CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

This chapter of the paper presents the problem and its setting. It includes
the background of the study, the statement of the problem, significance of the
study, and the scope and delimitation of the study.

Background of the Study

Controlling mosquitoes is of utmost importance in the present day scenario

with rising number of mosquito borne diseases. Over thousands of years,
mosquitoes have developed many tricks to make them very good at what they do.
These tricks include specialized mouthparts for blood feeding, incredible sensory
perception and most amazingly, the development from an aquatic life stage
through an airborne home. (Enrique FJ. 1994)

An alarming increase in the range of mosquitoes is mainly due to stagnant

water. Spreading of disease cause by mosquitoes was first understood around the
turn of 20th century. In 1898, British physician Ronald Ross, then working in
Calcutta proved that mosquitoes were transmitting malaria. (Wanasen N.2004)

Eradicator or reduction of disease-carrying mosquitoes can help prevent the

spread of different diseases particularly dengue, hence pesticide spraying and
fumigation have been practiced. However, environmental and health hazard
issues that arise from the use of these methods are well documented (US EPA
2012)

The use of natural products poses an alternative method of control and/or

eradication of disease-carrying mosquitoes. It has been customarily considered to
be one of the safest ways of controlling pests (cavalcanti etal. 2004, Pita-sawat et
alo 2007).

1
General Objectives

The research aims to provide an effective and efficient non-chemical

product in order not to harm or affect the environment and the health of the
people involved. Also to establish its efficiency and effectiveness.

Specific Objectives

 To test the effectiveness of the Lemon grass oil as an ingredient for scented
candle to repel mosquitoes.

 To make an alternative and organic scented candle.

Statement of the Problem

This study aimed to determine the effectivity of the candle made with an
ingredient of Pulverized Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) to repel mosquitoes
(Culicidae).

Specifically, this study sought to answer the following questions:

1. How strong is the scent of the repellent?

2.. How effective is the Pulverized Lemongrass candles when it comes to

repelling mosquitoes?

3.. How long will it takes to melt the candles?

2
Significance of the Study

Through this study, people who may benefit are the future researchers,
manufacturers and the whole community in general.

People who experienced from dengue or any other disease that caused by
the mosquitoes, may found an abundant supply of repellent for the the mosquitoes
that can be seen. Commonly just in their backyard.

Future researchers may take as their reference for further investigation

regarding to Pulverized Lemongrass (Cimbopogon citratus) stalk made candle as
Mosquito repellent.

Manufacturers could make this effective and organic product that could be
available in the market and would again earn money from it.

Scope and Delimitations

This study is limited only in determining its effectiveness of creating

mosquito repellent from pulverized lemongrass in used candles. The researcher
will be testing the candles in an area with lots of mosquitoes present. The melting
time of the candles will also be observed. The scent will be determined based on
a interview that will be conducted by the researchers.

Definition of terms

Candles- wax that has been formed into a stick or another shape and has

a string in the middle that can be burned.

3
 Lemongrass- a grass of robust habit native to southern India and Ceylon

that is grown in tropical regions for its lemon-scented foliage used as a

seasoning and that is the source of an aromatic essential oil. In the study it

is the main ingredient to make the candles that repel mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes- a small flying insect that bites the skin of people and animals

and sucks their blood.

Mosquito repellent- anything that used to keep away mosquito.

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Introduction

This is a written summary of journal articles, books, and other documents

that describes the past and current state of information on the topic of the research
study.

Related Literature

Lemongrass is known for its effectiveness in repelling insects. It can repel

various insects such as ants and mosquitoes. Lemongrass is a natural mosquito
repellent because it has a high geraniol and citral content.

Lemongrass has long been known as natural insect repellents with its
strong fragrance, it helps deter mosquitoes. (Plant Care Today)

Lemongrass contains Citronella which repels mosquitoes. Citronella deters

mosquito by covering scents that mosquitoes are drawn to. Mosquitoes are

4
attracted to scents like carbon dioxide and Lactic Acid which Citronella can mask.
(Bilesky,R. 2018)

Crushed lemongrass leaves is the best and most effective in repelling

mosquitoes. (April S.)

