INSECT REPELLENT ACTIVITY USING LEMON GRASS ( Cymbopogon Citratus )

AGAINST MOSQUITO ( Aedes Aegypti ) ADULT

Introduction

Mosquitoes are small insects that are found everywhere in the world. They are a threat to

the environment especially to human health and even life. These insects can both have positive

and negative impacts on the ecosystem. A positive effect of mosquitoes is that their larvae and

full-grown forms provide food for a number of different organisms. They can also pollinate

certain plants, especially the aquatic or near-aquatic plants that they spend much of their lives

around. They earned their bad reputation because they can spread diseases that are dangerous

and deadly, some examples like malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and other serious diseases. In

such a situation, it is extremely important to prevent such problems and spread of the infectious

diseases through mosquitoes. It is vitally important to undertake measures to primarily inform

the public.

Nowadays, dengue has the highest cases and death toll increase. This disease mostly occurs on

tropical countries such as the Philippines. It is caused by mosquitoes (Aedes Aegypti Mosquito)

a domestic, day-biting mosquito that prefers to bite humans and is the main vector that transmits

the viruses that cause dengue. The symptoms of dengue fever are severe headache, pain in the

muscles and joints, and rash that can be described as small red spots. Female mosquitoes can lay

up to 300 eggs at a time, usually, the eggs are deposited in clusters called rafts on the surface of

stagnant water, or they are laid in areas that flood regularly. Currently there is no vaccine

available to prevent dengue. The only treatment is rest and intake of plenty of fluids like water.

Water is the best fluid to intake especially in these kinds of diseases. The majority of people in
the Philippines experience this disease due to the contaminated community like stagnant water,

where mosquitoes mostly lay their eggs.

A natural way to prevent such diseases is through the use of mosquito repellent plants.

Plant-based repellents have been used for generations in traditional practice as a personal

protection measure against host-seeking mosquitoes. Knowledge on traditional repellent plants

obtained through ethnobotanical studies is a valuable resource for the development of new

natural products. Most plants contain compounds that they use in preventing attack from

phytopagous ( plant eating ) insects. These chemicals fall into several categories, including

repellents, feeding deterrents, toxins, and growth regulators. This repellency of plant material has

been exploited for thousands of years by man, most simply by hanging bruised plants in houses,

a practice that is still in wide use throughout the developing countries. The field of plant-based

repellents is moving forward as consumers demand means of protection from arthropod bites that

are safe, pleasant to use and environmentally sustainable. Perhaps the most important

consideration is improving the longevity of those repellents that are effective but volatile such as

citronella.

Insect repellents are important tools for prevention of insect-borne diseases as well as painful or

uncomfortable insect bites. And one of natural insect repellent is the lemon grass

(Cymbopogon Citratus). Determining the effectiveness of lemon grass as insect repellent is the

main goal of the study. Specifically, it intends to apply the Double Boiling Method in obtaining

the natural elements and essential oil of lemon grass such as citral and citronella. The study has

found out that lemon grass is an effective and alternative natural insect repellent. The result of

the present study would provide knowledge and information about lemon grass as insect
repellent. Additionally, this study will produce significant and relevant information for future

studies regarding to insect repellent.

Therefore, the aim of this study is in order to prevent such diseases and help people

become sensible of the ways on how to prevent mosquitoes naturally at the same time preserve

the atmosphere. In such a way, the problem of mosquitoes and the spread of diseases may be

minimized through increasing safety measures and informing people about the potential danger.

FIGURE 1: SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM

SHOWING THE RELATIONSHIP OF INPUT, THRU PUT AND OUTPUT OF THE
STUDY.

Statement of the Problem

The purpose of this study is to determine how to prevent mosquito larvae by the use of

mosquito repellent plants.

Sub-problems:

1. What is the significance of the lemon grass mosquito repellent?

2. How can this benefit the people in the community?

3. How effective is the mosquito repellent plant in decreasing the number of mosquitoes

present in the surroundings?

4. What are the advantages of using natural repellents?

5. What is the difference between natural and artificial repellents?

Statement of the Hypothesis

 If the lemon grass will be extracted with its natural components, and observe it by

applying the lemon grass over a subject that can easily be approached by mosquitoes, then if it

repels the mosquito away, it is an effective lemon grass mosquito repellent.

