EXPERIMENTAL STUDY : LEMON GRASS OIL (CITRONELLA ) AND CATNIP OIL

(NEPETALACTONE) CANDLE AS A NATURAL MOSQUITO REPELLENT

A Research Introduction to the

Faculty of Senior High School Department of
Riverside College, Inc.

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for
Practical Research 2

Demafelis, Mikah Kaye

Dollosa, Therese
Gutierrez, Danica
Lozada, Army
Nazareth,Ken
Tupas, Jairo
Villamarzo, Ezekiel
INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Controlling mosquitoes is of utmost importance in the present day scenario

with rising number of mosquito borne diseases. Unpleasant experiences from these
small insects with itchy, irritating bites and nearly ubiquitous presence that ruins a
person’s momentum of recreation in life. They have an uncanny ability to sense our
murderous intentions, taking flight and disappearing milliseconds before a fatal swat.
Mosquito bites can cause skin irritation through an allergic reaction to the mosquito's
saliva - this is what causes the red bump and itching. Though tiny, these insects cause
animals more deaths than any other animal on the planet. Not necessarily the mosquito
itself, but the number of serious diseases it could carry. Understanding more about
mosquitoes and how they spread disease is important. It helps increase awareness of
the dangers of mosquitoes and provides us with the knowledge we need to protect
ourselves. Thus, protecting ourselves also means special products like mosquito
repellents for combating mosquitoes are required.Mosquito repellants of today are very
effective in avoiding insects especially mosquitos. Increased public demand for safe,
effective, and cost-efficient biting insect repellent has led to the mass marketing of
natural ‘‘area repellents’’ such as Citronella Candles, which are products reputed to
repel biting insects within a certain distance of the source of the compound.

Candle, light source now mostly used for decorative and ceremonial purposes,
consisting of wax, tallow, or similar slow-burning material, commonly in cylindrical form
but made in many fanciful designs, enclosing and saturating a fibrous wick.A candle can
also provide heat, or be used as a method of keeping time. The candle can be used
during the event of a power outage to provide light.In areas without electricity, they are
still used routinely. In rural areas, for example the communities and informal settlers in
South Africa admitted that using candles is a major part of lighting choices and 88% of
these household admitted that they’re still using candles as their primary light source.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus) is a tropical plant citronella or lemon- oil

grass.Lemon grass oil which is citronella is an essential oil from a tropical plant grows
naturally in a tropical climate which means that it can be found in the Philippines. The
fragrant pale yellow oil is inexpensive and used widely in cheap perfume and soap
although it is better known as an insect repellent. A citronella contains a mixture of
Terpenes type of organic compound common in nature two of its components are the
alcohol citronella and the aldehyde citronella. The rise of the use of essential oils has
expanded herbal insect repellant possibilities. In this research, lemon grass oils will be
accompanied by nepetalactone which is the oil from Catnip ( Nepeta Cataria ).Catnip is
a perennial herb belonging to the mint family and widely cultivated for commercial use. It
has a deep rich golden color and a sweet pastoral scent reminiscent of newly mown
grass or hay. In other places, its leaves and young shoots were used as a seasoning.
Today, it also used for many ailments like migraine headaches, fevers, for inducing
sleep, perspiration for convulsions in children. Researchers have reported that a
component of essential oil of the catnip plant ( nepeta cataria ) which fascinatingly
attract felines, actually repels mosquitos and was considered to be a chemical used and
found in commercialized insect repellants. It has a deep rich golden color and a sweet
pastoral scent reminiscent of newly mown grass or hay. The itch and bump that
develops from mosquito bites that causes itchiness and discomfort is a person’s immune
system responding by inflammation around the area. The catnip oil which is
nepetalactone was also considered to be reducing the inflammation which speeds up its
recovery from the mosquito bite.Mosquito repellents are important tools for prevention of
insect borne diseases as well as painful or uncomfortable insect bites.Usage of these
products are essentially required these days but the products of today are made of
chemicals which can harm our health. So the researchers thought that if these oils are
useful as mosquito repellant singly, a combination of both will be a powerful one.

According to research Using a natural repellent, such as essential oils, is a

much safer method to repel insect bites without harmful side effects. Essential oils are
free from harmful chemicals that can potentially cause skin allergies and other skin
diseases. Because these oils do not contain parabens and petroleum, which usually
irritate sensitive skin.The scent of Citronella Oil is known to blend well with all citrus
essential oils, such as Lemon and Bergamot, as well as with Cedarwood, Eucalyptus,
Geranium, Lavender, Pine, Rosemary, Sandalwood, and Tea Tree essential oils and
peppermint . Peppermint and Catnip which belongs to a one family which is the Mint
have almost the same components except for its appearance which means that with the
power of a lemon grass oil and with the abilities of catnip oil, the expected product of
these blended essential oils will be so much more effective. Using three concentrations
the researchers aim to produce a product that is not harmful to our health having a
double purpose and that will be possible with the use of lemongrass oil (citronella) and
catnip oil (nepetalactone) producing a natural and environmental mosquito repelling
candle not just repelling but can also be used during power outage especially in rural
areas.

