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CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Rationale

Pests are animals that cause problems to humans and crops. They carry disease

and death in their wake. They have long since preyed upon humans since the stone Age.

Truly, small but terrible creatures. You have surely heard of one of the hardiest insects on

the planet. They can remain active for a month without food and are able to survive with

limited resources. They can survive for 45 minutes without air. Even after decapitation,

their body would still continue to function. A headless roaming zombie to be precise.

These creatures have the ability to withstand radiation better than human beings. They are

cockroaches. Furthermore, their hardiness is really shocking. Just imagine how hard it

would be to exterminate this insect.

It is believed that the cockroach may be a reservoir for a range of bacteria

including salmonella, staphylococcus, and streptococcus. The cockroach can also harbor

viruses such as the polio virus. All the more reason to be wary if you ever see one

crawling around your house. The debris created by cast-off cockroach skins, dead bodies,

and droppings can aggravate allergies, especially in children and sensitive individuals.

Asthma could also be triggered. One cockroach can make all the difference.

The researchers aimed to make an affordable substitute for commercial insect

spray which is feasible at the same time, so that they may be able to protect themselves

from these pesky organisms. 4500 years ago, there were no chemicals, so people made

use of plants and minerals to create their insecticide (Unsworth, 2010). Some plants
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produce a distinctive chemical or odor that can drive away insects (Yvonie, 2009). Using

chili as the main ingredient to produce the bug spray. Chili contains a chemical which is

called capsaicin that is responsible for the burning sensation you feel when it enters your

mouth. Alcohol dries out the body of insects, giving way to their death (Lentz, 2009).

Taking advantage of alcohol as another ingredient to boost the spray’s effectiveness,

since alcohol prevents oxygen to enter an insect’s body suffocating them. Dishwashing

soap can be used as an alternative insecticide (Day, 2012). Utilizing these ingredients can

lead to an efficient roach spray.

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Statement of the Problem

The research aims to find out if an insecticide is made out of materials found at home.

Specifically, this study aims to answer the following problems:

1. Can it harm cockroaches?

2. Will it be a good substitute for commercial roach spray?

3. Can it be made at home?

4. Is it safe to use?

5. Will it have any effects on humans? In what way?

6. Will it be more affordable than commercial roach spray?

7. Will it take long to prepare?

8. What kills the cockroach in the product?

9. What are the variables to be considered?

10. How are the experiments conducted?

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Significance of the Study

The findings of the study will benefit the following:

Community will benefit from the study, since they can utilize the product and use

it to kill unwanted cockroaches. It is affordable for the masses at the same time and it can

be made at home. It’s also effective on weakening the roaches making it easier for the

community to eliminate them especially for those who fear these insects.

Future Researchers will find the study beneficial, since they can use this study as

reference for future research. They could improvise this study even better, and claim it as

their own benefit from it.

Households can benefit from the study since they can apply this at home to help

them shall they need it.

Researchers will find the study beneficial since they will know a new substitute

from commercial insecticides and the processes on making it. They will learn the

components of chili, dish soap and alcohol. They will benefit from the study since the

results of the study are clear innovations which have more room for improvement.

Students can benefit, since they can use the study as a source of knowledge. They

can get lessons, to be used for upcoming academic challenges that they may face. They

can also use this as a guide to further the study should they choose to do so.
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Scope and Limitations

This research started on December 12, 2016. The project will be conducted by the

Grade 10 – St. Hyacinth, 2nd research team. The general intent of this study is to make a

roach spray made out of materials found at home.

The study will mainly identify and assess different factors that will affect the

community in a better way. Also, the researchers yearn to identify and develop more

easy and friendly product that would gain great benefit.

The research achieves on being useful and cheaper to use since the ingredients

can be found at home. By having this research, we discover that it aims to help the

community to prevent spreading of insects in our surroundings. Wearing of protective

equipment is advised when using the roach spray. The study deliberates many variables,

and set ups. It also subsumes the no. of sprays, distance to rate and duration before death.

The space when conducting experiments was controlled, a container was used to limit the

movement of the specimen. The product is not suitable for exterminating insect nests.

Some of the ingredients are organic, the product may expire.

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Conceptual Framework

ROACH SPRAY

Related Literature Related Studies

Insecticides were created to kill, A lot of people researched and made

harm or mitigate species of insects. It experiments about insecticide. Such as
works in different ways and may Yvonie, Fushiknights, Day and Brooklyn
contain different components. Such Botanic Garden that used different
as chili which contains Capsaicin, strategies to form a new and well
dish soap which contains salts and improved insecticide, aiming to kill or
fatty acid and alcohol which is harm insects that comes on their way.
volatile and has an extremely bitter
taste.

