ROSEMARY EXTRACT MIXED WITH COCONUT OIL

AS A NATURAL REMEDY IN REPELLING DOG TICKS

____________________________________________

A Research Paper Presented to the Senior High School

Department of Mater Dei College

In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements

for the Subject Practical Research 2

____________________________________________

By:

OUANO, MARC NELSON C.

DEGOLLACION, HANS MARYL B.

TUQUIB, RAFAEL VINCE DEE P.

PEGI, MIKE NEIL A.

CABRERA, JUMAR LANDER C.

JANUARY 2024
 CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

INTRODUCTION

Rationale of the Study

It is widely acknowledged that dogs are a human’s best friend. Dogs

earned the title through their unwavering loyalty, companionship, and unique

ability to forge deep emotional bonds with humans. However, ticks are the

monarch enemy of every dog; ticks are a major problem in houses where

there are dogs residing. Dog ticks are a tiny, wingless insect that thrives on the

blood of their host. This insect has a flattened body that enables it to move

swiftly through the dog’s fur. Tick bites could lead to itching and allergic

reactions in dogs, and they could also lead to a dog’s death due to severe

infections that have been passed on from one dog to another. Also, there are

some cases where houses are infested with dog ticks, resulting in people

getting tick bites.

The use of repellents has become one of the most efficient ways to

prevent disease transmission and the discomfort associated with tick bites.

Hence, tick bites were the main reason why dog owners purchased several

synthetic dog tick repellents that contained strong chemicals that were

effective yet posed a threat to dogs life. For instance, chemicals like

permethrin, imidacloprid, or dinotefuran. In addition, these chemicals have

detrimental effects on a dog’s physical body, leading to baldness, skin

irritations, and even

 2

making dogs vomit when inhaled or licked. There are also some instances

where dogs pass away due to these chemicals.

With that being said, there is an immediate need to find viable

ingredients that can be used as an alternative for these ingredients, which

have the ability to do their main purpose without any negative effects on a

dog’s health and will not interfere in the process of obliterating dog ticks. Thus,

rosemary extract and coconut oil would be great alternative as these are

organic ingredients that are safe for both the dog and the owner.

In conclusion, the researchers would like to find feasible, organic, and

safer alternatives for synthetic chemical-containing dog tick repellents, as they

have several negative health repercussions for dogs. Hence, the researchers

would test the effectiveness of utilizing rosemary extract and coconut oil as the

main components in creating an organic repellent for battling dog ticks such as

blacklegged ticks, brown dog ticks, and lone star ticks.

Theoretical Background

This study is anchored with three significant theories; namely: the

Island Biogeography Theory, Theory of Taste, and lastly, the Stereochemical

Theory of Olfaction.

First, the Island of Biogeography Theory that was developed by Robert

MacArthur and Edward O. Wilson (1960), which states that the number of
 3

species on an island is determined by two factors, such as immigration and

extinction. Immigration is the rate at which new species arrive on the island.

While, extinction means the rate at which species vanish from the island.

This theory can be applied to this study by considering dogs as the

island, and ticks as the species. Like most parasites, ticks rely in finding

themselves a compatible host to survive and reproduce. In the case of a dog

as their chosen suitable host, ticks’ primary method of immigration is through

direct contact or attachment. As dogs hover around in unknown places or have

been in contact with other dogs that potentially have these parasites, this

makes them susceptible for the transmission of ticks. Once attached, ticks’

feeds on the dog’s blood, gaining essential nutrients for them to survive and to

continue to their life-cycle. However, with the use of rosemary extract and

coconut oil as a tick repellent, this can act as an extinction factor for these

parasites, disheveling the ticks’ capacity to settle themselves on the dog’s skin

and fur.

Secondly, the Theory of Instinctive Behavior (1963) by Konrad Lorenz,

an Austrian ethologist, asserts that certain behaviors in animals are intrinsic,

and not learned through experience. This theory features the importance of

instinctive and innate behavior patterns that supports in an organism’s

adaptation and survival. According to this theory, animals are born with

specific behavioral responses that are vital for them in order to survive and

reproduce.
 4

In alliance to the research study, the Theory of Instinctive Behavior is

relevant in understanding the potential change of instinctive behavior in dog

ticks against rosemary extract mixed with coconut oil. If the mixture triggers

the ticks to stay away to their hosts, it could be because it sparks their natural

instincts to avoid potential threats that can lead to its death.

