EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF HOMEMADE ESSENTIAL OIL MOSQUITO

REPELLENT AMONG SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING AND

MATHEMATICS STUDENTS

Significance of the Study

Students – helps them to keep safe from mosquito bites and the diseases they can transmit,
allowing students to concentrate better.
Community - this study helps community in assessing and to provide insights to the people of
how organic mosquito repellents can play a crucial role to achieve a safe living community.

Administrators - can utilize the findings to inform campus health policies, allocating resources
for mosquito prevention measures, and developing educational initiatives aimed at promoting
student wellness.

Educators – benefit from a deeper understanding of the effectiveness of homemade repellents in

protecting students during laboratory experiments, outdoor excursions, and field studies integral
to STEM curriculum.

Researchers - this study will help the researchers to have and provide idea about the efficacy of
organic essential oils as an effective mosquito repellent

Future researchers – provides with valuable insights into the efficacy, safety, and development
of repellent technologies.

Theoretical Framework

Theory of Olfaction - The vibrational theory of olfaction assumes that electron transfer occurs
across odorants at the active sites of odorant receptors (ORs), serving as a sensitive measure of
odorant vibrational frequencies, ultimately leading to olfactory perception. This theory proposes
that the olfactory system detects the vibrational frequency of odour molecules, not their shape.
According to this theory, each odour molecule vibrates at a unique frequency, and these vibrations
are responsible for our perception of smell. The theory of Olfaction is crucial for the development
of mosquito repellents, as it elucidates how mosquitoes and other insects detect and respond to
various odors. By comprehending how mosquitoes locate their prey, scientists can produce
repellent products that impede this process, making it more challenging for mosquitoes to find and
bite their target.
Theory of Aromatherapy and Insect Repellency - Aromatherapy, the therapeutic use of essential
oils, has been studied for its potential benefits in repelling insects, including mosquitoes. While
the concept of aromatherapy dates back centuries, modern research into its insect-repelling
properties continues to evolve. Researchers and practitioners in fields such as aromatherapy,
entomology, and alternative medicine have contributed to our understanding of how certain aromas
affect insect behavior.

The theory of botanical synergy - suggests that the combination of different compounds within
botanical extracts, such as essential oils, can have a synergistic effect, enhancing their overall
biological activity. The theory of botanical synergy suggests that the combination of different
compounds present in essential oils can work together to repel mosquitoes more effectively than
any single compound on its own. For example, while one compound may act as a repellent by
interfering with the mosquito’s olfactory receptors, another compound may enhance the longevity
or persistence of the repellent effect by slowing evaporation or degradation.

Conceptual Framework

Independent Variables Dependent variables

1.Type of homemade essential 1.Effectiveness of the

oil mosquito repellent (e.g., homemade repellent in
lavender, citronella, lemon repelling mosquitoes
eucalyptus). (measured by number of
mosquito bites).
2.Concentration or dilution of
the essential oil mixture. 2.Duration of protection
provided by the repellent
3.Application method (e.g., (measured in hours)
spray, lotion, diffuser).
3.Participant satisfaction with
the homemade repellent
(measured through surveys or
ratings).

Review of Related Literature

Foreign Literature
According to Giovanni Benelli and Roman Pavela (2018) The control of insect pests and vectors
is a timely challenge for public health. The prevention of bites from bloodsucking insect species
is based to a large extent on the use of chemical repellents and pesticides. However, their
effectiveness is currently endangered, due to the fast-growing resistance levels in the targeted
vectors, besides their negative impact on human health and the environment. Therefore, natural
product research has been claimed as a helpful tool to develop effective green pesticides and
repellents. Among them, essential oils (Eos) extracted from plants received peculiar attention for
applications in “the real world”, since they showed high efficacy, multiple mechanisms of action
and low toxicity on non-target vertebrates. However, the large majority of research items published
on the topic studied the potential of Eos in the fight against mosquitoes (668 research items) and
ticks (155), while only a relatively limited amount (<110) focused on bloodsucking insects
different from mosquitoes.

-The research reviews the current challenges in controlling insect pests and vectors, highlighting
the limitations of chemical repellents and pesticides due to resistance and negative
health/environmental impacts. It emphasizes the potential of natural products, particularly
essential oils (Eos), as green alternatives. While most research focuses on mosquitoes and ticks,
the review examines the effectiveness of Eos against various bloodsucking insects, including those
linked to neglected tropical diseases and livestock productivity. It covers laboratory and field
evidence against Diptera species and other pests like fleas, lice, bed bugs, and kissing bugs. The
review concludes by outlining future research outlooks and challenges, comparing them with
mosquito and tick control science.

