EFFECTIVENESS OF CALAMANSI (CITROFORTUNELLA MICROCARPA) PEEL

AS ANT REPELLENT COMPARED TO INORGANIC REPELLENT

ALMARIO, JHONALYN E.

CASTILLO, CASSANDRA AYESHA

ZACARIAS, PRINCESS U-ONE M.

 Contents

EFFECTIVENESS OF CALAMANSI (CITROFORTUNELLA MICROCARPA) PEEL .......................... 1

AS ANT REPELLENT COMPARED TO INORGANIC REPELLENT ................................................... 1
ALMARIO, JHONALYN E. ..................................................................................................................... 1
CASTILLO, CASSANDRA AYESHA ..................................................................................................... 1
ZACARIAS, PRINCESS U-ONE M. ...................................................................................................... 1
CHAPTER I ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Introduction...................................................................................................................................................... 4
Background of the Study .............................................................................................................................. 4
Statement of the Problem ............................................................................................................................ 6
Objectives of the Study ................................................................................................................................ 6
Hypothesis .................................................................................................................................................... 7
Significance of the Study .............................................................................................................................. 7
Scope and Limitations .................................................................................................................................. 8
Conceptual Framework ................................................................................................................................ 8
Definition of Terms ....................................................................................................................................... 9
CHAPTER II ......................................................................................................................................... 10
Review of Related Literature .......................................................................................................................... 10
Introduction of Ant repellents ................................................................................................................... 10
Previous Studies on Organic Ant Repellents .............................................................................................. 10
Comparative Studies: Organic vs. Inorganic Repellents............................................................................. 13
Ant Behavior in Response to Organic and Inorganic Repellents................................................................ 14
Repellent Concentration and Efficacy ........................................................................................................ 14
Data Analysis Methods ............................................................................................................................... 16
Summary and Research Gap Identification ................................................................................................ 17
CHAPTER III ........................................................................................................................................ 19
Methodology .................................................................................................................................................. 19
Research Design ......................................................................................................................................... 19
Locale and Population ................................................................................................................................ 19
Research Materials ..................................................................................................................................... 20
Research Procedure ................................................................................................................................... 21
Repellent Test:............................................................................................................................................ 21
pH Test: ...................................................................................................................................................... 22
Density Measurement: ............................................................................................................................... 23
Statistical Treatment .................................................................................................................................. 24
CHAPTER IV........................................................................................................................................ 25
Result and discussion ..................................................................................................................................... 25
4.1 Results .................................................................................................................................................. 23
4.2 Discussion ............................................................................................................................................. 23
CHAPTER V......................................................................................................................................... 30
Summary of Findings, Conclusion and Recommendations ............................................................................ 30
Summary of Findings .................................................................................................................................. 26
Repellency Test .......................................................................................................................................... 30
pH Test........................................................................................................................................................ 31
Density Test ................................................................................................................................................ 31
Conclusion .................................................................................................................................................. 32
Recommendation ....................................................................................................................................... 33
CHAPTER VI........................................................................................................................................ 35
Bibliography.................................................................................................................................................... 35
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Ant infestation is a prevalent problem in many households in the Philippines, with

species such as the Carpenter ant (Camponotus spp.) being particularly common Ant

colonies, such as carpenter ants, acrobat ants, and red imported fire ants, have a common

behavior of invading human dwellings and establishments to establish new colonies or search

for food and water sources. This invasion can cause various problems such as food

contamination, disease transmission, stings (which can be life-threatening for people with

anaphylactic reactions), and damage to electrical currents. The Carpenter ant is larger and

known for its ability to cause structural damage by excavating wood (Leckranee et al., 2018).

Ants are also considered a nuisance as it is unpleasant to see them marching in homes.

These risks can lead to health concerns and economic losses for households. While

insecticides are effective in controlling ants, they are not suitable for household use due to

their residual toxicity that can harm human health. Once an infestation occurs, the Ants begin

their job, chewing through and hollowing down the wooden portions of your home, eventually

disrupting its structural integrity. When left untreated, their colonies can expand to over

10,000 workers, causing significant harm.

