Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) Extract Chalk as

Fire Ant (Solenopsis) Repellent

Alliya Mae Guevarra and Zoila Jae Replan

Group 12 Grade 9 – Archimedes

June 30, 2022

A scientific paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements in Research III

under Mr. Deoven E. Javier, School Year: 2021-2022
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Statement of the Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Hypothesis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Significance of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Scopes and Limitations of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

METHODOLOGY

Research Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Risks and Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Data Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

CONCLUSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

APPENDICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

ABSTRACT
 Ants are the most common problems in the
society and it causes damages wherever it
goes, especially the fire ants (Solenopsis).
Thus, the researchers decided to utilize
turmeric (Curcuma Longa) as a repellant in a
chalk form. Their objectives is to minimize the
damages caused by fire ants and produce an
effective repellant for the problem.

The researchers used the turmeric as their

main ingredient for the repellant and formed it
into a chalk form using the plaster of paris. The
researchers conducted the experiment by
displaying sugar and letting 10 ants come
before removing it and drawing a circle. The
researchers observed for 5 minutes before
writing down the observation. They used CRD
as research design and the risks in the
experiment is almost none. The researchers
used the descriptive statistics since it tries to
describe the relationship between variables in
a sample or population.

The results shows that there is a significant

difference in the mean number of ants repelled
between the miraculous chalk and turmeric
chalk. Thus, the researchers concluded that
the Turmeric Chalk Repellant is effective.
Although the miraculous chalk is more
effective, we recommend the turmeric chalk
because it is organic and safer to use.

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

 Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are among the most abundant groups of

invertebrates in terrestrial ecosystems, presenting a wide variety of feeding habits,

nesting sites, and interactions with organisms from all trophic levels. They are the

subject of extensive and diversified research, in basic and applied science. Despite this,

in all tropical regions, the biology of most species is virtually unknown, due to a

combination of high richness, taxonomic uncertainty, lack of descriptive studies and

widespread use of morphospecies in literature. Ants in general are regarded as

omnivorous, feeding on a combination of live prey, dead animals, seeds and plant

exudates, with some notorious specialized behaviors such as fungus cultivation and

pollen consumption. (Rosumek, 2017).

The ant genus Solenopsis Westwood (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae) is

represented in South America by 16 native species known as “fire ants”. While, in

general, these ants cause occasional local problems in their homeland, two species

accidentally introduced into the southern United States in the early 1900s are

considered pests with a high negative impact in rural and urban areas. These pest

species are the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, and the black imported

fire ant, S. richteri Forel, both included in a revision of the S. saevissima complex.

During the last decade, S. invicta has been considered one of the 100 worst invasive

exotic species; this fire ant became a more global problem when it invaded ecosystems

in the Caribbean Islands, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland

China. Its eradication has been accomplished only in New Zealand. They are a major

public health concern because of their aggressive stinging behavior. Although, for most

individuals, this is just an irritating nuisance, for several hundred thousand people in the
United States, sensitive to fire ants or highly allergic, the sting might cause severe

reactions and eventually death. Fire ants also injure domestic animals, livestock, affect

wildlife, native ants, and other arthropods. Structures, electrical devices, and agricultural

crops can also be damaged. (Briano, Calcaterra & Varone, 2012)

The red imported fire ant (RIFA), Solenopsis invicta Buren, is an invasive species in

many countries. Similar to other exotic species, RIFAs harm local ecosystems. RIFAs

have noted for displacing indigenous fire ant species, such as Solenopsis geminate in

Texas and Solenopsis richteri Forel in Mississippi as well as other ant species in the

U.S.. In addition, RIFA reduces biodiversity by decreasing populations of animals and

damaging plants. (Lin et al., 2022)

The fact that ants live in large groups called colonies makes them a major pest

problem. Ant colonies range in size from a few dozen predatory individuals living in

small natural cavities to highly organized colonies with millions of individuals occupying

large territories. Ant colonies can cause significant structural damage, consume large

amounts of organic material, and pose significant health risks to people and animals in

the surrounding area. (Stidd, 2019)

Turmeric is a spice obtained from the turmeric plant. It is commonly used in Asian

cuisine. Turmeric is most likely best known as the main spice in curry. It has a warm,

bitter flavor and is commonly used to flavor or color curry powders, mustards, butters,

and cheeses. However, the turmeric root is also widely used in medicine. It contains

curcumin, a yellow-colored chemical that is frequently used to color foods and

cosmetics. (RxList, 2021)

 Turmeric is commonly used to treat pain and inflammation, such as osteoarthritis.