Lastly, we have The Stereochemical Theory of Olfaction, proposed by

John Amoore in 1952. This theory stated that the sense of smell is present

from the interaction of shape and arrangement of atoms in odorant particle.

Moreover, this theory also deals with the sense of smell on how humans,

animals, and ticks utilize it to perceive and communicate to their surroundings.

Ticks, like other insects, heavily relies on their sense of smell as this is

the only way for them to survive and find potential hosts to thrive in. This

theory aids the research study in guiding the researchers in understanding

how ticks will potentially respond to the smell of rosemary extract and coconut

oil. Rosemary extract and coconut oil have a strong and distinct odor that can

potentially repel ticks. By utilizing these organic ingredients, ticks may detect

these odors and can serve as signals to avoid them from attaching to the

treated hosts.
 5

Rosemary Extract Mixed with Coconut Oil as a Natural

Remedy in Repelling Dog Ticks

Rosemary Oil Extract Repellency Rate

Mixed with Coconut Oil Against Ticks

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework

 6

Review of Related Literature

Ticks are small, wingless insects with a tough cuticle bearing many bristles

and frequently combs (ctenidia) of broad, flattened spines. The adult ticks

varies from about 0.1 to 0.32 cm (0.039 to 0.13 inch) in length and feeds

exclusively on the blood of mammals (including humans) and birds. With about

2,000 species and subspecies known, the order is still a small one compared

with many other groups of insects. However, it is widely distributed with some

—such as the rat tick and the mouse tick—having been carried all over the

world by dogs. Native species of ticks are found in polar, temperate, and

tropical regions (Traub & Rothschild, 2023).

Most cases of tick allergy dermatitis occur in the late summer,

corresponding to the peak of flea populations. Dogs younger than 1 year old

do not usually have tick allergy dermatitis. Generally, diagnosis is made by

visual observation. Slowly parting the hair often reveals tick excrement or

rapidly moving tick. Tick excrement is reddish black, cylindrical, and pellet or

comma-shaped. Placed in water or on a damp paper towel, the excrement

dissolves, producing a reddish-brown color. Extremely sensitive dogs are likely

to be virtually free of ticks because of excessive self-grooming (Dryden, 2018).

Furthermore, due to the increase of tick allergy dermatitis, tick

repellents were made by different entrepreneurs. Tick repellents are

commonly applied as ‘spot-on’ treatments on dogs and cats to prevent or kill

 7

fleas or ticks, but they contain toxic chemicals that are making it into UK

rivers and ponds, particularly in urban areas (Dunning, 2023).

In addition, some of these repellents utilizes chemicals like permethrin,

a synthetic pyrethroid, is characterized by a high level of potency against a

wide range of vectors, rapid reactivity, excellent photostability, resistance to

weathering, low mammalian toxicity and high potency in tick and insect bite

prevention(Yu, 2014). However, skin irritation, including itching, swelling,

redness, mild burning and stinging may occur after treatment with permethrin

(Faulde et al. 2003, 2006).

Moreover, an article, “Permethrin Side Effects in Dogs”, by VetInfo talks

about the side effects of the permethrin in dogs it could be in the form of

redness, itching with discoloration, a rash or loss of hair, vomiting, drooling,

diarrhea, change in body temperature (higher or lower), tremors, lethargy, and

seizures.

Another article, “Imidacloprid-Topical”, by Rania Gollakner, talks about

imidacloprid and its side effects on animals. Imidacloprid is a topical

medication used to treat fleas. It is also used in combination with other

medications to treat other parasites such as ticks, mosquitoes, chewing lice,

heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, scabies, cheyletiellosis,

demodex, or ear mites. If pet licks the medication, excessive drooling may

occur due to the bitterness of the medication. If a dog licks the combination

product, Advantage Multi®, drooling, shaking, vomiting, and decreased

 8

appetite may occur. Rarely with the combination product Advantage Multi®,

dogs may have itchiness, sleepiness, decreased appetite, or hyperactivity.