 Inorganic Ant Repellent can also be a risk by inhaling the pesticide, this can cause

difficulty breathing, chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, and even an asthma attack. One

potential organic ant repellent that shows promise is calamansi peel. Calamansi, a citrus fruit

native to Southeast Asia and commonly found in the Philippines, is known for its aromatic

properties and high citric acid content. Citric acid, along with other compounds present in the

peel, has been reported to have insect-repellent properties and contains d-limonene, a bitter

flavor that irritates insects by damaging the wax covering of the insect's respiratory system,

making it an effective repellent. However, limited research has been conducted to evaluate

the efficacy of calamansi peel as an ant repellent specifically for the black house ant or

Carpenter ant species commonly found in Filipino households.

This study aims to address this research gap by investigating the effectiveness of

calamansi peel as an organic ant repellent compared to an inorganic ant repellent, specifically

for the black house ant prevalent in households in the Philippines. By conducting controlled

experiments and analyzing the results, we seek to determine whether calamansi peel can be

a viable alternative for controlling ant infestation caused by these species.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of calamansi peel as an organic ant

repellent by comparing it to an inorganic ant repellent.

Specifically, this study seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What is the effectiveness of calamansi peel as an ant repellent compared to an

inorganic ant repellent?

2. What is the pH of the calamansi peel as an ant repellent compared to inorganic

ant repellent?

3. How does the calamansi peel solution's density compare to the inorganic ant

repellent's density?

Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of calamansi peel as

an organic ant repellent to an inorganic ant repellent.

Specifically, this study aims to:

1. Determine the effective rate of calamansi peel as an ant repellent compared to

inorganic ant repellent.

2. Evaluate the pH of the calamansi peel as an ant repellent and compare it to the

inorganic ant repellent.

3. Measure the density of the calamansi peel solution and compare it to the

density of the inorganic ant repellent.

Hypothesis

Ho: There is no significant difference in the effectiveness of calamansi peel and an

inorganic ant repellent.

Ha: There is a significant difference in the effectiveness of calamansi peel and an

inorganic ant repellent.

Significance of the Study

Results of this study would be useful to the following:

Nature - The research benefits nature by using organic repellent as a substitute for

inorganic repellent.

Product Makers - Sellers can also benefit from this study by selling organic products

knowing that it is safer to use than inorganic repellent.

Community - This study will inform people about the downside of using inorganic

repellent and its effects on them.

Future Researchers - The conducted study will further open doors for future

researchers to refine and expand studies about using calamansi peel as an organic ant

repellent. This may serve as a source of information about the comparison and effectiveness

of using organic ant repellent rather than inorganic ant repellent.

Scope and Limitations

This research will primarily look at the effectiveness and benefits of employing

Calamansi peel as an ant repellent. This study is limited to testing the repellent made from

Calamansi peel on ants in households; it does not address whether ants will be fully

eradicated.

Conceptual Framework

Figure 1
Definition of Terms

1. Ant Infestation - Ant infestation refers to a situation where ants have established a

significant presence in an area, such as human dwellings or establishments, beyond what is

considered normal or tolerable. Ant infestations can vary in severity and may involve large

numbers of ants, the presence of multiple ant colonies, and the intrusion of ants into various

parts of a structure or property.

2. Ant Repellent - An ant repellent is a substance or product designed to deter or repel

ants from entering or inhabiting a specific area. Ant repellents work by emitting certain scents,

chemicals, or other deterrent factors that are intended to discourage ants from approaching

or crossing treated surfaces. Ant repellents can be organic or inorganic, and they are

commonly used in households, gardens, or commercial settings to prevent ant infestations

or control ant populations.

3. Calamansi Peel - Calamansi peel refers to the outer skin or rind of the calamansi

fruit (Citrofortunella microcarpa), which is a citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia. The peel of

the calamansi fruit has been explored for its potential use as an ingredient in organic ant

repellents due to its natural properties, such as its scent or chemical compounds that may

repel ants.

4. Inorganic Ant Repellent: An inorganic ant repellent refers to a chemical or

substance not derived from natural sources and used to deter or repel ants. Inorganic ant

repellents often contain synthetic ingredients and are typically commercially produced and

formulated specifically for ant control purposes.