The repellency of lemongrass oil against stable flies, tested using video
tracking. Oil from is proven an effective repellent against mosquitoes and house
flies. Its effectiveness was assessed on stable flies in laboratory conditions.
Lemongrass oil is the essential oil obtained from the parts of Cymbopogon citratus.
Poaceae Germanial and neral are the two main active components of lemongrass
oil, geraniol and citronellol are known repellents. The effect of Lemongrass
essential oil is proven to be safe. (Baldacchino, F. et. al 2013)

Cymbopogon citratus (Lemon grass) oil has been known as effective insect
repellent. Its effectiveness in mosquito repellence has also been documented. This
study was aimed at testing the mosquito repellent property of Cymbopogon citratus
on human volunteers and mosquitoes in captivity, to determine its suitability as
natural product-based mosquito repellent.

There are many methods used for mosquito control and one of them is
through the use of insect repellents. Efforts of finding a desirable repellent have
been hampered by the numerous variables that affect the inherent repellency of
any chemical. Repellents do not all share a single mode of action, and surprisingly
little is known about how repellents act on their target insects (Davis, 1985).

Lemongrass is a herb that is commonly used in Asian countries manly

Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and even in the
Philippines. The herb has a distinct citrus flavor and can be dried, powdered or can
also be used fresh. It has a total of 80% citric flavor on its oil, (Pank, 2015).

A lemongrass can be an ingredient for insect repellents, teas, soups and

curries. Lemongrass in some researchers has been used as mild depressant for
the central nervous system. It is also sometimes used as a weed barrier (Knecht
et al, 2017).

5
 Citronella or Lemongrass is the usual component used in making mosquito
repellents. The unique citronella fragrance is a strong smell which disguises other
attractants to mosquitoes, making it difficult for them to find you. Even though
citronella is used in many forms, such as scented candles, torches and citronella
‘scented’ plants, the living plant is more effective as insect repellent because it has
a stronger aroma. (Moradas et al, 2016).

Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) oil has been recognized as effective

insect repellent; it’s effectiveness repellency has also been acknowledged. This
study was conducted to test the mosquito repellent property of Cymbopogon
citratus on human volunteers and mosquitoes in captivity, to determine its
sustainability as natural product-based mosquito repellent (Ukpong et al, 2016).

Lemongrass oil is one of the important oils attained from the leaves and
stems. For over 50 years’ oil of lemongrass has been used as an insect repellent
and as an animal repellent. It is found in many familiar insect repellent products:
candles, lotions, gels, sprays and towellete wipes. These product, which differ in
efficacy, repel different insects, some of which are public health pests, such as
mosquitoes, biting flies and fleas, (Chackrborty et al, 2009).

Oil of lemongrass and citronella is volatile, watery oil attained from dried
cultivated grasses. It works on insects without harming or killing them. It has a
specific odor which may make it harder for some pests to locate a host. The length
of repellency time varies with the inert ingredients and the amount of citronella oil
in the product, (https://www3.epa.gov › registration, retrieved on January 9, 2019).

Lemongrass is a healthy and versatile essential oil. It has antipyretic,

antidepressant, fungicidal, analgesic, carminative, antimicrobial, astringent,
antiseptic, and bactericidal properties. Lemongrass oil is effective as an organic
repellent. Lemongrass is related to the citronella plant as an antidepressant.
Lemongrass oil also helps in elevating mental strength, self-esteem, confidence,
and hope. It alleviates depression, brought about by various failures in various
aspects of life such as family, career, and personal life. It also relieves loneliness,
insecurity, stagnation, and anxiety. You can administer lemongrass oil on people

6
who are undergoing rehabilitation for their depression and acute shock. Just relax
and take it in the form of tea, (Wells,2017).

Scented candles use citronella oil for mosquito repelling, they work in the
same way a citronella oil works, when applied to the skin in the form of a spray or
lotion. In general, citronella oil blocks scents from our bodies that mosquitoes can
detect, which makes use more invisible to them. Scented candles do not kill or stun
mosquitoes, just repel them for a certain amount of time, while the candle is
burning and releasing mosquito repelling substances into the air. (Insectcop-net
Karen, 2018)

Related Study

Candles

Scented candles are one of the most popular mosquito repelling methods
alongside other repellents like DEET and picaridin sprays, and lemon eucalyptus
oil. The most common substance used in mosquito repelling scented candles is
citronella oil. Citronella oil is obtained from the leaves of a lemongrass plant.
Citronella oil is obtained from the leaves of a lemongrass plant. When it comes to
scented candles, no other substances are so widely used in these candles as
citronella oil.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass oil also helps in elevating mental strength, self-esteem,

confidence, and hope.