Skin irritation can occasionally occur at the application site (Gollakner, n. d.).

Lastly, the study “Dinotefuran toxicosis in dogs: A review of 113 cases”

by Veterinary and Comparative Dermatology (2016) talks about what

dinotefuran is and its negative impacts to animals. Dinotefuran is a

neonicotinoid insecticide that is commonly used in topical flea and tick

preventives for dogs. While dinotefuran is generally considered to be safe for

dogs when used as directed, there have been reports of dinotefuran toxicosis

in dogs. The most common signs of dinotefuran toxicosis in dogs were

vomiting (71.2%), diarrhea (41.5%), hypersalivation (33.6%), and lethargy

(29.3%). Other signs included tremors (22.1%), incoordination (16.8%),

seizures (10.6%), and pemphigus-like lesions (2.7%). The median time to

onset of clinical signs was 24 hours after exposure to dinotefuran (Veterinary

and Comparative Dermatolgy, 2016).

Due to all the negative health implications of synthetic dog tick

repellents, the researchers would like to consider using organic materials to

promote a better solution for the health of both dogs and humans. Considering

the fact that rosemary is available in some regions of the Philippines, and

coconut oil is quite abundant in the Philippines makes it a feasible choice as

an alternative.
 9

Plant essential oils (EOs) specially their monoterpen components;

exhibit a variety of biological activities against a wide spectrum of insect pests.

They can adversely affect the growth and reproduction rate, behavior trait of

insect pests and act as contact insecticide, fumigant, repellent and antifeedant

agent. These compounds have a low risk profile on the environment,

mammals, and humans and might comprise natural alternatives for

conventional insecticides (Bakkali et al. 2008).

An article by Casalena (2023), “5 Plants that Repel Pesky Ticks”, shows

the main properties of rosemary plant that repells ticks. The tick-repelling

properties of rosemary stem from the essential oils found within its leaves.

These oils contain compounds like cineol, camphor, and terpene, which emit a

potent scent. This scent acts as a natural deterrent for ticks and other insects.

When the aroma of rosemary releases into the environment, it creates an

atmosphere that ticks find disagreeable, prompting them to avoid the area

(Casalena, 2023).

In 2018, a study by Hanene et al., “Insecticide Effect of Pennyroyal and

Rosemary Essential Oils on the Rice Weevil” which aimed at evaluate the

potential insecticide essential oils from two plants of the family Lamiaceae

pushing the spontaneous state in the Tiaret region (western Algeria).

Insecticides tests were performed in the laboratory by the direct contact

method. The results of these tests have shown that rosemary essential oil has

remarkable insecticidal properties. They induced 100% mortality of adult rice

weevils to 15μl dose after only 24 hours of exposition. The essential oil of
 10

pennyroyal induced 70 % mortality at the same dose and for the same

exposure time. Lethal doses (LD50) are determined in the order of 5,58 for

rosemary and 7,36μl for pennyroyal. The LD90 Are in order of 9.36 μl it mean

between the second and third dose tested for the rosemary and of 12.52μl for

the pennyroyal and in the same two essential oils experimental conditions

prevent the development of rice weevil larvae Sitophylus oryzae to 5 μl dose

(Hanene et al., 2018).

In 2022, another study by Bampidis et al. , “Safety and Efficacy of Two

Solvent Extracts of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) When Used as Feed

Additive for Cats and Dogs (Kemin Nutrisurance Europe SRL)”, featuring how

safety rosemary is when being feed to specific animals. The European Food

Safety Authority was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and

efficacy of two rosemary extracts obtained from the of Rosmarinus

officinalis L., as a technological (antioxidant) feed additive for cats and dogs.