Scope and Limitation

The focus of this study is to determine the effectiveness of lemon grass as mosquito

repellent. This study also focuses on the natural way of repelling insects through usage of

mosquito repellent plants and its effectiveness on preventing mosquitoes to spread diseases. In

this study, researchers will conduct the ways of insect repelling and will test the product’s

effectivity and lifespan through individual research.

Significance of the study

The study will be conducted to determine the effectiveness of lemon grass as natural

insect repellent. Extraction of lemon grass is through Double Boiling Method. The result of the

study will be useful for the determination of which repellents are better and it will also be useful

to families, companies, environmentalists and researchers in taking safety precautions for the

prevention of any mosquito-related disease that may cause bad effects to their health.

Review on Related Literature

According to Wikipedia, Mosquitoes are small, midge-like flies that belong to

the family Culicidae. Females of most species are ectoparasites, whose tube-like mouthparts

(called a proboscis) pierce the host’s skin to consume blood. The word "mosquito" (formed

by mosca and diminutive -ito) is Spanish for "little fly “. According to Bill Gates in his article
“The Deadliest Animal in the World” on year 2014 that there are thousands of species that feed

on the blood of various kinds of hosts. They mainly feed on Vertebrates that

includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even different types of fish. Some

mosquitoes also attack invertebrates, mainly other arthropods. Though the loss of blood is

seldom of any importance to the victim, the saliva of the mosquito often causes an irritating rash

that is a serious nuisance. Much more serious though, are the roles of many species of

mosquitoes as vectors of diseases. In passing from host to host, some transmit extremely serious

infections such as malaria, yellow fever, Chikungunya, West Nile virus, dengue

fever, filariasis, Zika virus and other viruses rendering it the deadliest insect in the world.

According to the researchers, Marta Ferreira Maia and Sarah J Moore, that plants are one

of the best mosquito repellents. The researchers analyzed the human use of plants that keep

mosquitoes away, from the time of ancient Greece to the present day. They gained information

that Greeks use handy strong-smelling plants because these plants have the best effectiveness.

We know from experience that plant-based mosquito repellents are that successful in many

countries around the world. According to their research repellents that contain diethyltoluamide

(DEET) are more effective. There are still people that use plant-based repellents because

according to researchers that these plant-based repellents are safer to use. They do not contain

chemicals that can harm people’s skin especially the children’s skin. The entomologists have

done a great job summarizing the results of dozens of biologist’s research. They compared their

field and lab studies and identified the plants that still do a great job on repelling mosquitoes.

Even though plant-based repellents are not the best, they still keep mosquitoes away from

people.
 Cymbopogon, also well known as lemongrass, is a tropical plant in the grass family. It is

commonly found in tropical countries, such as the Philippines. Not only it is used for culinary

purposes, but also used for repelling mosquitoes. It has components that repel insects. According

to Wikipedia on year 2012¸ it has the ability to repel insects, such as mosquitoes. This plant can

be used as products. Its oil is commonly used as a lure to attract honey bees. Lemongrass

oil is also used as pesticide and a preservative. It has many purposes and prevents mosquitoes

from transmitting airborne diseases to humans by planting it nearby or using lemongrass

products.

Based from an article by essential oils, some of the other components of lemongrass oil

are mycrene, and citronellal. Citronellal is the chemical compound that gives citronella oil a

recognizable scent. The components of chemical insect repellents are DEET, the most effective

and long-lasting ingredient used to repel insects are Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus which is

applicable in both lotion and spray insect repellents, and IR3535 (Aminopropionic Acid) which

contains alcohol that creates a fragrance to emit a pleasant and sweet smell of the repellent. This

is the main reason why insects have a short life span. These ingredients have chemical

substances that children cannot handle. However, using natural ingredients such as oil in lemon

eucalyptus, citronella and lemongrass are the safest and can be used in lotion and other products.