7
 It helps depression, brought about by various aspects of life such as family,
career, and personal life. It also relieves loneliness, insecurity, stagnation and
anxiety. (Dianne, 2017) mosquitorepellentinsider.com

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are known in transmitting very debilitating and deadly diseases

to humans. (Ukpong, et. al)

Mosquitoes find their hosts by sensing carbon dioxide that is exhaled.

Volatile chemicals from the skin is released when the mosquito gets close to the
victim. (Bilesky, R. 2018)

Mosquito Repellent

Repelling Mosquito has been known among a lot of individuals of many

cultures around the globe. A diversity of local mosquito control practices have been
studied in the past few decades; such as the use of traditional mosquito repellent
through smoke or gas, earlier before the current trend in bio-pesticide use.
(Ukpong, et. al 2016)

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

8
 This chapter includes the research design, the sample, the instruments, the
intervention (if research is experimental), the data collection procedure, and the
plan for data collection.

Method of Research

By acquiring this study of Pulverized Lemongrass as Mosquito Repellent

Candles, further research was done. All informations used in this study are based
on facts that were all from the books and internet resources. This research was
conducted due to the increase of mosquito borne diseases that inspired the
researchers to make a mosquito repellent that is effective and affordable.

Method of Collecting Data

A lot of experiments or trial and error process was made during the whole
process wherein an exact measurements and temperature should be followed. The
used candles was weighted for each glass and also the pulverized lemongrass.
The researchers made some candles with an ingredient of lemongrass. The
melting time, scent and the effectiveness to repel mosquitoes will be observed.

Sampling Design

Scent

Testing the scent of the candles will be done by selecting a target population
of the study which are the neighbours of the researcher in Jamorol Compound,
Miputak, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte. The researchers consider a sample
of 15 respondents. These samples are then randomly selected through the used
of simple random sampling.

9
Melting Time

To know how much longer will the candle lasts, the researchers prepared a
timer. The researcher light ups the candle and at the same time starts the timer.
The time after the candle finished lighting fire was recorded by the researcher.

Effectiveness to repel Mosquitoes

To know the effectiveness of the candle with lemongrass to repel

mosquitoes, the researcher goes to an area where mosquitoes are very abundant,
there the candle was lit up and observed the area if the mosquito is really repelled
away.

Statistical Treatment

Formula used for testing the scent of the candle

Method of Collecting data Materials and Procedure

a. Materials

 50 dried lemongrass
 Blender
 Container
 Shot glass
 Candle wick
 Used candles
 Pan
 Crayon (optional)
 Measuring cups

10
  Weighing scale

Collection and Preparation of Lemongrass

About fifty (50) pieces of lemongrass will be collected. The collected lemongrass
will be sundry for three to five days. After sundrying, grinding process will then
follows.

Making of the candle

1. Affix Wicks

Select jar or shot glass of any shape or size to house your lemongrass candles.
Start by anchoring a wick to the bottom of each jar using sturdy tape or hot glue

2. Measure Wax

For every 50 ml of shot glass, 5 grams of used candles is added

3. Melt Wax

In a double boiler or a mixing bowl nestled atop a pot of boiling water, melt the
wax. Once liquid, it will be clear and resemble olive oil.

4. Add Pulverized Lemongrass

Stir in pulverized lemongrass, adding roughly three tablespoons of every 3 grams

of used wax

11
5. Melt crayon to color

6. Pour Wax

Pour wax into prepared jars and use pencils or some of the hundreds of leftover
chopsticks you can’t seem to throw away to keep the wicks centered in the glass.

7. Cut Wicks

Once the candles have cooled, trim the wicks to half an inch or so from the
surface of the candle

CHAPTER IV

PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

Results and Discussion

In this chapter, you can read the results of experimentation conducted by the
researcher. Together in this chapter is the discussion of results.

Problem 1. What will be the result when the candle is used? Is it going to be
smokey and smelly?