The two rosemary extracts were obtained through two different solvent

extraction methods, acetone and ethanol. The additives were specified to

contain carnosic acid and carnosol as the reference antioxidative compounds

at a minimum content of their sum as ≥ 10% in the case of the acetone extract

and ≥ 5% for the ethanol extract. Based on the data available, the FEEDAP

Panel concluded that the maximum safe concentrations of the additives in

feed were 300 and 50 mg/kg feed, for dogs and cats, respectively (Bampidis et

al., 2022).
 11

To add more information about rosemary, another article by Renee

Dobbs (2022), “Can Dogs Eat Rosemary? What You Need to Know”, explains

how healthy rosemary is for dogs, which will help this study to ensure that

rosemary doesn’t possess any threats to the dogs. Rosemary is not toxic to

dogs. On the contrary, there are a lot of health and nutrition benefits of this

herb. It is safe to add rosemary to pet food or your dog’s water. In its natural

form, rosemary can provide a lot of health benefits for your pet. It’s a good

thing for their health, and immune system, and can even improve their mood

(Dobbs, 2022).

An article by Charisa (2021), relevant to one of the components of this

study (coconut oil), “Coconut Oil for Fleas and Ticks”, states the properties of

coconut oil that makes it an effective repellent. According to Charisa (2021),

100% natural, human-grade coconut oil acts as an effective flea and tick

repellent. It's a safe and natural alternative to powerful chemicals that risk the

health of your precious pets. Chemical pest preventatives work by entering

your pet's bloodstream, killing fleas and ticks on ingestion of your pet's blood.

Therapeutic coconut oil is different. It repels and kills fleas and ticks on contact

– eliminating harmful side effects. Since therapeutic coconut oil is non-toxic,

free of chemicals, and soothing to your pet's skin, it's the perfect solution to

the pest problem. It has been the traditional remedy for fleas, mites, (and even

lice) in the Philippines for centuries.

In 2018, another study by Madison, “Coconut Oil – The Natural Flea

and Tick Solution for Pets”, focuses on the main property of coconut oil that
 12

makes it a safer alternative for commercial repellent. Coconut oil is an organic

food-grade product that contains lauric acid which acts as a repellent to fleas

and ticks. It is especially good to note that coconut oil is non-toxic so if your

pet licks it (and they usually do), it is perfectly safe. It also won’t have any

short or long-term toxic side effects. Coconut oil is a saturated fat with over

40% lauric acid, the richest source naturally available. How it works? The

theory is that the fat in coconut oil literally suffocates them (Madison, 2018).

To add on, in 2018, another study related about the different component

in this study which is the coconut oil, “Better than DEET Repellent Compounds

Derived from Coconut Oil” by Zhu et al. presented that fatty acid derived from

coconut oil contains a highly efficacious repellant compound. These coconut

fatty acids are active against a broad array of blood-sucking arthropods

including biting flies, ticks, bed bugs and mosquitoes (Zhu et al., 2018). The

coconut fatty acids showed strong repellency to two tick. For the lone star

tick, Amblyomma americanum, over 95% repellency was observed when test

concentrations were above 0.625% (0.05 mg/cm2) in a veretical filter paper

assay. A petri dish bioassay demonstrated that the coconut fatty acids

provided protection for up to 7 days, and had a repellency between 84% and

88% to brown dog ticks, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Zhu et al., 2018).

In 2020, a study by Bunakov et al. (2020), “Testing Tick Repellent

Effectiveness” aimed to test different repellents and show how they test the

repellent efficacy of a product. For the collection of the ticks, each researcher

will capture between 20 and 25 ticks and transfer them using forceps/tweezers
 13

into a glass mason jar fitted with a fine mesh covering over the opening,

secured with a mason jar ring, and containing wet cotton balls for moisture. To

simulate the movement of animals or humans, a corduroy blanket will be

dragged for 50 meters through the potential tick habitat. The blanket will then

be inspected and any “captured” ticks will be removed and placed in the jar.

For the testing of the repellents, the testing will take place indoors, at room

temperature. Windows will be closed and ventilation turned off to avoid air

movement disruption of tick behavior. After collection, the corduroy blanket

used to capture ticks will be shaken to loosen any debris, and cut into 4 equal

18 x 24-inch pieces then each blanket piece will be labelled in the corner with

a number from 1 to 4 using a sharpie and a 5 cm diameter circle will be drawn

in the center as a treatment application target and for tracking tick movement.