Insect repellents are usually used to avoid insect bites and to keep away from your skin and

clothing. As said by the healthverment.gov, natural insect repellents are safer than DEET

components of a repellent.
An article created by HerbalGram on November 10, 2011 to October 2012 contains information

about plant-based insect repellents. Plants produce chemicals that act as natural deterrents to

pests, and they have been used since ancient times to repel insects, most commonly by burning

plant material. The established use of plants as insect repellents in part contributes to their

acceptability among consumers. Plant-based active ingredients are also thought by some to pose

fewer risks to users. And since repellents are often applied directly to the skin, consumers tend to

favour products without the harsh chemical scent. Although, according to some experts, an

effective active ingredient is the most important consideration when choosing an insect repellent.

Perhaps more importantly, insect repellents derived from plants can be an inexpensive,

sustainable method of preventing disease in high-risk regions of the world. “If plant-based

repellents are ethically sourced and produced then they can bring trade to developing countries

and are less damaging to the environment,” said Dr. Moore. Plants are occasionally named in

accordance with their traditional uses, the Chinese name for lemon eucalyptus, quwenling,

translates roughly to effective mosquito repellent. Plant-based repellents provide very high

protection from a broad range of insect vectors over several hours.

According to Kalita B, in year 2013 shows that plants are alternative source of repellent

agent, reported in numerous ethno botanical evaluation. These plants repel mosquitoes in its

surrounding, preventing airborne diseases transmitting to the human body. These plants have

been used traditionally to the world. Majority are tropical countries. The repelling components

present in these plants are well known before the advent of artificial or synthetic chemicals.

Compared to artificial components, natural mosquito repellent plants are safer to use to

humankind. Since plants have natural components and doesn’t have synthetic chemicals present,
in contrast with artificial repellents, that threatens the environment. These have chemicals that

kill plants and it can also contaminate the soil and air.

Research Methodology

Methodology

Materials:

Lemon Grass Stalks (About 15 stalks)

Any unscented oil (We used Mineral oil)

Mortar and Pestle

Knife and Cutting Board

1 metal pot and bowl

1 glass bowl

Tightly sealed container

Spatula or Ladle
Strainer

Funnel (optional)

Procedure:

1) Prepare all the materials needed

2) Clean the lemon grass stalks with water

3) Crush The Lemon Grass Stalks using a Pestle

4) Slice the stalks into small fine pieces

5) Place the Sliced Lemon Grass Stalks in the Mortar and crush again using the pestle to

extract the oil.

6) In a bowl, place the cut pieces of lemongrass

7) Using a double-boiler or, as we have done, a pot and a glass bowl, allow 2 cups of water

to simmer in the pot.

8) Once steaming / boiling, pour oil into glass bowl that is placed above water pot.

9) Allow oil to warm. Scrape crushed lemongrass into oil and stir.

10) Keep mixture on low heat for a minimum of 60 minutes. The longer the infusion the

greater the extraction of lemongrass oil.

 11) After 60 minutes, turn off heat. Allow the bowl to cool on the counter for about 10

minutes.

12) Strain the lemongrass remnants from the oil and compost the strained lemongrass.

13) Pour oil using a funnel into a clean, dry jar with tight fitting lid.

Results of the Experiment

Results

In the experiment we have conducted, it was proven effective through successful tests.

The mosquito repellent oil we have made through the process of Double Boiling method was

productive. We had several volunteers that were tested through using our mosquito repellent oil.

Some volunteers applied the oil on their body while others did not. This is one way of knowing

whether our product is efficient or inefficient. After applying the oil, volunteers were placed in a

mosquito-prone area to test the oil’s effectiveness for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, results

showed that the volunteers that exerted the oil on their body were unattractive to mosquitoes

while the other participants reported that evidences of mosquito bites were found on their skin.

Conclusion of the Experiment

 Therefore we conclude that our experiment was a success. The product that uses Lemon

Grass extracts that we have made and tested reached our expectations. This experiment has also

proven to be very effective and productive, especially in repelling mosquitoes. Thus, the results

give motivation to all the people living especially in tropical countries. This is a great

opportunity that people should use natural mosquito repellents such as lemon grass in order to

prevent mosquitoes and decrease the number of mosquito-borne diseases.