5. Organic Ant Repellent: An organic ant repellent refers to a substance or product

derived from natural sources, such as plants or minerals, and used to deter or repel ants.
 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Introduction of Ant repellents

One of the convenient methods for preventing insects is the use of insect repellent.

This is why a decision was made to create a liquid insect repellent. Numerous commercially

available liquid insect repellents are present in the market. However, the commonly used

commercial liquid insect repellent in the Philippines is expensive and contains chemicals that

may cause irritation. In this study, the aim is to utilize all-natural ingredients in liquid insect

repellent. By using natural ingredients, the resulting liquid insect repellent will be more

affordable and environmentally friendly. This study assesses the effectiveness of extracts

combined with natural essential oils, as natural insect repellents.

Previous Studies on Organic Ant Repellents

Previous studies on organic ant repellents have investigated a range of natural

extracts with potential repellent properties. These studies have explored extracts such as

lemon (Chaudhari PS, 2013), mint, cucumber, garlic, ginger (Joshua Jerome B. Casiño,

2017)r, lemongrass, pandan leaves, lavender (Marc Julian Daniel P. Malang, 2022), essential

oils (Voss L. , 2022)(such as tea tree and lemongrass) (Mike D. Francisco, 2018), lantana,

and oregano (Daniel Dalisay, 2017). Researchers have employed various methodologies to

evaluate the effectiveness of these organic compounds in repelling ants, including statistical

treatments such as ANOVA, Chi Test and T-values to analyze the data obtained.
 Among the plant mixtures tested, it was found that all plant mixtures, except

lemongrass with pandan leaves and ginger at a concentration of 10%, exhibited the highest

level of repellency. Furthermore, the use of 20% concentration of ginger was found to be

effective as an ant repellent.

In a separate study, the investigatory project aimed to determine the effectiveness of

lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) and pandan leaves (Amaryllifolius) as cockroach

repellents. The researchers used fresh pandan leaves and lemon grass as insect repellents

and employed the Steam Distillation technique to extract the products. Although the

experiments were conducted with cockroaches, the researchers noted that the repellents

would likely be effective against ants as well.

Additionally, the use of lavender in a chalk-like mixture was found to cause ants to

immediately flee upon application. In another study comparing three oils - lavender, tea tree,

and lemongrass - with a control group across multiple trials, lavender essential oil exhibited

the lowest repellency rate but the highest insecticide rate. Tea tree oil, on the other hand, was

the most effective repellent, creating an impenetrable barrier for ants. However, it should be

noted that the results of this study were inconclusive.

 Furthermore, on the case of lantana and oregano, based on the results of a test

conducted in a separate study, it was found that the Lantana Spray killed 57.7% of ants,

75.6% of termites, and repelled 85% of ants within 30 minutes. The Oregano spray killed

37.5% of ants, eliminated 59.8% of termites, and repelled 67% of ants within the same time

frame. When both lantana and oregano were mixed, it resulted in the killing of 45.5% of ants,

64.8% of termites, and repelling 73% of ants within 30 minutes. Analyzed and compared,

lantana was found to be the most effective in three aspects: ant killing, termite killing, and ant

repellency. It outperformed the other alternatives in terms of efficacy. Following lantana, the

combination of oregano and lantana spray showed promising results, while the oregano-only

spray was comparatively less effective.

Comparative Studies: Organic vs. Inorganic Repellents

Comparative studies have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of organic

and inorganic repellents in repelling ants. These studies aim to understand the advantages

and disadvantages of each type of repellent, as well as their overall efficacy in ant control. In

these studies, a variety of organic repellents have been tested, including natural extracts

such as lemon, mint, cucumber, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, pandan leaves, lavender,

essential oils (such as tea tree and lemongrass), lantana, and oregano. Inorganic repellents,

on the other hand, typically consist of chemical compounds specifically formulated for ant

control.

The concentration levels used in the experiments vary depending on the study and the

type of repellent being tested. Researchers explore a range of concentrations to determine

the optimal level for maximum effectiveness. By testing different concentrations, they can

identify the most potent and efficient concentration for each repellent.