Prior to treatment of blanket, test liquids will be transferred from their original

container to 2 oz glass spray bottles each labeled 1 to 4. Labelled blanket

pieces will be treated in the circle with the following substances: 1 = Tap water

(control treatment), 2 = Off! Deep woods Insect Repellent VII, 3 = Repel Insect

Repellent (Plant-Based, Lemon Eucalyptus), 4 = Sawyer Picaridin Insect

Repellent. For the treatment application, blanket piece will be held vertically in

one hand and its matching spray bottle will be held in the other. The spray

bottle will be brought 6 inches from the center of the circle drawn on the

blanket piece surface and pumped 1 time. Process will be repeated for each of

the 4 treatment groups. Liquid will be allowed to dry for approximately 5

minutes prior to tick placement. For the tick response testing, blanket piece will
 14

be laid horizontally on a surface and a single tick will be placed in the center of

the drawn circle. Ten seconds after tick placement, the top 4 inches of the

blanket piece will be secured to a tabletop with a heavy object (e.g., textbook)

and the rest will be allowed to freely hang from the tabletop edge. A box or a

bin will be placed on the ground underneath the hanging blanket piece to

catch any dropping ticks. The test trials will run for 2 minutes. Each researcher

will replicate this process 5 times for each treatment group, resulting in a total

of 20 tests performed by each researcher (Bunakov et al., 2020).

Lastly, a related study, “Tick Repellent Test” by Microbe Investigations

Switzerland, conducted an experiment about the efficacy of a dog tick

repellent; however, they didn’t use dogs as their subject source of heat, they

used mouse. Specifically, Swiss albino Mouse (Mus musculus) is the heat

source for the tick as an attractant. Untreated (without repellent) and treated

fabric (with repellent) are compared to evaluate the number of ticks attracted

towards the mouse. In Tick Repellent Test Procedure, the untreated fabric

(control) and treated fabric are tested, Then, mouse as the heat source to

attract the ticks is placed under the fabric. The 10 numbers of ticks are placed

on the fabric. The number of ticks repelled (move away from the fabric) at

each time interval are recorded. Assessment Frequency: Number of ticks

repelled at each time interval in 30 minutes. Such as 0-10 minutes, 10-20

minutes and 20-30 minutes. Repellence is evaluated by counting the number

of ticks on treated versus non-treated (control) (Microbe Investigations

Switzerland, n. d.).
 15

In conclusion, the prevalence of tick allergy dermatitis and the

associated health risks posed by synthetic tick repellents, such as permethrin,

imidacloprid, and dinotefuran, highlights the need for safer alternatives. The

negative side effects documented in several studies underscore the potential

harm to both pets and humans. Also, considering the environmental impact of

these chemicals, exploring organic solutions becomes vital. The promising

efficacy of rosemary oil against spider mites and its non-persistence in the

environment, as stated in studies by Miresmailli and Isman (2006), along with

the insecticidal properties of rosemary oil reported by Hanene et al. (2018),

makes it a compelling candidate for a natural tick repellent. Additionally, the

repellent properties of coconut oil, as revealed in the study by Zhu et al.

(2018), offer another organic alternative. The abundance of rosemary and

coconut oil in the Philippines further supports the feasibility of adopting these

natural alternatives for tick prevention, promoting a holistic approach to

safeguarding the health of both dogs and their owners. Future research in this

direction could pave the way for sustainable, safe, and effective tick prevention

strategies.
 16

THE PROBLEM

Statement of the Problem

This research seeks natural alternatives to commercial dog tick

repellents, which are harmful to both dogs and human health. This study will

determine whether rosemary extract and coconut oil natural alternatives can

provide enough protection against dog ticks.

Specifically, this study seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What is the repellency rate of commercial chemical-based repellent

against dog ticks?

2. What is the repellency rate of rosemary extract mixed with coconut oil

repellent against dog ticks?

3. Is there a significant difference between the repellency rate of

commercial chemical-based repellents and rosemary extract mixed

with coconut oil repellent against dog ticks?

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Statement of the Hypothesis

There is a significant difference between the repellency rate of commercial

chemical-based repellents and rosemary extract mixed with coconut oil

repellent against dog ticks.

Scope and Delimitation

The focus of this study is to determine the effectiveness of rosemary

extract and coconut oil as tick repellent as an alternative for commercial tick

repellents to avoid negative health repercussions for both the owner and the

dog. The researchers will collect 100 to 120 ticks and put them inside a jar.