From the literature of Thorsell,W. (2018) some natural products, extract of Achillea millefolium
(yarrow), birch/pine tar-, citronella-, clove-, eucalyptus-, geranium-, lavender-, lily of the valley-
and peppermint oils have been tested for repellency in the laboratory against Aedes aegypti and in
the field predominantly against Aedes communis and A. cinereus. The laboratory tests showed that
yarrow extract exhibited a similar repellency as the reference substances N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide
and N,N-diethyl-mandelic acid amide. A good repelling effect was also obtained with the oils of
birch/pine. Plant essential oils, especially leaves’ oil extracts have been used to a great extent for
many years because of their antimicrobial quality and pharmaceutical products. They have also
been widely used as a medicinal and aromatic plant since the ancient times. Previous investigations
reported that various plant extracts have displayed mosquito repellence activity especially
larvicidal effect on.

-Many essential oils and extracts obtained from various plants have been tested on different kinds
of arthropods and confirmed viable. Literature revealed that plants, flowers, roots, leaves and seeds
contain some active ingredients which are known as Essential oils. Many of them are odoriferous
while some are volatile and ethereal which can be extracted with ether, an organic solvent]. N, N-
diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET-synthetic repellent) is the most striking and best studied insect
repellent currently available in the market. DEET based synthetic mosquito repellents cause
irreversible damage on ecosystem since they contain chemicals which are non-degradable in
nature.

Another literature from Govindarajan, M., & Benelli, G. (2016) Govindarajan and Benelli
evaluated the efficacy of essential oils derived from edible plants as household insecticides.
Govindarajan and Benelli provide an overview of research studies evaluating the insecticidal
properties of essential oils against various household pests, including mosquitoes. They discuss
the chemical composition of essential oils, their mode of action against insects, and their potential
application in integrated pest management strategies. Additionally, the review examines the
advantages and limitations of using essential oils as household insecticides and suggests directions
for future research in this area.

-The review by Govindarajan and Benelli (2016) Investigates the effectiveness of essential oils
from edible plants as household insecticides, focusing on their impact on mosquitoes and other
pests. It delves into the chemical makeup of these oils, their insecticidal mechanisms, and their
potential in integrated pest management. The authors discuss both the benefits and drawbacks of
using essential oils for pest control and propose areas for further research in this field.

Related literature of Soonwera and Phasamkusolsil (2015) essential oil has been the active
principle of most important herbal remedies since ancient times. Insecticides of plant origin have
been extensively used on agricultural pests, and to a very limited extent, against insect’s vectors
of public health importance, which deserve careful and thorough screening. The use of plant
extracts for insect control has several appealing features, as these are generally more
biodegradable, less hazardous, and rich storehouse of chemicals of diverse biological activity.

-The literature summarize that the present investigation aims to assess the repellent properties of
the essential oils of ylang ylang and lemongrass which mixed in the natural oils by six formulations
against medically important mosquitoes of dengue vector (Aedes aegypti) and filarial vector
(Culex quinquefasciatus).

Additionally, Pavela, R. (2015) This review discusses the effectiveness of essential oils as
repellents against various arthropods, including mosquitoes. Pavela examines the chemical
composition of essential oils, their mode of action, and their effectiveness in repelling various
types of arthropods. The review also explores the potential applications of essential oils in insect
control and highlights their advantages and limitations compared to synthetic repellents. It
provides important insights into the use of essential oils as natural alternatives for arthropod
repellency.
-The review by Pavela (2015) assesses the effectiveness of essential oils In repelling various
arthropods, particularly mosquitoes. It delves into their chemical composition, mode of action, and
efficacy in repelling different types of arthropods. The paper also discusses the potential
applications of essential oils in insect control, emphasizing their advantages and limitations
compared to synthetic repellents. Overall, it offers valuable insights into utilizing essential oils as
natural alternatives for arthropod repellency.

Local Literature

According to Aileen L Antero et al. (2021) the study was conducted to determine the mosquito
repellent activities of the leaf extract of the plants Tagetes erecta L. and Origanum vulgare L. in
order to obtain safe and efficient herbal mosquito repellent candles. Both leaf plants are dried,
powdered and soaked in methanol before it was subjected to solvent extraction, separately.
Mosquitoes numbering 1350-1400 were collected and reared until its viable stage (5-days post-
emergence mosquito).