The findings from these comparative studies provide insights into the effectiveness of

both organic and inorganic repellents in repelling ants. The outcomes often include data on

repellency rates, mortality rates of ants exposed to the repellents, and the duration of their

repellent effects. These findings help to assess the overall efficacy of the repellents and

inform the development of effective ant control strategies.

Ant Behavior in Response to Organic and Inorganic Repellents

Numerous studies have investigated the behavioral responses of ants to both organic

and inorganic repellents, aiming to understand their effectiveness in ant control. The

presence of repellents can induce various changes in ant behavior, including avoidance of

treated areas, modified foraging patterns, and reduced ant presence. For instance, in a

specific study, a chalk-like mixture containing lavender was examined as a repellent. When

applied, the ants immediately fled from the treated areas, indicating a strong repellent effect

of lavender. The scent or chemical compounds in lavender likely act as deterrents, causing

ants to avoid the treated areas. These observations highlight the potential of lavender as a

natural means of ant control, exemplifying the fleeing behavior exhibited by ants when

confronted with a lavender chalk-like mixture. However, the effectiveness of lavender as a

repellent may vary depending on the ant species and environmental factors. Further research

is needed to optimize the use of lavender and other natural repellents for effective ant

management.

Repellent Concentration and Efficacy

The studies conducted extensive investigations into the impact of varying

concentrations of organic extracts on the efficacy of ant repellents. These studies involved

testing specific concentration levels for different plant extracts, including ginger, lemongrass,

lavender, tea tree oil, lantana, and oregano. The results consistently demonstrated that the

majority of plant mixtures exhibited high levels of repellency against ants, substantiating their

potential as effective natural ant repellents. However, it is important to note that lemongrass

with pandan leaves and ginger, specifically at a 10% concentration, showed limited repellency

against ants. These findings align with the notion that concentration plays a crucial role in

determining the effectiveness of organic extracts as ant repellents.

 Among the tested organic extracts, ginger at a 20% concentration emerged as

particularly effective in repelling ants. The researchers observed that this specific

concentration level yielded optimal results, providing a strong deterrent effect against ants.

The findings regarding ginger's efficacy further support its potential as a natural and potent

ant repellent. Similarly, lemon grass and pandan leaves demonstrated promising

effectiveness in repelling cockroaches, suggesting their potential efficacy in deterring ants as

well. These results validate the notion that certain organic extracts, such as ginger, lemon

grass, and pandan leaves, possess repellent properties that can be harnessed for ant control.

In addition to evaluating the impact of varying concentrations, the studies delved into

the relationship between concentration and effectiveness of the tested organic extracts. By

comparing different concentration levels, researchers were able to observe how changes in

concentration affected the repellents' ability to repel ants effectively. These findings

contributed to determining the optimal concentration range that maximizes ant repellency. It

is important to acknowledge that the optimal concentration levels may vary depending on

factors such as the specific repellent, target ant species, and environmental conditions. Thus,

a nuanced understanding of the relationship between concentration and effectiveness is

essential for developing tailored and efficient ant control strategies.

 In conclusion, the comprehensive studies underscored the significance of

concentration in determining the efficacy of organic extracts as ant repellents. The majority

of plant mixtures exhibited high levels of repellency against ants, with ginger at a 20%

concentration being particularly effective. Lemon grass and pandan leaves also

demonstrated promise in repelling cockroaches, suggesting their potential as ant repellents.

The relationship between concentration and effectiveness was further explored, emphasizing

the importance of identifying the optimal concentration range for maximizing ant repellency.

These findings provide valuable insights for the development of effective and environmentally

friendly ant control methods.

Data Analysis Methods

The studies likely employed various statistical techniques to analyze the data obtained

from the experiments. These techniques might have included descriptive statistics to

summarize the repellency results, such as mean and standard deviation. Furthermore,

statistical inference methods like analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-tests, might have been

used to determine the significance of observed differences in repellency between different

concentrations or types of repellents. The type of data collected, and the study design would

determine the statistical techniques to be employed.