It is also used for hay fever, depression, high cholesterol, a type of liver disease, and

itching, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. (WebMD, n.d)

The high curcumin content of turmeric limits the insects' access to oxygen, and

the antimicrobial properties make the environment unbearable for bedbugs. It is

possible to repel insects with turmeric. Turmeric does not kill ants, but it can deter them.

(Ritu Thakur, 2021)

The fact that ants live in large groups called colonies makes them a major pest

problem. Ant colonies range in size from a few dozen predatory individuals living in

small natural cavities to highly organized colonies with millions of individuals occupying

large territories. Ant colonies can cause significant structural damage, consume large

amounts of organic material, and pose significant health risks to people and animals in

the surrounding area. (Stidd, 2019)

The name Plaster of Paris (POP) had its origins from the fact that it was

extensively mined from Montmartre in Paris district. But its use predates the industrial

revolution, they have been found on the insides of pyramids. The idea of incorporating

POP in bandages was hit upon by two surgeons, Antonius Mathijsen and Nikolai

Ivanovich Pirogov in the 1850's. The uses of POP have only evolved with time. It started

out as a method to immobilise and hold reductions in the management of adult and

paediatric fractures, for which it still continues to be used. Plaster of Paris is calcined

gypsum (roasted gypsum), ground to a fine powder by milling. When water is added, the

more soluble form of calcium sulphate returns to the relatively insoluble form, and heat
is produced [2 (CaSO4.½ H2O) + 3H2O → 2 (CaSO4.2H2O) + Heat]. (Sharma &

Prabu, 2013)

Statement of the Problem

Other research proves that turmeric (curcuma longa) is effective at repelling ants

because ants didn’t like the spice from the turmeric. The main goal of this research is to

prove that turmeric (curcuma longa) is effective for repelling ants. The turmeric extract

chalk is to be compared to the Miraculous chalk of china and the fire ants will be the test

samples.

How can it be killed? As stated earlier, turmeric extract can't kill ants, however, it can

repel ants. It can reduce ants that’s coming for you house. For some reason chalk

insecticide is dangerous for our health. So we think an ingredients that is safe to make a

chalk insecticide. The heat and smell of the turmeric is ant repellant and the solution,

completely natural and cost-friendly!

This research will show if turmeric (curcuma longa) is effective for repelling ants. The

main focus of this study is to:

1.Test the effectiveness of turmeric extract made into chalk as a fire ant repellent.
2.Compare the effectiveness of turmeric extract made into chalk as a fire ant

(Solenopsis) repellant and miraculous chalk (an insecticide that is made of chemicals) in

China.

Hypothesis

This study is anchored on the following null and alternative hypothesis:

Ha: Turmeric (curcuma longa) extract chalk can repel fire ants (solenopsis) within

the vicinity.

Ho: Turmeric (curcuma longa) extract chalk can’t repel fire ants (solenopsis) within

the vicinity.

Significance of the Study

The study's findings may benefit both humans and the community. This research can

help people who are bothered, bitten, or repulsed by ants, as well as those who have

allergies, or have an ant colony in their home. The same is true for the community, as

this study can assist the community in controlling the ant colony throughout the

neighborhood. It advances science by discovering new ways to repel ants, and in the

future, researchers can investigate and improve on this study. They can use this as an

information medium.

When ants search for food and water in houseplants, they create havoc. To

address the issue, the researchers experimented with the turmeric extract chalk as a
repellant. Our product's ingredients are low-cost and economical. It's also simple to

create. Turmeric extract is non-toxic, does not affect the environment, and it’s organic.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The purpose of this study is to see how effective turmeric extract is as a repellant

and whether it is safer to use than China's miraculous chalk. It intends to see if the

turmeric extract can repel ants in the surrounding area. The test subjects will be ten fire

ants (Solenopsis), and the main focus will be the turmeric extract chalk as a fire ant

repellant. The experiment will last 1–2 days, and the effects of the control group

(Chinese miracle chalk) and experimental group (Turmeric extract chalk) will be

observed in three trials. Turmeric extract and plaster of Paris will be the main

ingredients. For each trial, the observation time is limited to 5 minutes. The researchers

used descriptive statistical tools. It was used to calculate the difference in the average

number of fire ants repelled by two different repellants.

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

The method used in this research was a completely randomized design (CRD). A

completely randomized design (CRD) is the simplest design for comparative

experiments, as it uses only two basic principles of experimental design: randomization

and replication. Its power is best understood in the context of agricultural experiments
(for which it was initially developed), and it will be discussed from that perspective, but

true experimental designs, where feasible, are useful in the social sciences and in

medical experiments. (Salkind, 2010)

Procedures

Collection of Product

The turmeric was purchased at the Pamilihang Bayan ng Bay and the plaster of

paris was purchased at Junsay Dental Supply and General Merchandise Trinidad St,

Bay, 4033 Laguna.