-The study by Aileen L. Antero et al. at Benguet State University investigated the mosquito
repellent properties of leaf extracts from Tagetes erecta L. and Origanum vulgare L. for creating
herbal mosquito repellent candles. Using a randomized research design and statistical analysis,
they found that higher concentrations of leaf extract resulted in greater repellent effects, with
oregano and citronella candles showing the most effectiveness. The study suggests that utilizing
natural, locally available ingredients in mosquito repellent products can be both cost-effective and
environmentally friendly while posing minimal risk to human health.

In addition, Eleanor Kay S Ramos et al. (2020) mosquitoes are considered to be one of the
deadliest insects in the world due to their ability to spread diseases and cause millions of deaths
per year. As of 2017, the WHO reported that vector-borne infection accounted for more than 17%
of all infectious illnesses. Globally, these diseases cause more than 700,000 deaths every year, with
malaria alone causing 400,000 deaths. Moreover, the worldwide incidence of dengue rose 30-fold
within the past 30 years, with a current estimate of 96 M cases per year and with more than 3.9 B
individuals in over 128 countries being at high risk of contracting dengue (WHO 2017).

-The researcher reviewed literature highlighting the significant threat posed by mosquitoes as
vectors of deadly diseases worldwide. It emphasized the alarming statistics of vector-borne
infections, such as malaria and dengue, which cause millions of deaths annually and affect millions
more globally. The review likely discussed the epidemiological trends, impact on public health,
and the urgent need for effective control measures to mitigate the spread of these diseases.

Foreign Studies

Another study of Fallon, M. (2022) the repellent efficacy of ten essential oils was measured
against all three-mosquito species using the arm-in-cage approach to determine the duration of
protection. All essential oils showed high complete-protection time against Culex
quinquefasciatus, ranging from 120 to 360 min. Petitgrain oil showed the highest complete-
protection time from bites of Aedes aegypti for 270 min. Peppermint oil also exhibited complete-
protection time from bites of Anopheles dirus for 180 min.

-The study summarizes that essential oil-based repellents are considered safer and more accessible
than synthetic chemical repellents and may have a lower probability of resistance development in
mosquitoes. Plant-based mosquito repellents can be applied to skin or clothing without affecting
non-target organisms or the environment.

According to the study of Asadollahi et. Al. (2019) plant-based repellents have been applied for
generations in traditional practice as a personal protection approach against different species of
Anopheles. Knowledge of traditional repellent plants is a significant resource for the development
of new natural products as an alternative to chemical repellents. Many studies have reported
evidence of repellant activities of plant extracts or essential oils against malaria vectors worldwide.
This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of plant-based repellents against
Anopheles mosquitoes.
-The study summarizes that essential oils and extracts of some plants could be formulated for the
development of eco-friendly repellents against mosquitos. Plant oils may serve as suitable
alternatives to synthetic repellents in the future as they are relatively safe, inexpensive, and are
readily available in many parts of the world.

Based on the study of Ojewumi e.t al. (2018) apart from the fact that chemical based (synthetic)
repellents have been discovered to have unfavorable effects on man and livestock, they are
expensive, non-biodegradable and no longer efficient due to adaptation of mosquitoes to them.
With these shortcomings, an eco-friendly plant based insecticide as an alternative is urgently
needed. This study was based on using the oil extracts from local leaves namely: Hyptis
Sauveolens, Mentha spicata, and Cymbopogon citratus leaves as mosquito repellent. The leaves’
oil extracts were screened for the presence of phytochemicals (secondary metabolites only). The
phytochemical screening result showed that leaves’ oil extracts contained flavonoids, tannins,
phenols, steroids, terpenoids, saponins, glycosides and anthraquinones. Different concentrations
of the oil extracts were incorporated into the formulated body lotion/body cream. The lotion with
the highest concentration of the oil extract (0.6 ml) had the highest repellence time lasting up to
about eight (8) hours. The leaves’ oil extract was analyzed using Gas chromatography- Mass
spectroscopy (GC-MS) to identify the chemical composition, and only major chemical
components were reported in this work.

-It can be seen from this study that local leaves can be used as a substitute to non-degradable and
carcinogenic synthetic mosquito repellents since they have insecticidal properties. Oil extract of
Hyptis Sauveolens had the highest repellence activity out of the three (3) tested leave oil extracts.
The produced mosquito repellent cream/lotion possesses repellence characteristics against
mosquitoes. The results from the efficacy test revealed that natural insect repellents obtained from
the plant extracts tend to provide coverage for a shorter time. Because of their shorter protection
time, natural repellents are ideal for short evening outdoor activities like walking the dog, reading
in an open space, classrooms, watering the garden and barbecuing. This study confirms and
reaffirms the possibility of using indigenous Nigerian plants’ oil extracts with insecticidal
properties for the control of Mosquitoes.

