The Effectiveness of Allium sativum (Garlic) and Capsicum frutescens(Chili) as an

Alternative Repellent to Culex pipiens (Mosquitoes)

Carretero, Marc Angelo

Marc_angelo20@yahoo.com.ph

De los Santos, Keisha Alexie V.

Keishaalexie.delossantoss@gmail.com

Escatron, Ronald Jr.

Ronald.escatronn@gmail.com

Redillas, Kervin Angelo

Kervinangelo.redillas@gmail.com

Zabala, Kristian Vonn

Kristianvonn.zabala@gmail.com

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS STRAND

University of Perpetual Help System Dalta - Molino Campus

Bacoor City, Cavite, Philippines

ABSTRACT
Mosquitoes are still a prevalent pest that carries harmful diseases for us human beings.
There are a lot of products that is in the market to repell and kill mosquitoes; however,
some of them is composed of chemicals that can also be disadvantageous for us. For the
said reason, the present research that used experimental research design aims to explore
the effectiveness of Allium sativum (Garlic) and Capsicum frutescens(Chili) as an
alternative repellent to Culex pipiens (Mosquitoes). The research used paired t-test to
analyze the data gathered. After comparing each variants and mixture of the candle
repellents, it showed that the extract concentration that is composed of 100 percent pure
garlic and chili oil has the most repellency rate among the four. The said variant was also
compared to a commercial product but it yielded to a result that the commercial product is
still more effective than the alternative repellent. Although it was less effective, a 40%
potential was still seen on the garlic and chili candle repellent. This study recommends
that future researchers conduct this in a laboratory where they will have more specimen
and produce a prototype where they will let other people to try it. Moreover, this research
can be used as a stepping tool for local government unit that conducts and focusses on
pest and insect repelling projects.

Keywords - Alternative repellent, Garlic and Chili oil as an alternative repellent,

Commercial product, Mosquitoes, Bacoor, Cavite, Philippines.
I. INTRODUCTION

Dengue has long been a prevalent illness in the Philippines, where mosquitoes breed
and spread rapidly. Previous studies by Meriga, Mopuri, and MuraliKrishna (2012) and
Betis, Samontaez, and Caballes (2019) have found that chili and garlic contain chemicals
such as diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, and methallyl trisulfate that can naturally repel
mosquitoes. Given the need for alternative insect repellents to replace commercial
products containing potentially harmful chemicals, the researchers chose to investigate
whether organic substances such as Capsicum frutescens and Allium sativum could serve
as effective substitutes. The researchers aim to develop a more affordable and safer
alternative repellent by utilizing various extracts of garlic and chili. This study could serve
as a valuable starting point for future research into alternative repellent options.

Two theories were utilized for this study. The first, proposed by Luca Turin, is the
Theory of Primary Olfactory Reception, which suggests that the olfactory system
recognizes molecular vibrations. Turin demonstrated the relationship between vibration
and olfactory using the Inelastic Electron Tunneling Spectroscopy. This theory proposes
that if an odorant is present in the binding site, electrons will enter vibrational mode,
triggering the release of G-protein, a component of a signal transducer. Turin
hypothesized that the relationship between the spectroscope and olfactory is due to a
motif designed for binding to soluble electron donors, the presence of a metal-binding site,
and an electrochemical step in the transduction. The researchers utilized this theory as
the basis of their experiment, postulating that the pungent odor of garlic and chili could
affect the olfactory sense of mosquitoes. Based on the theory, the researchers
hypothesized that a garlic-chili infused candle would cause a molecular vibration in
mosquitoes and repel them, and will test this hypothesis by varying the concentration of
the odorants. This theory emphasizes that the size and shape of odorants are not critical
factors, but rather the vibrations they generate.

