranges. It’s

often referred to as d-limonene, which is its main chemical form. Limonene destroys the wax

coating of the insect's respiratory system. When applied directly, the insect suffocates.

Menthol - an organic compound made synthetically or obtained from peppermint or mint oils

with flavoring and local anesthetic properties.

Menthone - a constituent of many essential oils, though as a minor compound.

Organic Pesticide - pesticides made from naturally occurring substances or self-made mixtures

made from organic soaps and/or ethanol.

Peppermint - one of the variables that the researchers would use in the making of the organic

insect repellent. Peppermint is an aromatic plant, created from the blending of watermint and

spearmint.

Pesticide - any substance used to kill, repel, or control certain forms of plant or animal life that

are considered to be pests.

Pulegone - a naturally occurring organic compound obtained from the essential oils of a variety

of plants such as Nepeta cataria (catnip), Mentha piperita, and pennyroyal.

Xylene - one of the solvents employed in pesticide concentrates, an aromatic hydrocarbon

widely used in paints, lacquers, or glues.

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