Additionally, Mi Young Lee (2018) the development of effective and safe repellents against
arthropods is very important, because there are no effective vaccines against arthropod-borne
viruses (arboviruses) and parasites. Arboviruses and parasites are transmitted to humans from
arthropods, and mosquitoes are the most common arthropods associated with dengue, malaria, and
yellow fever. Enormous efforts have been made to develop effective repellents against arthropods,
and thus far synthetic repellents have been widely used. However, the use of synthetic repellents
has raised several concerns in terms of environmental and human health risks and safety. Thus,
plant essential oils (Eos) have been widely used as an alternative to synthetic repellents.

-The study discusses the importance of developing effective and safe repellents against arthropods
due to the absence of vaccines against arthropod-borne viruses and parasites. Mosquitoes are
highlighted as the primary arthropods associated with diseases like dengue, malaria, and yellow
fever. While synthetic repellents have been widely used, concerns about their environmental and
human health risks have led to increased interest in plant essential oils (Eos) as alternatives. The
review provides an overview of recent studies on Eos as insect repellents and explores current
technology and research trends in developing repellents from plant Eos.

Moreover, Lalthazuali and Nisha Mathew (2017) The study showed that the repellency of 20%
essential oil of O. sanctum, M. piperita and P. amboinicus were comparable with that of the
standard DEET (20%) as no mosquito landing on the test was observed up to 6 h. The E. globulus
oil exhibited mosquito repellency only upto 1½ h. Considerable mosquito landing and feeding was
displayed in negative control. In the case of the oil blend, no landing of mosquitoes was seen up
to 6 h as that of positive control. The results showed that the essential oil blend from O. sanctum,
M. piperita, E. globulus and P. amboinicus could repel Ae. Aegypti mosquitoes or prevent from
feeding as in the case of DEET even at a lower concentration of 5%. This study demonstrates the
potential of essential oils from O. sanctum, M. piperita, E. globulus and P. amboinicus and their
blend as mosquito repellents against Ae. Aegypti, the vector of dengue, chikungunya and yellow
fever.
-The study examined the repellency of essential oils from O. sanctum, M. piperita, E. globulus,
and P. amboinicus against Ae. Aegypti mosquitoes, comparing them to DEET. Results showed that
these oils, both individually and blended, effectively repelled mosquitoes for up to 6 hours, with
the blend performing similarly to DEET. This suggests the potential of these oils as natural
mosquito repellents against diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever.

Local Studies

Based on the research study of Miranda, J. (2023) the quality and effective organic mosquito
repellent in form of spray that can be used anytime so that people will be not susceptible to insects
that can cause illnesses or diseases. The organic mosquito repellent will be made from garlic, dried
rosemary, peppermint and oregano which are derived from nature. Unlike organically prepared
which means to be cultivated without the use of fertilizers. The mosquito repellent is targeted to
be good for environmental and human health to prevent side effects and damages.

-The study summarizes that the repellent was convenient to the participants because it does not
have a disturbing smell, easy to apply, and leaves no sticky feeling. Also, the repellent can also be
made at home which is easier to do and affordable. However, the smell and shelf life of the
repellent must be improved. Even it is DEET-free and all natural, organic repellent is more
effective because it provides high repellency as well as user safety. In addition, it is safe to human
health because no side effects were observed when the product was used as wellas to environment
because no synthetic chemicals were added to the repellent.The organic repellent is beneficial for
the community Ie It provides an alternative solution to prevent mosquito-related diseases out of
natural resources available in our home.

Another study of Mangubat, F. M. (2022) essential oils of sugar apple and lemongrass are highly
insect repellent ingredients due to their relatively low toxicity, comparable efficacy, and customer
approval. Findings showed that commercial spray is more effective against mosquito larvae versus
the combined crude extract of lemongrass and sugar apple. However, combined lemongrass and
sugar apple extract divulged potential larvicidal activity against dengue-causing mosquito vectors
and need to be reformulated for greater concentrations to equate commercial mosquito spray
effectiveness.