The second theory is the research by Islam et al. (2010) entitled "Suitability Of Some
Botanical Pesticides (Neem, Garlic And Red Chili) Against Dry Fish Insects (Dermestes
Sp. Larvae And Necrobia Sp. Adult)," which aimed to determine the effectiveness of garlic,
chili, and neem extracts as insecticides for dried fish pests. The researchers conducted a
direct toxicity test to compare the different concentrations of the botanical insecticides.
The results indicated that red chili had the highest toxic effect on Necrobia sp. adult
insects, with neem being the most repellent. The researchers found that the mixture of
garlic and chili could potentially act as a repellent to mosquitoes. Therefore, the
researchers of this study will use this research as the basis for their own experiment to
determine whether the combination of garlic and chili can repel mosquitoes.

The conceptual framework that is utilized in the study is the Input-Process-Output

Model. The IPO model was used to show the process done in producing an alternative
repellent against mosquitoes using the extracts collected from Allium sativum and
Capsicum frutescens, and was used as a guide for the direction and the general structure
of the study. For the results, it will show the effectiveness of a candle-based repellant
consisting of garlic and chili extracts as the main repelling agent.

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 In terms of the review of literature, it delves into the efficacy of alternative mosquito
repellents, specifically Allium sativum (garlic) and Capsicum frutescens (chili). The study
centers on the independent and dependent variables, while the synthesis identifies a
research gap regarding the combination of garlic and chili as an alternative to synthetic
mosquito repellent. According to Meriga, Mopuri, and MuraliKrishna (2012), the
components of Allium sativum are volatile oils that contains diallyl disulphide, diallyl
trisulfide, and methallyl trisulphate, Allicin that are responsible for the pungent smell of the
garlic, and phytochemicals that are responsible for the antibacterial property of garlic.
Furthermore, in the same study by Meriga et al. (2012), the researchers stated that the
extract the garlic provides has a greater effectivity rate because of its insecticidal nature.
On the other hand, Capsicum frutescens (Chili) will also be used in the creation of the
alternative mosquito repellent. Betis, Samontañez, and Caballes (2019), states that chili
has “pH level that has the ability to attract mosquitoes and kill their hatchlings'.
Furthermore, the pH levels of the Chili was more acidic rather than the normal repellents
that results in the increase in the larval mortality rate. The review highlights the properties
of garlic and chili, including their antibacterial and insecticidal properties, as well as the
pH level of chili that attracts and kills mosquito larvae.

Moreover, the advancement in science has brought us multiple findings on repellents

and how chemicals are easily incorporated with it. However, as mentioned in the study of
Bora, Kalita, and Sharma (2013) that synthetic repellents have negative effects; for
example, it can bring a detrimental effect on nontarget organisms and can be a threat to
the environment. However, multiple researchers found out that there can be a substitute
which is the Plant-based repellents that works as an alternative repellent. As stated by
Malik, Munir, and Naseem (2016), alternative repellents are being used in many parts of
the world because it imposes less danger to humans. This thought process was also
mentioned in the study by Bora et al. (2013), plant-derived repellents are presumed to be
safer for it doesn’t pose too much toxicity to humans. Furthermore, because of the
evolution of organisms they learn to adapt with their environment and this also applies to
mosquitoes. Based on the study of Malik et al. (2016), through adapting the mosquitoes
developed a resistance to synthetic repellents. The effectiveness of Plant-based repellent
is continuously being tested and proven; however, there are still people who don’t believe
in the significant results of this product. According to Chareonviriyaphap et al. (2016), the
lack of data is the reason why there are only few plants being accepted world-wide as an
alternative repellent.

Ultimately, this synthesis recommends further research on the use of garlic and chili
as an alternative mosquito repellent. Alternative repellents made out of plants can bring a
drastic change in society. Multiple studies have used garlic as a mosquito repellent
however, there is still no record as of today that it was combined with chili to be used as
an alternative to synthetic mosquito repellent. For this reason, this study had focus on
creating a candle-based mosquito repellent made out of extracts from chili and garlic.