Recommendation

The Researchers recommended the following:

1. To people who has a sensitive skin may use only the extracted Lemongrass alone as mosquito

repellent

2. Foe those people who are not satisfied in using extracted Lemongrass and garlic alone, The

researchers will highly recommended using the combination of lemongrass and garlic as

mosquito repellent

3. For those researchers who will conduct the same study we recommend for improvement

4. The Researchers recommend this study to the future researchers to be used as their guide on

making research about homemade organic products

5. The researchers suggest this study to the local government as basis for better achievement of

helping citizens with their problems about mosquitoes

6. The community suggest this study to the local government as basis for better achievement of

helping citizens with their problems about mosquitoes

Summary

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficiency of homemade organic ‘leppericspray’

as a mosquito repellent.

The primary data gathering device used by the researchers was survey questionnaires whichwas

developed by the researchers based on literature and related studies. This helped them to

assessthe frequencies of the respondents’ perception on the efficiency of homemade organic

Leppericspray as a mosquito repellent. The researchers gathered the information that is related

and relevant inthe present study by visiting reliable sources from the internet.The researchers

obtained data through the use of questionnaires. The statistical measures thatthey used for the

treatment of the data were percentage, weighted mean, and criterion

1. .Propose a solution that can be used as an alternative for commercialized mosquito repellents

that are costly and hard to produce.

2. Test and discover its quality of being effective, harmless and long-lasting in repelling

mosquitoes.
3. Aims to produce repellent out of lemongrass, black pepper, and garlic without wasting too

much effort or expenses

Definition of terms

There are important terms which are defined so that the thrust of the study can be clearly

understood.

Dengue – this term refers to a virus that is transmitted by an aedes mosquito and cannot be

treated by any kind of medicine.

Mosquito – this term refers to a small insect that can transmit mosquito-borne diseases.

Vector – this term refers to any agent that carries and transmits infectious diseases into another

living organism.

Host – this term refers to an organism that harbours a parasitic, a mutualistic, or a commensalism

guest, typically providing nourishment and shelter.

Mosquito Repellent Plant – this term refers to a type of plant that irritates mosquitoes

surrounding it.

Infectious – capable of causing infection.

Ethnobotanical – the plant lore of indigenous cultures, volatile likely to change in a very sudden

or extreme way.

Stagnant – not active, changing or progessing

Longetivity – the length of time that something or someone lasts or continues.

Picaridin – a clear, nearly odourless liquid, used as an insect repellent.

Lemon Grass – a fragrant tropical grass that yields an oil that smells lemon. It is widely used in

Asian cooking and in perfumery and medicine.

Double Boiling Method – to heat your recipe or project using steam or a saucepan with a

detachable upper compartment heated by boiling water in the lower one.

 Discussion

The implications of the results and trends derived from data analysis on lemongrass as a mosquito

repellent could range from public health interventions to cultural preservation efforts, depending on the

specific findings and context of the study.

These factors contribute to the popularity and trends surrounding articles about lemongrass as a mosquito

repellent by tapping into growing interest in natural remedies, concerns about chemical repellents,

scientific evidence supporting efficacy, cultural significance, and accessibility.-- There's been a

significant trend in recent years towards seeking natural alternatives for various health and household

needs. This includes interest in using natural ingredients like lemongrass as mosquito repellent due to

concerns about the potential health and environmental impacts of synthetic chemicals found in many

commercial repellents. Articles that highlight natural remedies like lemongrass are likely to attract

attention from individuals who are interested in eco-friendly and health-conscious solutions
These studies and articles contribute to the body of evidence supporting the effectiveness of lemongrass

as a mosquito repellent and highlight its potential utility in controlling mosquito populations and reducing

the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

Lemongrass-based mosquito repellents, containing citronella oil, can be effective at repelling mosquitoes

and are generally safe for use. However, their effectiveness may vary, and they may not provide long-

lasting protection compared to some synthetic repellents.

While lemongrass and citronella oil have been traditionally used as mosquito repellents, conflicting

research findings and scientific debates highlight the need for further investigation into their efficacy,

particularly under different environmental and experimental conditions. Addressing these contradictions

requires careful consideration of study design, standardization of testing protocols, and systematic

evaluation of the factors influencing repellent effectiveness.