-The study summarizes the mortality rate of the combined lemongrass and sugar apple extract
against the commercial mosquito spray. It is noted that commercial mosquitoes are effective in the
first 5minutes dueto more potent larvicidal activity. Basically, it contains only high purity and high-
quality citronella oil and lemon eucalyptus oil. Vegetable extracts and pure substances may
manifest their toxic effects upon mosquitos in various ways; reproduction and fertility suppression,
mortality or intoxication with trypsin inhibitors, toxicity, mortality and growth inhibition (Jbilou
et al., 2006). Therefore, the combined extract of lemon grass and sugar applemay partially replace
DEET-based sprays to control mosquito larvae before they develop into causing dengue.

Also, Biñas et. Al. (2021) determine the possibility of organic mosquito patches as an alternative
to mosquito repellents. The results showed that the control group, namely commercial mosquito
patches, was able to obtain the highest rate of repelling mosquitoes. However, statistical analysis
did not show a significant difference in the three patches. Thus, the manufacture of organic
mosquito patches is as effective as commercial mosquito patches at repelling mosquitoes. In
addition, organic mosquito patches have the most economical product compared to
commercialized patches. The findings shows that its fine to use organic mosquito repellent.

-Thus, making organic mosquito patches is not only as effective as commercial mosquito patches
but also much more affordable than they cost. It is recommended to use an organic mosquito patch
as an alternative to mosquito repellent.

Moreover, Adrienne Marrie Bugayong et al. (2019) In this present study, the antibacterial
activity and the chemical composition of essential oils from the leaves of ten aromatic plants
growing in the Philippines were determined. Essential oils were isolated by steam distillation and
their antibacterial activities against the gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus, S. epidermidis and E.
faecalis) and gram-negative bacteria (P. aeruginosa and E. coli) were investigated using disc
diffusion and broth micro-dilution methods. Chemical components of essential oils with
mostpotent antibacterial activities were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
(GC/MS). Less than 1% (w/w) essential oil was extracted from all plants.

-The study conducted by Adrienne Marrie Bugayong et al. (2019) investigated the antibacterial
activity and chemical composition of essential oils from ten aromatic plants in the Philippines.
Essential oils were isolated using steam distillation and tested against gram-positive and gram-
negative bacteria. While all plants yielded less than 1% essential oil, Curcuma longa had the
highest yield at 0.77%. Lippia micromera, Plectranthus amboinicus, Cymbophogon citratus, and
Ocimum tenuiflorum exhibited the most potent antibacterial activity, with γ-terpinene, carvacrol,
citral, and m-eugenol being the most abundant compounds respectively. These findings suggest
that essential oils from these plants may have potential as antibacterial agents due to their high
terpenoid or phenolic content.

In addition, Eriko Lois B. Reyes et al. (2020) Mosquitoes are considered to be one of the deadliest
insects in the world due to their ability to spread diseases and cause millions of deaths per year. As
of 2017, the WHO reported that vector-borne infection accounted for more than 17% of all
infectious illnesses. Globally, these diseases cause more than 700,000 deaths every year, with
malaria alone causing 400,000 deaths. Moreover, the worldwide incidence of dengue rose 30-fold
within the past 30 years, with a current estimate of 96 M cases per year and with more than 3.9 B
individuals in over 128 countries being at high risk of contracting dengue (WHO 2017).In the
Philippines, common mosquito-borne infections include viral infections such as dengue,
Chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis, and parasitic infections like malaria and filariasis (DOST
2016). In order to prevent contracting these diseases, intensive mosquito prevention and control
measures, including personal protective measures against mosquito bites, are of urgent importance.
Among these protective measures, mosquito repellents such as those in lotions, coils, and
liquidators are commonly used for personal mosquito bite prevention (DOH 2017).

-The study by Eriko Lois B. Reyes et al. (2020) highlights the significant threat posed by
mosquitoes, which are responsible for spreading deadly diseases globally. The World Health
Organization (WHO) reports that vector-borne infections account for over 17% of infectious
illnesses, causing over 700,000 deaths annually, with malaria alone contributing to 400,000 deaths.
Dengue incidence has risen dramatically in the past 30 years, with an estimated 96 million cases
annually worldwide. In the Philippines, common mosquito-borne infections include dengue,
Chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, malaria, and filariasis. To prevent these diseases, rigorous
mosquito prevention and control measures, including personal protection against mosquito bites,
are crucial. Mosquito repellents in various forms such as lotions, coils, and liquidators are
commonly used for personal mosquito bite prevention.

Senaon, Jhon Mark

Delo Virges, Francoise

Catangui, Brianna