With regards to the significance of the study, it lies in its potential benefits for diverse
groups, including individuals tasked with public health responsibilities, school
administrators, students, parents, communities, and future researchers. This research
introduces an alternative approach to creating mosquito repellents utilizing organic
materials, namely garlic and chili. By promoting the usage of organic materials, this study
contributes to reducing the reliance on harmful chemicals, thereby fostering environmental

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Strand | 3

sustainability. The outcomes of this study can serve as a crucial reference for developing
health programs aimed at addressing mosquito-related concerns. Furthermore, this
research can be used to improve the efficacy of organic materials for various purposes.

As an end, this research aimed to know the effectiveness of Garlic and Chili candle
repellent towards mosquitoes. Being an alternative repellent the researchers also
determined the level of concentration that had the most repellency rate. Lastly, they also
compared the alternative candle repellent to commercialized ones.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

Due to the huge rise of dengue and other diseases brought on by mosquitoes during
the past few decades. It motivated us as researchers to take action in an effort to lessen
the number of illnesses brought on by mosquitoes, which is how we came up with the idea
to look into novel repellents that weren't currently available on the market. Due to its
accessibility and availability, making it a cost-effective product, we came up with the
concept of employing chili/garlic oil as the major elements of the repellant we have
created. The objectives of our research are the following:

1. To identify the level of effectiveness of Allium sativum (garlic) and Capsicum

frutescens (chili) as an alternative repellent

2. To determine which concentration level has the most repellency percentage

3. To differentiate the efficiency of the Garlic and Chili repellent compared to

commercialized ones

II. METHODOLOGY

This research was conducted at one of the researcher’s home (Blk 31 Lot
16 Fairgrounds, Vallejo Place 4, Pasong Buaya II, Imus, Cavite). This location was
chosen because it offers places that have a natural setting where mosquitoes can
hatch and breed. The research site was utilized to test the repelling power of three
different percentages of garlic and chili pepper infused candle as an alternative
mosquito repellent. In this way, the experiment was observed and implemented
properly.

The researchers employed an experimental research design. We utilized a

method of experimental research design since it comprised a setup in which the
researchers had complete control over the concentration level of garlic and chili
oil. It also determined and measured the efficiency of garlic and chili oil as an
alternative repellent against commercialized insect repellents. The researchers
placed the craft candle inside a container to measure the efficiency of the product
and then the researchers began tallying the data. The box was 4-sided with visible
parallel sides made of plastic cover and sealed with electrical tape. The upper
portion of the box is composed of a cloth used for ventilation. One of the sides has

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Strand | 4

 a hole where the pipes were inserted, and also sealed electrical tape that
prevented the mosquitoes from escaping. The torch was inserted through a small
resealable hole and lit up the candle inside.

One bulb of garlic was peeled and sliced, then 5-10 chilis were chopped.
The garlic oil and chili oil were made separately. For the concentration, both oils
were mixed in a 50-50, 60-40, 40-60 percentage composition. The wick was placed
in a mason jar and was filled up to 70% with rock salt. The solid excess of the garlic
and chili were added on top, then the oil was added for the concentration. The
candle is ready to be lit for the experiment. After observing the product's effects on
the mosquitoes, the researchers began calculating the results and tallied the data
into graphs and provided a conclusion for it and comparison between the
researchers' product and commercialized products.

Researchers analyzed the data using observation tools. The researchers

are the only ones that responded to the questionnaires since the study's objective
does not require respondents. The discovery was to extract the Culex Pipiens
experiences needed to determine the effectiveness of the mosquito repellent on
Culex Pipiens. Such experiences included how the mosquito repellent affected the
Culex Pipiens and their behavior toward the mosquito repellent.

The researchers conducted a paired t-test as one of their data analysis

methods. With this approach, the paired measurements have been compared and
any differences and effects identified from one another. It was used to determine
the significant difference regarding the effects between the different percentage
ratios of garlic extract and chili extract used as mosquito repellent.