From the information gathered, we have understood that Insecticides are

created for the purpose of killing, harming and mitigating species of
insects. It works in different ways and may contain different
components. We have also understood that many people have conducted
research and experiments pertaining to the subject matter of creating
alternative methods of insecticides.

Conclusion

We have used the data gathered to further improve our study by

applying what we have learned and to achieve the objectives of the
study. With the help of it, We are able to come up with the product
named as “The Roach Spray”, with the use of a specific amount of
water, dish soap and chili. That aims to kill the cockroaches.
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Definition of Terms

Insecticide- A product that is used to get rid of pests such as ants, flies, and other insects.

Mortar and Pestle- A tool used to crush herbs and ingredients such as chili.

Pests- Animals or insects that carry disease and viruses may cause problems to people.

Extract- Substance obtained from certain ingredients by crushing such as our chili

extract.

Homemade- A product that was created at home.

Salmonella- A bacteria that can make people sick.

Staphylococcus- A bacteria that can cause several diseases such as skin infection, etc.

Streptococcus- Another bacteria that can cause several diseases.

Cockraoch- A very tough insect that spreads disease.

Denatured Alcohol- Alcohol that is deadly when swallowed.

Ethyl Alcohol- An antiseptic that kills germs

Chili- A common ingredient found at home, known for its spiciness.

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CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Related Literature

Man, has searched and searched of ways to rid of pesky pests which have been

feeding on them for a long time. By creating a weapon to kill them man is slowly finding

his solution to the scourge insects pose.

Insecticides are formulated to kill, harm, or mitigate species of insect. It works in

different ways. Some disrupt the nervous system, whereas others may damage their

exoskeletons, control them by some other means or worst kill them. The first use of

insecticide was about 4500 years ago by the Sumerians. Seeing as there were no

chemicals during that time the people made use of plants or mineral that's able to kill an

insect but as time passes by chemicals were added to improve the substance (Unsworth,

2010).

The researcher aims to make an insecticide out of dried chili, dish soap and

alcohol. Chili which contains Capsaicin, that can irritate and deterrents the mammals,

fungi and humans that causes a burning sensation that gets in contact with it. Chilies been

first used in Mexico about 7000 BC. The use of chili and makabuhai plants to make an

insecticide was investigated and was combined to make an alternative way of insecticide

against cockroaches. The mixture was used to spray onto the cockroach at varying

concentration, thus, resulting as an effective way of killing an insect (Yvonie, 2009).

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Dish soap has salts and fatty acids that first wash away the protective coating on

the insect's body then damages the cell membrane of the insects resulting the death of

some insects (Mayer, 2003). Alcohols are volatile that have extremely bitter taste.

Alcohol desiccates the bodies of the insects, resulting to death of the insect (Lentz, 2009).

Related Studies

Commercial Insecticide has been commonly used since back then. Today, a lot of

organic insecticides has been used as an alternative way of the commercial insecticides to

avoid too much chemicals that can possibly harm a person. Just like the Chili alternative.

The researcher made use of chili and makabuhai plants to make an insecticide.

The researcher collected enough hot chili and makabuhai stem, then pounded it with

mortar and pestle. Added it with water and extracted the juice. Then testing was made to

the cockroaches and ants and was observed for 30 minutes to see if it really works

(Yvonie, 2009).

The researcher made use of chili and malunggay leaves to make an insecticide.

The researcher collected enough chili and malunggay leaves. The malunggay leaves were

boiled and collected the extract. It was being added to the pounded chili and was being

mixed after. It was being tested with a cockroach and was proven that an insect repellent

using a chili and malunggay leaves really works. (Fushiknights, 2009).

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The researcher made use of dishwashing soap as an alternative way in making an

insecticide. Using a pure liquid soap, such as Castile, or all-natural soap. The active

ingredient in insecticide soap comes from fatty acids in animal fat or vegetable oil, so it’s

important to use the real thing. (Day, 2012)

The researcher made use of alcohol to control mealy bugs on house plants. fuvout

and die. Alcohol is an ingredient in some insecticidal soaps and ‘ready-to-use’

insecticides. (Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1994)

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CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND STATISTICAL TREATMENT

Research Methodology

This chapter discussed the process, method, purpose, procedure and statistical

treatment of data. This is used by the researchers to have a significant, efficient and

useful tool for everybody to use and to the environment.