 To determine significant differences in repellency between organic and inorganic

repellents, the studies might have employed appropriate statistical tests. For example, a t-

test or ANOVA could have been used to compare the mean repellency values between the

two types of repellents. The choice of statistical test would depend on factors such as the

number of groups being compared and the distribution of the data. The significance level

(e.g., p-value) would have been used to determine if the observed differences were

statistically significant.

Summary and Research Gap Identification

Based on the information provided, the studies reviewed the impact of varying

concentrations of organic extracts on the efficacy of ant repellents. The results indicated that

most plant mixtures exhibited high levels of repellency against ants, with ginger at a 20%

concentration being particularly effective. However, lemongrass with pandan leaves and

ginger at a 10% concentration showed limited repellency. Lemon grass and pandan leaves

also demonstrated effectiveness in repelling cockroaches. These findings contribute to our

understanding of the potential efficacy of organic extracts as ant repellents.

 While the studies provided valuable insights, there may be some research gaps and

unanswered questions. For example, it would be beneficial to explore the long-term

effectiveness and durability of organic extracts as ant repellents. Additionally, further

investigations could focus on understanding the mechanisms by which these organic extracts

repel ants and identifying the active compounds responsible for their repellent properties.

There may also be a need for comparative studies that evaluate the effectiveness of organic

and inorganic repellents under different environmental conditions and against various ant

species.

The current research is motivated by the need for effective and environmentally

friendly methods of ant control. By studying the impact of varying concentrations of organic

extracts on ant repellency, the research aims to provide insights into optimizing the efficacy

of natural repellents. The findings contribute to the development of sustainable and eco-

friendly approaches for managing ant infestations. Additionally, the research helps bridge the

knowledge gap regarding the effectiveness of organic extracts as ant repellents and

highlights the potential for further exploration in this field.

 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

The researchers employed an experimental research design to investigate the

effectiveness of calamansi peel as an ant repellent compared to an inorganic ant repellent.

The study involved conducting experiments, making observations, and applying statistical

treatment methods to analyze the data. The research design aimed to determine if the ant

repellent derived from calamansi peel could repel the carpenter ants. To establish the

effectiveness of the repellents, a deeper analysis of variance was conducted using

appropriate statistical treatment techniques.

Locale and Population

The experiment will be conducted during the 2nd semester at the researcher's house

located in Barangay Timugan, Los Baños, Laguna. By selecting a specific residential setting

in Barangay Timugan, this study aims to investigate the effectiveness of calamansi peel as

an ant repellent compared to an inorganic ant repellent in a localized context. The

researcher's house in this particular area provides a suitable environment for observing and

analyzing ant infestation issues and evaluating the efficacy of the repellents in a real-life

setting.
Research Materials

The research materials for this study include calamansi peel (10-15 grams calamansi

peel), water (approximately 240 ml), 5 grams of honey, 30 ml vinegar, spray bottle, weighing

scale, Caldero, boxes for conducting the experiments, cutter, any glue to build the box, and

inorganic ant repellent.

15 grams of Calamansi peel each of every set, this contains d-limonene, a bitter flavor

that irritates insects by damaging the wax covering the insect's respiratory system. 30 ml of

vinegar per set, the scent of vinegar will drive them to avoid it or permanently leave the house

and 240 ml of water every set for a larger solution and drop 5 grams of honey to attract the

ants to start the experimentation.

The tools and equipment used in the study were Caldero for simmering calamansi peel

with water and vinegar, Spray Bottle to spray the solution that the researcher will make to test

if it is effectively repellent to ants, a weighing scale to weigh the materials used like calamansi

peel, water, and vinegar.

For conducting separate experiments with each organic and inorganic ant repellent,

suitable boxes of appropriate sizes are needed. The size of the boxes will depend on the

specific experimental setup and desired level of replication. The researchers use boxes

measuring approximately 25 cm x 25 cm x 25 cm (length x width x height) to accommodate

the desired number of replicates and provide ample space for ants to move for each 3 sets.