III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

In this study, the efficacy of garlic and chili contents as alternative mosquito repellents
was tested, using solutions with varying concentrations of the primary ingredients.
Table 1 shows the mean pre-treatment and post-treatment values 3 minutes after the
treatment (MAT) and the percentage equivalent by using the formula (Number of Post
treatment/Pre-treatment) x 100% = Percentage. There are five variants including the
commercial product that was looked at. The 0% Garlic and Chili oil plus 100% Oil base
resulted to a Pre-Treatment value of 10, Post-Treatment value of 0, and Efficacy
Percentage of 0%. For the 50% Garlic and Chili oil plus 50% Oil base, it yielded to a Pre-
Treatment value of 10, Post-Treatment value of 1.33, and Efficacy Percentage of 13.30%.
The 75% Garlic and Chili oil plus 25% Oil base and 100% Garlic and Chili oil plus 0% Oil
candle has the values for Pre-treatment (10,100), Post-Treatment (2.33,4), and Efficacy
Percentage of (23.30%, 40%). Lastly, the commercial brand-x has a result of 10,8, and
80% for its Pre-Treatment, Post-Treatment, and Efficacy Percentage.

Table 1

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 Pre-Treatment, Post-Treatment and Efficacy Percentage
Post-Treatment
Pre-Treatment Efficacy Percentage
(3MAT)
0% Garlic and Chili
10 0 0%
oil 100% Oil base
50% Garlic and Chili
10 1.33 13.30%
oil 50% Oil base
75% Garlic and Chili
10 2.33 23.30%
oil 25% Oil base
100% Garlic and
10 4 40%
Chili oil 0% Oil base
BRAND X 10 8 80%

Table 2 presents the results of a paired t-test conducted to compare the

effectiveness of a garlic and chili solution in repelling mosquitoes with that of a
commercialized product. As shown in Table 1, a comparison of the mean number of
mosquitoes before (mean = 10) and after (mean = 8.75) treatment suggests that there
may be a difference. To determine whether this difference in means was statistically
significant, a paired t-test was conducted. Unfortunately, the results of the test indicate
that there was no significant difference between the pre-treatment and post-treatment
conditions (t = 1.321, df = 3, p = 0.139).
Table 2
Paired T-test for 1st trial
Pre- Post-
Paired T-test
treatment Treatment
Mean 10 8.75
Variance 0 3.583333333
Observations 4 4
df 3
t Stat 1.320676359
P(T<=t) one-tail 0.139159678
t Critical one-tail 2.353363435

Table 3 presents the results of a paired t-test conducted in the second trial attempt.
The mean for the second trial was 10 for the Pre-treatment and 7.5 for the Post-treatment,
which is lower than the mean for the first trial. The t-statistic results (2.401) were higher
than the t-critical results (2.353), indicating a statistically significant difference in this trial.

Table 3
Paired T-test for 2nd trial
Pre-
Paired T-test Post-treatment
treatment
Mean 10 7.5
Variance 0 4.333333333
Observations 4 4
df 3

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Strand | 6

 t Stat 2.401922307
P(T<=t) one-tail 0.047854462
t Critical one-tail 2.353363435

Table 4 presents the results of a paired t-test conducted in the third trial attempt.
The mean for the third trial was 8, which is lower than the mean for the first trial and higher
to the mean for the second trial. The variance of the post-treatment is 8 and the
observations done is 4 for both the pre and post treatments. The t-stat results (2.828) were
higher than the t-critical results (2.353), indicating a statistically significant difference in
this trial compared to the first and second trials.