The researchers will also undergo 3 trials using each treatment to seek a more

accurate result. Investigating the performance of these will be described by

observation of using cloth. One cloth will be treated with a commercial tick

repellent as the control group, and the other cloth will be treated with the

rosemary extract mixed with coconut oil organic tick repellent as the

experimental group.
 18

Significance of the Study

This study would be a great contribution to the broad knowledge of the

importance of having safe organic dog tick repellents. Specifically, this study

would be of great significance to the following: consumers will be able to have

a fun bond with their pets without the fear of getting ticks from their dogs, and

having a go to application where the materials can be found in their homes;

also, entrepreneurs may be able to develop more tick repellents that are safe

for both the consumer and dog; might as well as the veterinarians, they may

be able to use safer products for their patients with sensitive conditions; and

lastly, future researchers may use this study as a guide on how to conduct a

test to determine the efficacy of a repellent.

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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design

The researchers will utilize the quantitative research approach, more

specifically the true-experimental research design, whereas the participants are

randomly assigned to either an experimental group (exposed to the independent

variable or treatment) or a control group (not exposed to the independent

variable). This study aims to find out the feasibility of mixing rosemary extract

and coconut oil as an alternative dog tick repellent; therefore, an experimental

research design is suitable for this study.

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Chemical-based Repellent and Rosemary Extract

Mixed with Coconut Oil as Repellent for Dog Ticks.

PROCESS

Literature Review

Research Design

Study Population: Dog Ticks

Sample size and Sampling method

Data Collection and Analysis:

Expose dog ticks to different repellents and

measure the number of dog ticks that are
repelled.

OUTPUT

Repellency Rate

Proposed Recommendations
 21

Figure 2. Research Flow Chart

Research Environment

The locale of this study will be one of the researchers houses, located in

Vaño Street, Desamparados, Calape, Bohol. The aforementioned location has

several dogs which will be enough for the collection of ticks. Also, the locale

contains the materials needed to accomplish the study, such as the scissors,

spray bottles, thin fabric mesh, jars, tables, etc. The environment will give the

researchers full control of the study in order to obtain more data efficiently.

Hence, it is the best locale for the study.

Figure 4. Locale
Figure 3. Locale

Research Subject

The subject of this research study will be the dog ticks against rosemary

extract mixed with coconut oil repellent, which will be used to observe the
 22

repellent’s effectiveness. Thus, the researchers chose dog ticks as the focus of

the study.

Research Instrumentation

The research tools will include jars for the collection of the ticks. Each

researcher will capture between 100 and 120 ticks and transfer them into the jar

with a thin fabric mesh covering the top to avoid suffocating the ticks. After the

collection of ticks, the researchers will take two cloths (one for the control group

and one for the experimental group) and will draw a circle in the center of the

cloth (which serve as a boundary and it is also where the ticks will be placed),

then proceed with applying each treatment by using a spray bottle. After placing

the ticks in the center of the circle drawn, the number of ticks repelled (moving

away from the circle mark) at each time interval will be recorded using a phone

and a notebook. The reaction of the ticks due to each treatment will be observed

and recorded using cameras, and important details will be taken down using

notebooks to guarantee that the data gathered is accurate and reliable and that

the study's conclusions will be significant and relevant.

Research Procedures

Gathering of Data
 23

In this procedure, the researchers will conduct an experiment to

gather data that will be used to know and fully scrutinize their main

problem that will also lead the researchers to their proposed product.

The researchers will capture 100 to 120 ticks and transfer them in to

a jar with a thin fabric mesh that will cover the opening. After collecting

ticks, the cloth will be cut into equal parts (18 x 24 inch) and labeled using

a marker to serve as the testing grounds for each treatment. Prior to the

treatment of the cloth, each repellent will be transferred from their original

container to a 2 oz plastic spray bottle, each labeled with its paired cloth.

Afterwards, the researchers will draw a 5 cm diameter circle in the center

of the cloth as a target spot for the treatment application. Then the

researchers will spray each repellent to its respective cloth. The

researchers will get 20 ticks from the collected ticks and then will place

inside the circle drawn in the center to track tick movements.