Each box will be clearly labeled to indicate which repellent (organic, inorganic or/and no ant

repellent) is being tested. Inorganic ant repellent, specific to the study, was used as a

comparative treatment if the conducted experimental study for organic ant repellent is

effective as it is.
Research Procedure

Repellent Test:

1. Gather calamansi peel, water, vinegar, weighing scale, graduated

cylinders, or measuring cups, spray bottles, and cardboard pieces.

2. Weigh the calamansi peel using a weighing scale to determine its

specific weight.

3. In a Caldero, combine water and vinegar and let it simmer.

4. Pour the simmered water and vinegar mixture over the calamansi peel

to create the solution (referred to as "Mixture 1").

5. Allow Mixture 1 to steep overnight (12 hours).

6. Transfer Mixture 1 to a spray bottle.

7. Prepare Mixture 2 ("white"):

a. Take 80% of Mixture 1 by weight.

b. Use Mixture 1 as the base and add additional ingredients to make

the final weight 100%.

c. Mix the ingredients thoroughly.

d. Transfer Mixture 2 to a separate spray bottle.

8. Prepare Mixture 3 ("green"):

a. Take 50% of Mixture 1 by weight.

b. Use Mixture 1 as the base and add additional ingredients to make

the final weight 100%.

c. Mix the ingredients thoroughly.

d. Transfer Mixture 3 to a separate spray bottle.

 9. Cut three pieces of cardboard measuring 25 cm x 25 cm x 25 cm (length

x width x height) for each setup.

10. Use a cutter to cut the cardboard pieces and glue them together to build

a sturdy box.

11. Place 5 grams of honey at one end of the box to attract the ants.

12. Set up three different scenarios:

a. In Setup 1, spray Mixture 1 (calamansi peel solution) on the ants.

b. In Setup 2, spray Mixture 2 ("white") on the ants.

c. In Setup 3, spray Mixture 3 ("green") on the ants.

13. Observe and record the behavior of the ants in each setup as they approach the

honey.

pH Test:

1. Gather pH meter, pH calibration solutions, and Mixture 1, Mixture

2, and Mixture 3.

2. Calibrate the pH meter using the provided pH calibration solutions

according to the manufacturer's instructions.

3. Dip the pH meter probe into Mixture 1 and record the pH value.

4. Rinse the pH meter probe with distilled water and repeat step 3

for Mixture 2 and Mixture 3, recording the pH values for each.

Density Measurement:

1. Gather a weighing scale, graduated cylinders, and Mixture 1,

Mixture 2, and Mixture 3.

2. Weigh Mixture 1 using a weighing scale. Record the weight.

3. Use a graduated cylinder to measure a specific volume of Mixture

2. Weigh the measured volume of Mixture 2 using the weighing scale. Record

the weight.

4. Use a graduated cylinder to measure a specific volume of Mixture

3. Weigh the measured volume of Mixture 3 using the weighing scale. Record

the weight.

5. Calculate the density of Mixture 1 by dividing the weight of Mixture

1 (obtained in step 2 of the Density Measurement) by the volume of Mixture 1.

6. Calculate the density of Mixture 2 by dividing the weight of Mixture

2 (obtained in step 3 of the Density Measurement) by the volume of Mixture 2.

7. Calculate the density of Mixture 3 by dividing the weight of Mixture

3 (obtained in step 4 of the Density Measurement) by the volume of Mixture 3.

Statistical Treatment

The statistical treatment for this study involves conducting a chi-square test to analyze

the association between the type of repellent (calamansi peel solution, inorganic ant

repellent) and ant behavior (approaching the honey or not). The results of the chi-square test

will determine if there is a significant difference in ant behavior based on the type of repellent

used, providing insights into the relative effectiveness of the two repellents for managing ant

infestation.

Where:

Oi = observed value (actual value)

Ei = expected value
 CHAPTER IV

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Repellency Test

The results of the repellency test showed that there was no significant difference in

the effectiveness of calamansi peel and inorganic ant repellent in repelling ants. The Chi

Square Test yielded a calculated statistic of 1.0295 with a p-value of 0.984471, which is

greater than the significance level of 0.05. Therefore, we fail to reject the null hypothesis (Ho)

that there is no significant difference in effectiveness between the two repellents. This

suggests that calamansi peel can be as effective as inorganic ant repellent in repelling ants.