Table 4
Paired T-test for 3rd trial
Pre-
Paired T-test Post-treatment
treatment
Mean 10 8
Variance 0 2
Observations 4 4
df 3
t Stat 2.828427125
P(T<=t) one-tail 0.033137801
t Critical one-tail 2.353363435

Mosquitoes are prevalent in the Philippines, particularly during the rainy season,
when stagnant water provides an ideal breeding ground for these disease-carrying
insects. Dengue fever, caused by the dengue virus, is one of the most dangerous
infections that mosquitoes can transmit. The study shows a remarkable effect of candle-
based repellent made of garlic and chili oil as an alternative repellent on Culex Pipiens
collected at one of the researcher’s homes (Blk 31 Lot 16 Fairgrounds, Vallejo Place
4, Pasong Buaya II, Imus, Cavite), as a case study. Culex Pipiens were affected by
the candle based repellent made of a garlic and chili oil mixture. The repellency rate
of Culex Pipiens exposed to the candle based repellent increased with the
concentration of extracts, as also shown in the data analysis. The trial at which the
highest repellency rate was recorded for the range of concentrations of exposure for
Culex Pipiens indicated that the rate of repellency is directly proportional to the
concentration of the extract.

The findings of the study suggest that the efficacy of the garlic and chili solution as
a mosquito repellent is inconclusive. The first trial showed no significant difference
between the pre-treatment and post-treatment conditions, while the second and third trials
showed a statistically significant difference. It is important to note that the means for the

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second and third trials were lower than the mean for the first trial, indicating that the
solution may have been more effective in repelling mosquitoes in the later trials. However,
without further research, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the effectiveness
of the solution.

Additionally, it is worth considering the limitations of this study. The sample size is
relatively small, and the study was conducted in a controlled laboratory environment,
which may not reflect real-world conditions. Further research using larger sample sizes
and conducted in more natural settings may be necessary to more accurately assess the
efficacy of garlic and chili as mosquito repellents. Overall, while the results of this study
are inconclusive, they do suggest that garlic and chili may have some potential as
alternative mosquito repellents. Further research is necessary to fully evaluate their
effectiveness and determine whether they can be a viable alternative to commercialized
mosquito repellents.

Conclusion

With the study's central objective of determining whether Allium sativum and
Capsicum frutescens can serve as an Alternative Repellent to Culex pipiens, the study
was able to obtain data essential for the investigation of the study. As shown using an
Observation Tool and a Paired T-Test, the study has revealed that the second and third
trial of the mixture of garlic and chili has a significant difference compared to
commercialized mosquito repellent products, proving the study's first objective. The
extract concentration that has the highest repellency rate among the four is the 100%
Garlic and Chili oil and 0% Oil base that yielded to a 40% repellency. It was also shown in
the trials and tables how distant the differences are in terms of repelling the number of
mosquitoes between the alternative mosquito repellent against the commercialized
mosquito repellent, providing the answer needed for the study's third objective. This shows
that the efficacy of the commercial repellents is relevantly higher by 40% than the
alternative one.

Moreover, with the present increase of inflation, which may soon affect agricultural
products such as garlic and chili, people with difficulty buying commercialized repellents
or have insufficient funds can find great use of this study to make their own mosquito
repellent without having to worry about buying the ingredients if they could grow the
ingredients themselves. Especially in rainy seasons and damp places, people that are
pestered with mosquitoes would find great use of this study.

In simpler terms, this study has proven that the mixture of chili and garlic has a
potential to serve as an alternative to commercialized repellents.

Recommendations

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Strand | 8

 Since the alternative mosquito repellent was proven effective, a few
recommendations must be given on the researchers and the study itself. The first one is
to have more extensive time to conduct the investigation in a more professional and
suitable place like in a laboratory where the researchers can observe it without many other
factors contributing to its results. Secondly, there should be more specimens(Mosquitoes)
used upon the trials to obtain more precise data on resolving whether the proposed
alternative repellent would be effective. The researchers of this study only used 10
mosquitoes for each variants which is relatively small due to their limitations in gathering
the specimens. If all recommendations were considered, it should improve the precision
of the data being gathered by future researchers.

For other people, such as school administrations and larger government sectors
that are related to health and organic products, this study could provide a basis for insect
repelling experiments. Additionally, the study's findings can offer significant benefits to the
community in terms of promoting the use of agricultural products. In the future, for
researchers who come across this study, it is recommended that they conduct a well-
planned and detailed experiment and respondent testing to further enhance the quality
and accuracy of their studies.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Strand | 9

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