Marikina Polytechnic College

Mayor Chunyungco St., Elena, Marikina city – 1800

Chapter I

Introduction

This chapter aims to explain background of the study,

statement of the problem, assumption, significance of the

study, definition of terms.

Background of the Study

According to Marta Ferreira Maia and Sarah J. Moore

(2013), that citronella oil as plant-based repellents are

great and cited on their research, “Plant-based repellents

have been used for generations in traditional practice as a

personal protection measure against host-seeking

mosquitoes. Knowledge on traditional repellent plants,

obtained through ethno botanical studies is a valuable

resource for the development of new natural products.

Recently, commercial repellent products containing

plant-based ingredients have gained increasing popularity

among consumers, as these are commonly perceived as “safe”

in comparison to long-established synthetic repellents

although this is sometimes a misconception.”

 Marikina Polytechnic College
Mayor Chunyungco St., Elena, Marikina city – 1800

If were take it by, researchers know that natural based

products are good for citizens. And according to Kun

Harismah (2013) and other researchers on his team, that

cited on their research, “Researchers in different parts of

world have studied plants as material for mosquito

repellent. Previous studies revealed that different plant

compounds were included in repellents’ composition and they

proved effective and ecofriendly characteristics. Many

researchers investigated the compounds in plants that have

a variety of properties including insecticidal activity,

repellence to pests, and antibacterial properties against

pathogens.” By that it safe to say that citronella as

mosquito repellent will definitely work.

The problem here is mosquito is common pests in tropic

countries that most people have been known to cause many

diseases.

This study aims of this to lessen the danger from

mosquito bites in their ability to transmit diseases such

as yellow fever and dengue. Patients have used various

tools to control mosquitoes in homes. Chemical insecticides

 Marikina Polytechnic College
Mayor Chunyungco St., Elena, Marikina city – 1800

most commonly used spray to kill mosquitoes, but can also

cause serious human damage.

So, the researchers choose to make a new change in our

lives. Researchers prefer a natural insecticide, because it

is affordable and also a health care unlike in chemicals.

It is toxic and not eco-friendly. In this case our planet

Earth undergoes global warming so instead using a chemical

based repellent, instead consumers must use a natural one.

Statement of the Problem

The main objective of this study is to produce a

mosquito candle repellent from citronella oil, and lemon

peel that can lessen the disease carry by mosquito.

Specifically, this study will try to sought these

following questions:

1. Is the candle repellent useful for the consumers?

2. How the product can help the whole community?

3. Will the product be an effective and safer to use

rather than common insecticides?

 Marikina Polytechnic College
Mayor Chunyungco St., Elena, Marikina city – 1800

Assumption

It has been assumed by researchers that citronella oil

as pesticide and its naturally based. It is effective as a

candle repellent and can manage mosquitoes inside the house

effectively and efficiently. That it does not cause people

and also the environment too much harm. It is safer than

some other common repellents containing various harmful

chemicals.

Significance of the Study

This study will benefit certain groups and the benefits

they may be able to gain as follows:

Children. This study will benefit children the most

because knowledge of mosquito candle repellent will enable

them to prevent possible diseases.

Parents. This study will add knowledge of parents

regarding citronella oil and lemon peel as mosquito candle

repellent would be increased and prevention could be done

to avoid more serious damage to their children health.

However, this candle repellent is easy to make and the

 Marikina Polytechnic College
Mayor Chunyungco St., Elena, Marikina city – 1800

materials used is cheap. Since this is an organic product,

it is safe for both human and environment.

Future Researchers. The resources of the study are

expected to be useful for the future researchers of a

reference in conducting further research dealing with the

efficiency of citronella oil and lemon peel as mosquito

candle repellent.

Scope and Delimitation

This study is intended to identify the effectiveness

of Citronella oil and Lemon peel as the main ingredient for

a candle repellent for mosquitoes. The researchers will try

many combinations as much as possible and used 8 mothers

from Sta. Teresita Subdivision in Marikina City as a

respondent.
 Marikina Polytechnic College
Mayor Chunyungco St., Elena, Marikina city – 1800

Definition of Terms

The study used some terms which were complicated so they

should be given definite meanings on how they were used in

the study. These are the following:

Aedes. A type of mosquitoes found on all continents except

the Antarctica, originally found in tropical and

subtropical areas. Certain species have spread through

human activity. Some of these species convey serious

diseases —including dengue fever.

Citronella. A lemon-scented grass (Cymbopogon nardus) of

southern Asia that yields an oil used in perfumery and as

an insect repellent.

Dengue. A human virus mainly transmitted by the Aedes

aegypti mosquito, typically found in homes and places of

work. The dengue transmission cycle is human- mosquito-

human.

Herbal. Linked to or made with herbs.

Lemon. An acid fruit botanically a pale-yellow oblong berry

produced by a small thorny citrus tree (Citrus limon) with

a rind from which an aromatic oil is extracted.

 Marikina Polytechnic College
Mayor Chunyungco St., Elena, Marikina city – 1800

Malaria. A serious parasite disease. You can get it when an

infected mosquito bites you. Malaria is a major cause of

death all around the world. However, in the United States

it is almost wiped out. The disease is mainly a problem in

tropical climates in developing countries.

Peel. The skin or rind of a fruit; a thin layer of organic

material, embedded in a film of collusion and removed from

the surface of an object (such as a plant fossil) for

microscopic study.

Repellent. Serving or tending to drive away or ward off —

often used in combination mosquito-repellent spray.