Figure 2
 Results

Row
Inorganic solution 1 solution 2 solution 3
Totals

18 (19.14) [0. 17 (17.82) [0. 15 (13.86) [0. 17 (16.17) [0.

trial 1 67
07] 04] 09] 04]

20 (19.14) [0. 20 (17.82) [0. 12 (13.86) [0. 15 (16.17) [0.

trial 2 67
04] 27] 25] 08]

20 (19.71) [0. 17 (18.35) [0. 15 (14.28) [0. 17 (16.66) [0.

trial 3 69
00] 10] 04] 01]

Colu 203 (Gra

58 54 42 49
mn Totals nd Total)

Table 1: Repellency Test

The chi-square statistic is 1.0295. The p-value is .984471. The result is not significant at p < .05.
PH Test

The pH test results indicated that there was no significant difference in the pH levels

between calamansi peel solution and inorganic ant repellent. The Chi Square Test yielded a

calculated statistic of 0 with a p-value of 1, which is greater than the significance level of 0.05.

This means that there is no statistical difference in pH levels between the two repellents. The

exact pH values for inorganic ant repellent and calamansi peel solutions were 9.21 and

around 7, respectively. The pH levels of the solutions are within acceptable ranges for ant

repellents.

Figure 3
 Results

Row
Inorganic solution 1 solution 2 solution 3
Totals

9 (9.00) [0.00 7 (7.00) [0.00 7 (7.00) [0.00 7 (7.00) [0.00

trial 1 30
] ] ] ]

9 (9.00) [0.00 7 (7.00) [0.00 7 (7.00) [0.00 7 (7.00) [0.00

trial 2 30
] ] ] ]

9 (9.00) [0.00 7 (7.00) [0.00 7 (7.00) [0.00 7 (7.00) [0.00

trial 3 30
] ] ] ]

Colum 90 (Gran
27 21 21 21
n Totals d Total)

Table 2: pH Test

The chi-square statistic is 0. The p-value is 1. The result is not significant at p < .05.
Density Test

The density test results showed that there was no significant difference in density

between calamansi peel solution and inorganic ant repellent. The Chi Square Test yielded a

calculated statistic of 0 with a p-value of 1, which is greater than the significance level of 0.05.

This indicates that there is no statistical difference in density between the two repellents. The

exact density for both solutions was around 5 x 10^-2 g/cm³, suggesting that they have similar

physical properties.

Results

Row
Inorganic solution 1 solution 2 solution 3
Totals

5 (5.00) [0.00 5 (5.00) [0.00 5 (5.00) [0.00 5 (5.00) [0.00

trial 1 20
] ] ] ]

5 (5.00) [0.00 5 (5.00) [0.00 5 (5.00) [0.00 5 (5.00) [0.00

trial 2 20
] ] ] ]

5 (5.00) [0.00 5 (5.00) [0.00 5 (5.00) [0.00 5 (5.00) [0.00

trial 3 20
] ] ] ]

Colum 60 (Gran
15 15 15 15
n Totals d Total)

Table 3

The chi-square statistic is 0. The p-value is 1. The result is not significant at p < .05.
 CHAPTER V

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Repellency Test

The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of calamansi (Citrofortunella

microcarpa) peel as an ant repellent to an inorganic repellent through three trials. The results

of the trials were analyzed using the Chi Square Test.

In Trial 1, the inorganic repellent repelled 18 ants, while the calamansi peel solutions

repelled 17, 15, and 17 ants, respectively. In Trial 2, the inorganic repellent repelled 20 ants,

while the calamansi peel solutions repelled 20, 12, and 15 ants, respectively. In Trial 3, the

inorganic repellent repelled 20 ants, while the calamansi peel solutions repelled 17, 15, and

17 ants, respectively.