Table 1 The distribution of frequency of Pulverized Lemongrass as Mosquito

Repellent Candle when it comes to scent

Remarks Frequency Percent

12
 Less Strong 6 40%
Strong 9 60%
Very Strong 0 0%

Table 1 shows the result of the questionnaire given to the 15 neighbours when
they were ask to rate the scent of the candles as less strong, strong, and very
strong. 6 persons answered that the lemongrass has a less strong scent with a
percentage of 40% while 9 persons said it has a strong scent with a percentage
of 60%. This means that the made candles with an ingredient of Pulverized
Lemongrass has a strong scent.

Problem 2 and 3. How effective is the Pulverized Lemongrass candles when it

comes to repelling mosquitoes? And How long will it takes to melt the candles?

Table 2: Experiment Result

Properties to be Tested Results

Effect Effective in repelling mosquitoes in a
short period of time usage. About 90%
of effectiveness is recorded. It lessens
the mosquito during its use.
Melting time duration The candle lasts for 1 hr and 23 mins.

As shown in this table, the Candle with an ingredient of Pulverized Lemongrass

has its featured properties regarding with its competitiveness to other mosquito
coil products sell in the market. These results are taken during an experiment
and product trial in the house of the researchers volunteer.

13
Effects

For observable results, researchers conduct the trial in an isolated room

where mosquitoes are present. The researchers volunteer lights the candle and
after 20 minutes of significant result is obtained by the researchers, the absence
of mosquitoes is observed inside the room. This result together with the time ratio
for its effect to start to be observed is a good outcome for the experiment.

Time duration

Another factor is considered and put into test, it is the time duration or the
length of the time that the candle will last during its usage. In the trial, it is
recorded that the candle lasted for about 1 hr and 23 minutes with respect to its
length. A common mosquito repellent coil sold in the market last about 6-8 hours
in use. This is cause by the different components of the coil, decreasing its
combustion while making it effective. Comparing the 1 hr and 23 minutes of the
candle with an ingredient of Pulverized lemongrass to other mosquito repellent
coil is still considerable result because the candle is just composed 5 grams of
used candle wax and 3 tablespoon of lemongrass.

14
 Chapter V

CONCLUSIONS, GENERALIZATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Conclusions

Based from the findings of the study, the following conclusions were
made.

1. The researchers come up with the result of having a candle that has a
rating of 90% (given by the users) in repelling mosquitoes due to the
presence of lemongrass in the made candles.

2. It emits a strong aromatic smell which tend to repel mosquitoes.

3. The scent of the candles does not irritates the user.

Generalizations

Based on the testing and experiments conducted the candles with an

ingredient of lemongrass is a good, affordable and chemical free mosquito
repellent alternative.

Recommendations

Based on the conclusions presented in the study, the following

recommendations are suggested:

1.Candle made with an ingredient of Lemongrass can be a repellent agent

of mosquito in case of brownout.

2.Instead of making it a candle they can make it as coil.

15
Bibliography

Chackrborty, T et. al (2009), Lemongrass- As a Insect Repellent and

Aromatherapy, retrieved from www.researchjournal.co.in › assignments

Davis E. 1985. Insect repellents: concepts of their mode of action relative

to potential sensory mechanisms in mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae). J
Med Entomol. 22:237-4

Knecht, S. et. al (2017), Cymbopogon citratus Lemon Grass, retrieved from

http://www.chemeurope.com/en/encyclopedia/Cymbopogon.html

Moradas, E. et. al (2016), The Freeman, retrieved from

https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/thefreeman/20160926/28181428
3345649

Pank, J. (2015), Lemongrass: Cooking Wiki, retrieved from

https://www.cookipedia.co.uk/recipes_wiki/Lemon_grass

PDFhttps://www3.epa.gov › registration › fs_..., (1999), US EPA - Pesticides

- Fact Sheet for Citronella (Oil of Citronella)

Ukpong, G. et. al (2016), STUDIES ON MOSQUITO REPELLENT

ACTIVITY OF CYMBOPOGON CITRATUS (LEMONGRASS) USING
HUMAN VOLUNTEERS, retrieved from granthaalayah.com ›
06_IJRG16_C12_195

Wells, D. (2017), MOSQUITO REPELLENT INSIDER- DISCOVER THE

BEST ALL NATURAL MOSQUITO REPELLENTS, retrieved from
http://mosquitorepellentinsider.com/author/scott/

16
Appendices

Pulverized Lemongrass

For every 50 ml of shot glass, 5 grams of used candles is added

Drying of Candles

17
Finish Product

18