Statement of the Problem

Mosquito-borne diseases have been rampant here in the Philippines. Giving

different diseases and their bites also cause skin irritation and allergic reaction but not
just that, it causes deaths for more than 1 million every year based on research .
Attempt have been made to find out new active ingredients, especially those derived
from natural plants. The researchers conducted this research to lessen the different
viruses spread by mosquitos. In this study, researchers seek to know the effectiveness
of lemon grass’ oil (Citronella) Catnip’s oil (nepetalactone) as a mosquito repelling
candle testing three set ups with different percentage of concentration.

The General Objective of this study is to measure the effectiveness of lemon grass and
catnip oils as a component of a mosquito repelling candle.

Specifically, this study aims to determine the following;

1. What is the effect of citronella and nepetalactone as a component of a mosquito

repelling candle in terms of :
a. Time
b. Number of mosquitos repelled based on the distance of the cloth to the candle

2. What is the effectiveness of nepetalactone and citronella as a component to a candle

to repel mosquitos in :

a. Set Up A - 30 ml of paraffin wax, 18.75ml ( 75% ) of Nepetalactone , 6.25ml ( 25% )

of Citronella
b. Set Up B - 30ml of paraffin wax, 12.25ml of Nepetalactone ( 50% ) , 12.25ml of
Citronella ( 50% )
c. Set Up C - 30ml of paraffin wax, 6.25ml ( 25% ) of Nepetalactone , 18.75ml ( 75% )
of Citronella
d. Set Up D - Commercialized Mosquito Repelling Candle

3. Is there a significant difference between the effectiveness of nepetalactone and

citronella as a component of candle to repel mosquitos in four different set ups?

Hypothesis of the Study

1. There is no significant difference with the total melting time of the mosquito repelling
candle between three set ups.

2. There is no significant difference with the effectiveness to repel between the three
set ups.

Conceptual Framework

The research have two independent variable, specifically Citronella oil and
Nepetalactone. The independent variables would be compared to know their
effectiveness. First is the breeding of Aedes Aegypti mosquitos and placing them in a
habitable box where the experiment would be done. Second is the extraction of the
independent variables. Then we have the making of the mosquito repelling candle. Next
is testing the three set ups - A for the 75% Nepetalactone and 25% Citronella , B for the
50% Citronella oil and 50% Nepetalactone, and C for the 25% Nepetalactone and 75%
Citronella. Time of melting of the candles would also be determined. Lastly, after getting
the results the researchers would determine and compare to know the most effective set
up.
Significance of the Study

Community of Bacolod - Findings of this study will be beneficial to the society

especially with the current rampant issue of dengue. Cases of dengue fever in Bacolod
City increased by almost 121 percent in the first five weeks of 2019, according to the
City Health Office (CHO). It might help them resolve or lessen the cases and aside from
that it can also lighten each household especially to people who are financially unstable
that cannot afford generators during power outage.

Department of Health - supports the Department of Health in reducing health threats

that mosquitoes create. Lemongrass and catnip extract to be made as candle for
mosquitoes is a study to finally help lessen the population of mosquitoes particularly on
houses, rooms or simply, on spaces enclosed.

Researchers - In conducting this study, the researchers improve their research skills.
This enables them to focus on evidences and can work better for future researches.

Consumers - This may serve as a guide for them to look and use for organic products
which contains less chemicals for the health of the family.

Future Researchers - This study might also be significant to the other researchers for it
will help them to have a foundation or basis in finding information in their own research.

Scope and Delimitation

This study focuses on the ability of lemongrass’ oil ( citronella ) and catnip’s oil (
nepetalactone ) to repel mosquitoes and assumed to be effective in mosquitos alone. As
for other insects that causes same problem as flies, is out of this study’s coverage and
to determine what concentration is best among the three set up and how effective and
safe its natural components are. This study is assumed to be proven effective
specifically on rooms, inside the house and simply on spaces enclosed. The time for the
candles to totally melt will also be determined.
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents the related literature and studies after the thorough and in-
depth search done by the researchers. The overall goal of this chapter is to establish
and evaluate the points from the reviewed literatures about the lemongrass ( citronella )
and catnip oil ( nepetalactone ) as mosquito repellant. This will also present the
synthesis to fully understand the research to be done and lastly the definition of terms
for better comprehension of the study.