Preparation of the Product

Peel and chop the 10 pieces of turmeric. Get 2 cups of plaster of Paris, a bowl for

mixing, and 420 ml for boiling.

Main procedure

Pour the 420 ml of water into the pan and then pour in the chopped turmeric. Let

it boil for 25 minutes to get most of the extract out of the turmeric. Pour it into the bowl

and let it cool. Add the plaster of Paris and mix it thoroughly to avoid the solidifying of

the plaster. Then pour it into the molder. Let it cool for about 1-2 hours to let it harden

completely. Remove it from the molder and the turmeric chalk repellant is ready.
Data Collection

The researchers collected 10 ants for each trial, for a total of 30 ants. The

researchers then put the sugar to attract ants and then drew a line to test the

effectiveness of the repellant. To determine if the repellant is effective, the ants should

not be able to cross the drawn line. It's observed within 5 minutes. The researchers

counted the number of ants that are able to get out of the circle and compare it to the

result of the miraculous chalk.

Risks and Safety

When buying ingredients, have someone accompany you to avoid accidents.

Always wear protective equipment for the researcher's own safety. When

experimenting, wear personal protective equipment. Make sure to conduct your

experiment in a clean and isolated environment. Because it contains plaster of Paris,

wear a mask. When finished, keep the product safe by keeping it out of the reach of

children. Always follow the procedures and instructions, and have a guardian keep an

eye on you and help you. If a problem arises, halt the experiment and consult with the

teachers and adults.

Data Analysis

In this study, the researchers examined the data by using descriptive statistics.

According to Ali, Z., and Bhaskar, S. B. (2016), descriptive statistics try to describe the

relationship between variables in a sample or population. Descriptive statistics provide a

summary of data in the form of means, medians, and modes. It was implemented to
determine the significant difference in the mean number of the repelled ants.The mean

(aka the arithmetic mean, different from the geometric mean) of a dataset is the sum of

all values divided by the total number of values. It’s the most commonly used measure

of central tendency and is often referred to as the "average." In research, you often

collect data from samples and perform inferential statistics to understand the population

they came from. (Bhandari, 2020). It was used to calculate the difference in the average

number of fire ants repelled by two different repellants.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Table 1. Average results of quantitative data collected from ants unable to

leave the circle.
Ants Unable to Leave the Circle

Set-ups Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Average

Turmeric extract chalk
9 9 8 8.67
(EG)
Miraculous chalk of
10 10 10 10
China (CG)

Before drawing a circle and removing the sugar, the researchers counted the

ants that went for it. The researchers observed for 5 minutes before recording their

findings. Sugar was used by the researchers. It is common knowledge that ants are

attracted to sugar and sweet things, but this is because sugar is important to ants and is

an essential component for ants to remain active in the colony. Ants would always look

for honeydews, nectar, and other sugar-containing products while foraging. So, sugar is

the perfect bait to prepare for ants. (Quek, 2018).

 The ants prefer sweet scents but dislike spicy and hot scents, according to the 5-

minute observation. As a result, the ants are temporarily unable to leave the circle. We

collected 10 ants for each trial, for a total of 30 ants. The table represents the data

collected from each trial. Ten ants were successfully captured in the first trial, according

to the table. The researcher then drew a circle with the turmeric repellant chalk and

observed for 5 minutes to fully assess the effectiveness of the turmeric chalk. Only one

ant escaped after nine out of ten were successfully repelled. The researchers then put

the miraculous chalk to the test, and it completely repelled the ants.

In the second trial, the researchers observed the ants for 5 minutes and found

that the results remained consistent. The turmeric chalk repelled 9 out of 10 ants, while

the miraculous chalk repelled 10 out of 10 ants. The researchers moved on to the final

trial and observed the ants for 5 minutes. The turmeric repelled 8 out of 10 ants, a

difference of one from previous trials. And the miraculous chalk repelled ten out of ten

ants.

The turmeric chalk repelled a total of 9 out of 10 ants for the first trial; 9 out of 10

ants for the second trial; and 8 out of 10 ants for the third and last trial. The miraculous

chalk repelled 10 out of 10. Therefore, the average of the turmeric chalk repellant is