The statistical analysis using the Chi Square Test yielded a calculated chi square

statistic of 1.0295 with a p-value of 0.984471. Since the p-value is greater than the

significance level of 0.05, the null hypothesis was not rejected. This means that there is no

significant difference in the effectiveness of calamansi peel and the inorganic ant repellent in

repelling ants based on the data collected from the trials.

pH Test

The pH test involved three trials, with observations recorded for each solution. The

table displays the number of observations for each solution in each trial, along with the row

and column totals. The grand total of observations across all trials is 90. The chi-square

statistic calculated for the pH test is 0, indicating no significant association or difference in pH

values among the solutions. Furthermore, the associated p-value is 1, which is greater than

the commonly used significance level of p < 0.05. As a result, the test results are deemed not

significant at the chosen significance level. In simple terms, the findings suggest that there is

no substantial evidence to support a significant difference in pH among the solutions tested

in this study. The solutions' pH values seem similar and do not exhibit significant variations.

Density Test

The test involved three trials, with observations recorded for each solution. The table

displays the number of observations for each solution in each trial, along with the row and

column totals. The grand total of observations across all trials is 60. The chi-square statistic

calculated for the test is 0, indicating no significant association or difference in the results

among the solutions. Furthermore, the associated p-value is 1, which is greater than the

commonly used significance level of p < 0.05. As a result, the test results are deemed not

significant at the chosen significance level. In simpler terms, the findings suggest that there

is no substantial evidence to support a significant difference in the results among the solutions

tested in this study. The results for each solution appear to be similar and do not exhibit

significant variations.
Conclusion

Based on the results of the three tests conducted (pH test, Repellency test, and

Density test), the analysis indicates that we reject the null hypothesis in all three cases. For

the pH test, the obtained p-value of 1 suggests that there is no significant difference in the

pH values among the tested solutions.

In the Repellency test, the p-value obtained was less than 0.05, indicating a significant

difference in the effectiveness of the calamansi peel and the inorganic ant repellent in

repelling ants based on the collected data from the trials.

Similarly, in the Density test, the p-value obtained was also less than 0.05, indicating

a significant difference in the density among the tested solutions. Therefore, based on the

results of these tests, we can conclude that there are significant differences observed in the

effectiveness of the repellents in repelling ants as well as in the density of the solutions.

However, there is no significant difference observed in the pH values among the tested

solutions. It is important to note that these conclusions are based on the specific tests

conducted and the data collected in this study. Further research and analysis may be required

to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing these variables and

their implications.
Recommendation

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations can be made:

1. Further Research: Conduct further research to explore other factors that may

influence the effectiveness of calamansi peel and inorganic ant repellents. Investigate

variables such as concentration, application method, and the specific ant species being

targeted. This will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute

to these repellents' efficacy.

2. Optimization of Calamansi Peel: Investigate different methods of extracting and

processing calamansi peel to maximize its ant-repellent properties. This could involve

exploring different concentrations, formulations, or extraction techniques to enhance the

repellent effects. Additionally, consider conducting experiments with fresh calamansi peel as

well as dried or processed forms to assess any variations in effectiveness.

3. Comparative Studies: Conduct comparative studies between calamansi peel and

other natural ant repellents to determine their relative effectiveness. This could involve testing

other citrus peels or plant extracts known for their repellent properties. Comparative studies

will provide valuable insights into the potential of calamansi peel as an alternative to existing

natural repellents.
 4. Field Testing: Perform field tests to evaluate the effectiveness of calamansi peel

and inorganic repellents in real-world scenarios. Controlled laboratory trials provide initial

insights, but field testing will provide a more accurate assessment of performance under

natural conditions. Factors such as weather, environmental variables, and ant behavior in

natural habitats should be considered during field testing.

5. Practical Application: Explore practical applications of calamansi peel as an ant

repellent, such as developing consumer products or integrating the peel into pest control

strategies. Collaborate with industry partners or relevant stakeholders to explore the

feasibility of incorporating calamansi peel as an ingredient in commercial repellents or

developing alternative pest control methods.

6. Public Awareness and Education: Promote public awareness about the potential

of natural repellents, including calamansi peel, as alternatives to synthetic chemical

repellents. Educate the public about the benefits, limitations, and proper usage of these

repellents, emphasizing their eco-friendliness and potential for reducing environmental

impact.
 CHAPTER VI

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