Lemon Grass Oil ( Citronella ) and its Properties

Lemongrass oil is the essential oil obtained from the aerial parts of Cymbopogon
citratus, Poaceae.Geranial and neral are the two main active components of lemongrass
oil, but other compounds, such as geraniol and citronellol, which are known repellents,
are also present in small amounts. Lemongrass essential oil has previously shown a
repellent effect, alone or in combination, against different species of disease-transmitting
mosquitoes and the house fly Musca domestica L. and is already present in
commercially available products. A study was made with the objectives were to verify
the sensitivity of antennal receptor cells of calcitrans to lemongrass oil and to evaluate
its repellency against mosquitos using a video-tracking system and the lemon grass was
then effective as a repellant. ( Baldacchino F. et. al, 2013 )

Insect repellent is a substance applied to skin, clothing or other surfaces which

discourages insects from landing or climbing on that surface. Most common insect
repellents available contain N,N – diethyl -3- methylbenzamide or also called DEET has
shown strong protection against mosquitoes. Long term application of chemical
substances for controlling, repelling and killing of hazardous insects make serious
anxieties for environment and human health. Therefore uses of environment friendly and
biodegradable natural insecticides of plant origin have received renewed attention as
agents for vector control. Essential oils extracted from different families have shown high
repellency against arthropod species. The metabolites like the monoterpenes such as -
pinene, cineole, eugenol, limonene, terpinolene, citronellal, camphor and thymol are
the common constituents in a number of essential oils having mosquito repellent activity.
Characteristics of Citronella Oil: Citronella oil is a colorless or light yellow liquid with a
characteristic woody, grassy or lemony odor. Citronella oil has minimal or no risk to
wildlife

and environment due to its toxic levels being low and its use being limited. Therefore, it
can be used around the home with no expected adverse effects. Active Component: C.
winterianus essential oil is rich in citronellal, geraniol and citronellol. There are other
constituents like citronellyl acetate, L limonene, ellemol and other sesquiterpene
alcohols present in citronella.Citronella as Insect repellent: Citronella oil repels insects
such as mosquitoes, black flies, fleas and ticks, therefore, preventing its bites. It is used
on humans and their clothing – in the form of oil, liquid and patch. Citronella oil is a
natural, non-toxic alternative to chemical insect repellents such as DEET, therefore, is
usually the preferred choice. They are available as solid products such as citronella oil
insect repelling candles and cartridges. Citronella oil is also used in a tablet or pellet
form in recreational or outdoor household areas and around trees and shrubs.In
addition, there are animal collars and tags containing citronella oil for pets and other
domestic animals to repel fleas. A combination of the citronella oil and cedar wood
virginian oil also helps to repel mosquitoes. The active compounds in citronella oil for
repelling mosquitoes are camphor, eucalyptol, eugenol, linalool, citronellal and
citral.Some evidence suggests that these compounds interfere with mosquito olfactory
receptors making these as effective mosquito repellants. ( Geetha et al, 2014 )
Citronella oil has a relaxant effect on smooth muscles and a moderate
antimicrobial effect, but due to its potential irritaton and sensitisation potential due to
citral, it cannot be recommended for massaging into skin. Therefore, it is used as a
fragrant by mixing with the massage oil in low concentration which also induces the
above mentioned effects. Lemon grass oil has anti-fungal properties. ( Chakborty et al,
2009 )
Catnip Essential Oil ( Nepetalactone ) and Related Studies

Essential oils of plants have huge potential for insect control and safe for
mammalian use. ( Coats, 2001 ) The mint catnip Nepeta cataria L. is a common plant
that frequently grows as a weed. It was considered an insect repellent for decades. Its
oil was shown to keep ants from scavenging on a dead insect. Catnip is one of several
plants used in folk medicine to ward off insects, but most people turn to DEET when they
want serious deterrence. For several decades, diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) has been
the most widely used insect repellent available. First synthesized in the early 1950s,
DEET is usually regarded as safe, but up to 50% of the applied dose of DEET may be
absorbed into the skin within six hours, and toxic effects have occasionally been
documented in the literature. Now the researchers at Iowa State University, Ames, have
shown that a relatively weak solution of catnip extract repels mosquitoes as effectively
as a DEET solution ten times more concentrated. The effect of catnip Nepeta cataria
essential oil and two isomers of nepetalactone, the major components, on the
distribution of Aedes aegypti (yellow fever mosquito) mosquitoes in a static-air
olfactometer response was examined to determine their activity as spatial repellents.A
glass cylinder was used as a choice-test chamber. The catnip (Nepeta cataria) essential
oil, as well as the E,Z- and Z,E-isomers of nepetalactone were significantly repellent
after application of one ml of 1% and 0.1% solution to filter paper (conc. of 157 and 15.7
μg/cm2). Diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) a positive control was significantly repellent at 157
μg/cm2 in this assay. Both nepetalactone isomers and the catnip essential oil had
excellent spatial repellency while DEET only exhibited spatial repellency at higher
concentrations. The bioassay allowed for definition of and delineation between spatial
and contact repellency. ( Peterson et. al, 2001 ) Catnip possesses anti septic attributes
which are effective in treating skin infections. This herb contains high levels of tannins
which help to accelerate the process of repairing damaged tissues and stop
hemorrhages from grazes and cuts. The tannins are also useful in curing burn injuries
and scalds , insect bites , piles and skin problems accompanied by inflammations.