8.67 and the miraculous chalk is 10. The turmeric was able to repel ants within the

given observation time. The turmeric can also repel ants, but for a short time only. The

miraculous chalk contains deltamethrin and cypermethrin, two pesticides that belong to

a class of insecticides (Fagerlund, 2004). Based on the components of the miraculous

chalk itself, it is given that the miraculous chalk is more effective than the turmeric chalk.
 Because there isn't much of a difference between turmeric chalk repellant and

miraculous chalk, the results were promising. For a brief time, the turmeric ant chalk

was effective at repelling ants in the vicinity. The researchers concluded that the

turmeric chalk repellant is effective because it can momentarily repel ants in the vicinity.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our study, the turmeric extract chalk can repel ants within the vicinity for a

short amount of time only. Thus, the researchers decided that the turmeric extract chalk

is effective as a repellant. The researchers concluded that the turmeric (curcuma longa)

extract chalk can repel fire ants (solenopsis) within the vicinity and accepted the

alternative hypothesis and rejected the null hypothesis. In terms of effectiveness, the

turmeric extract chalk is less effective than the miraculous chalk of China. According to

Fagerlund (2004), the miraculous chalk of China contains deltamethrin and

cypermethrin, two pesticides that belong to a class of insecticides, making it more

effective as a repellant. The fresh juice, alcoholic and aqueous extracts, and essential

oils of Curcuma longa have demonstrated insecticidal effects against a number of insect

pests. Insecticidal substances can be obtained from Curcuma longa and other plant

species in low concentrations. (de Souza Tavares et al., 2016). Consequently, it is

effective as a repellant. In our society, an ant problem is a serious issue. When they go

in search of food or water, they cause havoc. The most effective method is to control

the colonies in your home and to use an effective repellant that causes the ants to turn

away. Therefore, turmeric is an appropriate measure to repel ants, and when combined
with the chalk that the ants avoid, it creates an effective repellant that keeps the ants at

bay. Drawing a chalk line along the doors, windows, floors, walls, or anything else that

ants can travel to can deter the marching of ants. This study proves that the turmeric

chalk repellant is effective in repelling fire ants. Its purpose is to minimize the damage

caused by ants.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The researchers discovered that using turmeric as a repellant is indeed effective,

as evidenced by the contents of their data logbook. Based on how the ants reacted to

the previous trials, the research suggests that using the ants' disliked smell is effective

in creating the repellant. Because the ingredients are readily available at home, they are

simple to obtain. Furthermore, they are organic and inexpensive, so they will not harm

your body or your wallet. As a result, they are simple to incorporate as an ingredient in

alternative repellants.

Based on the study's findings, the following recommendations are made:

1. Make sure you have enough money for the experiment.

2. Always use appropriate gear to avoid risking the researcher's safety.

3. Ensure that all necessary materials are available.

4. Follow the given measurements to ensure the effectiveness of the product.

5. Appropriate space for making the products.

6. Longer observation times are recommended when observing the effectiveness of

the repellant.
7. The product contains plaster of Paris, which can cause stomach problems when

ingested. Make sure to keep it out of the reach of children.

 REFERENCES

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5049.190623

Briano J., Calcaterra L., Varone L., "Fire Ants (Solenopsis spp.) and Their Natural
Enemies in Southern South America", Psyche: A Journal of Entomology, vol. 2012,
Article ID 198084, 19 pages, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/198084

de Souza Tavares, W. et al. Turmeric powder and its derivatives from Curcuma longa
rhizomes: Insecticidal effects on cabbage looper and the role of synergists. Sci. Rep. 6,
34093; doi: 10.1038/srep34093 (2016).

Damalas C. A. Potential uses of turmeric (Curcuma longa) products as alternative

means of pest management in crop production. Plant Omics 4, 136–141 (2011).

Fagerlund, R. (2004, September 4). Ant chalk could harm people more than ants.
SFGATE. Retrieved June 14, 2022, from
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than-ants-2728275.php

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invicta influenced by land-use patterns. Sci Rep 12, 11733 (2022).
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-15399-w

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from https://www.rentokil.com.sg/blog/what-do-ants-eat/

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wikiHow. Retrieved December 2, 2021, from https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Natural-
Insect-Repellent

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and Temporal Niches of Neotropical Species. Sociobiology, 64(3), 244–255.
https://doi.org/10.13102/sociobiology.v64i3.1623

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SAGE Publications, Inc. doi: 10.4135/9781412961288

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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcot.2013.09.004

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APPENDICES

APPENDIX A - RAW DATA TABLES

Table 2. Average Results of Quantitative Data Collected from Ants Unable to

Leave the Circle.
Ants Unable to Leave the Circle
 Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3
Set-ups Average
Turmeric extract chalk
9 9 8 8.67
(EG)
Miraculous chalk of
10 10 10 10
China (CG)

APPENDIX B - PICTURES OF OBSERVATION

APPENDIX C - PICTURES OF PRODUCT CREATION
 APPENDIX D - BUDGETARY REQUIREMENTS
ITEMS COST
A. Capital Outlay

Half a kilo of Turmeric 50Php

1 kilo of Plaster of Paris 45Php

Miraculous chalk of China 10Php

TOTAL 105Php