The researchers will perform three trials for each solution and each

solution contains different treatments. Ticks will not be reuse, a new tick

will be used for every application to avoid testing bias and to minimize

harm since it is assumed that repellents are irritative to ticks. The number

of ticks that will be repelled in each treatment will be recorded using a

phone and a notebook to ensure an accurate finding. The researchers will

use a cellphone timer to determine the number of seconds of repelling all

ticks in each trial. The assessment frequency of each trial will involve the
 24

number of ticks repelled at each time interval in 30 minutes. Such as 0-10

minutes, 10-20 minutes and 20-30 minutes.

Treatment of Data

This study will use a formula for determining the repellency rate of each

treatment, and the other formula is the T-test method, which will be used to

calculate if there is a significant difference between the repellency rate of each

treatment to be applied.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

The following terms are defined operationally:

Coconut Oil – this refers to one of the main components of this study that is

an organic ingredient that will repel ticks.

Commercial Chemical - Based Tick Repellent – refers to the tick repellent

that can be bought directly from the market containing synthetic ingredients,

and is also the one being replaced in this study.

Exposed to the Treatments – refers to the time when the researchers will

apply the repellents to the fabric and test the efficacy of the repellents against

the ticks.

Natural Alternatives – refers to finding organic products as a substitute for

commercial dog tick repellent in making tick repellents.

 25

Repellency Rate – refers to how effective the repellents are in terms of

avoiding unwanted ticks.

Rosemary Extract – this is one of the natural components in this study that

mainly focuses on repelling tick.

Rosemary Extract Mixed with Coconut Oil – refers to mixing the to two

components.

REFERENCES

Amoore, J. (1963). Stereochemical Theory of Olfaction. Nature, 199(4897), 912.

Bakkali, F., Averbeck, S., Averbeck, D., & Idaomar, M. (2008). Biological effects

of essential oils – A review. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 46(2), 446–

475. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2007.09.106.

Bampidis, V., Azimonti, G., De Lourdes Bastos, M., Christensen, H., Durjava, M.

F., Kouba, M., López‐Alonso, M., Puente, S. L., Marcon, F., Mayo, B.,

Pechová, A., Petkova, M., Ramos, F., Sanz, Y., Villa, R. E., Woutersen,

R., Brantom, P., Chesson, A., ... Dusemund, B. (2022). Safety and

efficacy of two solvent extracts of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.)

when used as feed additive for cats and dogs (Kemin Nutrisurance Europe

SRL). EFSA Journal, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.6978.

 26

Casalena, E. (2023, October 8). 5 plants that repel pesky ticks. A-Z Animals.

https://a-z-animals.com/blog/plants-that-repel-pesky-ticks/.

Charisa, C. (2021, May 8). Coconut oil for fleas and ticks. CocoTherapy.

https://www.cocotherapy.com/blogs/blog/coconut-oil-for-fleas-and-ticks.

Child Care & Early Education Research Connections. (n.d.). Experiments and

quasi-experiments.

https://researchconnections.org/research-tools/experiments-and-quasi-

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APPENDIX - A

RESEARCH DOCUMENTATION

Material and Instruments

Figure 3. Rosemary Figure 4. Coconut oil

 29

Figure 5. Commercial Tick Figure 6. Cloth

Repellent
 30

Figure 7. Spray Bottle Figure 8. Scissors

Figure 9. Glass Jar Figure 10. Cellphone

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Figure 11. Thin Fabric Mesh Figure 12. Sharpie Marker

Figure 13. Notebook

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APPENDIX - B

DATA SHEET

1. Repellency rate of commercial chemical-based repellents against dog

ticks.

Trial Population Tick Repelled Repellency Rate

Trial 1 %

Trial 2 %

Trial 3 %

2. Repellency rate of rosemary extract mixed with coconut oil repellent against

dog ticks.

Trial Population Tick Repelled Repellency Rate

Trial 1 %
 33

Trial 2 %

Trial 3 %

3. Significant difference of the repellency rate of the treatments

Variables Level of P- Coefficien Decision of Significanc

Significance Value t Null e of the

Hypothesis Experiment
(r)