The research method used in the study was experimental method. It aims to prove

the effectiveness of homemade bug spray. It provides a lot of trials and background

information.

To make this project, we need to gather the following materials:

1. Alcohol

2. Chili Pepper

3. Dish Soap

4. Water

5. Mortar and Pestle

6. Spray
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Procedure:

Gather all the materials needed. Get 1/8 kilo of chillies and pound it using

the mortar and pestle. Don’t stop pounding until all the chillies are crushed. Then, add

40 ml of water to the pounded chillies. Through this you will be able to get the

extract of the chillies. In getting the extract of the chillies, you need to squeeze it

using your hands with gloves or use a piece of cloth. After that, get 60ml of the

extracted chillies. Next, add 70 ml of alcohol, which contains a very strong smell that

can suffocate the cockroach. Then get 10 ml of dishwashing soap, which also

contains fatty acids and salts that wash away the protective covering of the insects.

Add 100 ml of water to the dishwashing soap, mix them well together. After mixing

them well together, get 25 ml from the mixture and put all the mixtures inside the

spray bottle.
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Statistical Treatment

In total, we have conducted eight experiments. The first experiment that was

conducted had the following amount of ingredients: 125g of chili and 75ml of

water. With this mixture, we sprayed the test subject eighteen times, and after

two minutes and thirty seconds it had died, but it drowned in the mixture. This

experiment proved that Chili can kill cockroaches.

In the second experiment, we used the following ingredients: 50ml of Denatured

alcohol, 20ml of dried chili, and 200 ml of water. We sprayed the test subject

fourteen times. The time before death is inapplicable as it was not recorded. The

mixture had no effect to the test subject. The spiciness of the chili is felt through

the nose.

In the third experiment, we used the following ingredients: 50ml of alcohol, and

10ml of dried chili. We sprayed the test subject 20 times. The time before the

test subject’s death is two minutes and seven seconds. It proved to be effective,

but side-effects are observed when inhaled or in contact with skin.

In the fourth experiment, we used 20ml dishwashing soap, and 100ml of water.

We sprayed the test subject fourteen times. The time before its death was a

minute and fifty-six seconds. The test subject had died although it was in a

weakened state. The soap proved to be efficient.

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In the fifth experiment that we conducted, we used the following ingredients:

50ml of alcohol, 30ml chili, 30ml vinegar and 30ml soap mix. We sprayed the

test subject 10 times. The time before its death was a minute and forty-eight

seconds. A mixture of the previous ingredients made a more effective product,

but some ingredients masked out the others.

In the sixth experiment that we conducted, we used the following ingredients:

70 ml of alcohol, 50 ml chili, 25 ml dish soap. We sprayed the test subject thirty

two times. The time before it’s death was seven minutes.

In the seventh experiment that we conducted, we used the following ingredients:

70 ml of alcohol, 60 ml chili, and 25 ml dish soap. The test subject was injured

and we sprayed the test subject twelve times. It took researchers only a minute

and forfty seven seconds before it died.

The 8th experiment that we conducted, we used the following ingredients: 70 ml

of alcohol, 60 ml chili, and 25 ml dish soap. This time, the test subject was not

injured. With eight to 10 sprays, the time of its death was a minute and twelve

seconds.

The researchers tried using comercial spray. The test subject died after a

duration of 12 minutes and 18 seconds. The specimen showed the effects of the

spray after 5 minutes.

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CHAPTER IV

Ingredients Amount

Water 75 mL

Chili 125 g

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

Mixture 1

Figure1: We, as the researchers tried the mixture on a cockroach. The mixture is

composed of water and pounded chili. It proved to be effective against them. The

cockroach took 1 minute and 12 seconds and 18 sprays before its life ended. Although the

main reason why it died wasn’t because of the mixture, but because of drowning from it.

The experiment proved that chili can kill cockroaches but chili alone isn’t enough for the

mixture to be efficient.

Mixture 2

Ingredients Amount

Ethyl Alcohol 50 mL

Dried Chili 10 mL
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Figure2: This mixture compromises ethyl alcohol which suffocates the cockroach and

dried chili which contains concentrated capsaicin. After 2 minutes 7 seconds and 20

sprays the test subject died. It was successfully exterminated with the mixture. A burning

sensation is felt when skin gets in contact with the mix. Hence wearing protective

equipment is advised when spraying.

Mixture 3

Ingredients Amount

Dishwashing soap 10 mL

Water 100 mL

Figure3: We, the researchers, tried a different mixture of ingredients using dishwashing

soap and water, without the use of chili; to see what the dish soap can do to the

cockroaches. The mixture was used and surprisingly it killed the cockroach. Although the

test subject was weakened since it was injured on its capture, it still proved that it could

kill cockroaches and had a pleasant smell.

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Mixture 4

Ingredients Amount

Ethyl Alcohol 50 mL

Chili 30 mL

Vinegar 30 mL

Soap mix 30 mL

Figure 4: We, the researchers tried mixing together ingredients we thought to be

effective. We successfully exterminated the test subject with the mixture. Still side-

effects would still occur. Wearing protective equipment is advised when spraying. Some

of the ingredients cut of the others effectiveness, so removing some of the ingredients

should be practiced. It also took quite some time before the test subject died. Increasing

the amount of ingredients should make the mixture more effective.

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Mixture 5

Ingredients Amount

Alcohol 70 ml

Chili 50 ml

Dishwashing Soap 25 ml

Figure 5: Crossing out vinegar and increasing the amount of the three ingredients

provided a promising result. It took a short time and a limited number of sprays before

the test subject died. Irritation to the nose lessened, but it’s still there. It really proves that

this mixture is effective against cockroaches.

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CHAPTER V

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

A number of experiments were undertaken to find out the capability of our

homemade roach spray. Trying out different ingredients to make the mixture more potent

and measuring the variables of the said experimentations lead to the success if the

product.

Summary of findings

This study was conducted to develop an alternative method to get rid of

cockroaches without the use of chemicals. Our alternative method can kill cockroaches

and can be a good substitute for commercial insecticides. We have conducted

experiments with the use of chili, water, alcohol, vinegar, dishwashing soap, all are

ingredients found at home. Several tools such as a bottle spray and mortar and pestle are

needed.

Through the experiments we have found out that our alternative method proves

effectiveness in tackling the problems that were previously addressed and that making an

alternative method is possible and can be conducted at home.There is a lot of variables to

consider in experiments. Like distance, time and the number of sprays.

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Conclusion

Homemade roach spray can kill cockroaches, but it takes time, patience, and a

combined effort of the members of a group. By utilizing the characteristics of the

ingredients mixed together, an effected roach spray is created. This study can be used by

future researchers for the development of insecticides. It can be the milestone for a new

way of handling home pests, the environment-friendly way. Our product proves the

effectivity of organic materials for a roach spray.

Recommendation

This research group recommends that to conduct this study, or to further research

it, one must have the ability to provide the necessary time and materials needed. One

must also be willing to conduct several experiments and to follow the procedure. Or if

necessary, one must also be willing to adjust certain elements in the study to achieve your

goal. Wearing protectice equipment is advised as side-effects can affect humans. In case

of skin contact, wash immediately with water. The following could be practiced to ease

the spiciness on the skin; Submerge the affected area in milk or cold water, rubbing

alcohol can be used, and toothpaste. The cockroach is a very mobile creature, limiting its

movements is beneficial. Patience and cooperation are the most important things needed

in this type of research.

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Documentation

Materials:

Methodology:

Experimentation:
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housewifehowtos.com/clean/how-to-get-rid-of-cockroaches

Cockroaches: Facts, Identification & Control.(n.d.). Retrieved from

http://www.orkin.com/cockroaches/

Yvonie (2009, April 1). Makabuhai & Chili Extract: A Household Insecticide. Retrieved from
yvonie-wafa.blogspot.com/2009/04/investigatory-project.html?m=1

Fushiknight (2009, April 2). The Feasibility of Malunggay leaves (Moringa Oleifera) and Chili fruit
( Capsicum Frutescens) as Pesticide. Retrieved from
fushiknights.blogspot.com/2009/04/investigatory-project_02.html?m=1

Capsaicin.(n.d.). Retrieved from en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capsaicin

Insecticides. (2015, September 22). Retrieved from

npic.orst.edu/ingred/ptype/insecticide.html

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Natural Pesticide (1994, August 1). Retrieved from

www.bbg.org/gardening/article/natural_pesticides

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Microbiol, B.J. (2014, Oct 9). Production of bioethanol using agricultural waste: Banana pseudo
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