Effectiveness of Lemon Grass Oil (Citronella from the plant Cymbopogon citratus
) and Catnip Oil ( Nepetalactone ) as Mosquito Repellant

Researchers in different parts of world have studied plants as material for mosquito
repellent. Previous studies revealed that different plant compounds were included in
repellent and they proved effective and eco- friendly 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.
Prajapati et al. investigated the efficacy of essential oils extracted from 10 medicinal
plants that were evaluated against Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti, and Culex
quinquefasciatus. It was found that the essential oils of Juniperus macropoda and
Pimpinella anisum significantly intoxicate eggs and larvaes. The essential oil of P.
anisum was toxic to 4th instar larvae of A. stephensi and A. aegypti with equivalent
LD95 values of 115.7 μg/ml. The results revealed that essential oil of Cinnamomum
zeylanicum has the highest repellency LD95 i.e. 49.6, 53.9 and 44.2 mg/mat against A.
stephensi, A. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus respectively apart from oviposition-
deterrent potential.In addition, Phasomkusolsil and Soonwera in their experiment tested
the efficacy of essential oils of Cananga odorata, Citrus sinensis, Cymbopogon citratus,
Cymbopogon nardus, Eucalyptus citriodora, Ocimum basilicum and Syzygium
aromaticum against Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus and Anopheles dirus. The
concentrations of essential oils were prepared in soybean oil at 1%, 5% and 10% (w/v).
By using knockdown LC50 and KT50 values against Ae. aegypti, C. quinquefasciatus
and An. dirus were calculated. It was found that C. citratus oil was highly significant to
control all tested mosquito species with LC50 <0.1, 2.22 and <0.1%, respectively. At
10% concentration, C. citratus resulted the 100% after 24 hours of application. The
results also revealed that Cymbopogon citratus which contain citronella oil is the most
efficient compound to control A. aegypti among rest of the essential oils tested. (
Harisma et al, 2017 )
 Nepeta cataria or commonly known as catnip has been reported as an effective
mosquito repellent against several Aedes and Culex species, both topically and
spatially. Our laboratory bioassays showed that catnip essential oil (at a dosage of 20
mg) resulted in average repellency rates of 96% against stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans
(L.) and 79% against houseflies, Musca domestica (L.), respectively. This finding
suggested that the application of repellent could be used as part of filth fly management.
Further evaluations of catnip oil toxicity were conducted to provide a broad-spectrum
safety profile of catnip oil use as a potential biting and nuisance insect repellent in urban
settings. Primary skin irritation tested on New Zealand white rabbits showed that catnip
oil is a moderate irritant. Catnip oil was classified as practically non-irritating to the eye.
In comparison with other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved mosquito
repellents (DEET, picaridin and p-menthane-3,8-diol), catnip oil can be considered as a
relatively safe repellent, which may cause minor skin irritation. ( Zhu JJ et al, 2009 )

Ability of Essential Oil Candles to Repel Biting Insects in High and Low Biting
Pressure Environments

The goal of-this study was to compare the degree of personal protection against
biting insects provided by geraniol, linalool, and citronella candle (5%) vapors outdoors,
where such products are commonly used. At a distance of 1.0 m, citronella candles
reduced the number of female mosquitoes caught in Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention traps by 35.4% and sand flies by 15.4%, linalool candles reduced female
mosquitoes by 64.9% and sand flies by 48.5%, while geraniol candles reduced female
mosquitoes by 81.5% and sand flies by 69.8%. By increasing the distance to 2 m and 3
m, the repellency dropped significantly. The second goal was to compare the degree of
personal protection provided by the best performing candle, geraniol, under conditions of
high and low biting pressure. The introduction of geraniol candles to protect volunteers
in a high biting pressure environment reduced the mosquito pressure by an average of
56% and the sand fly pressure by 62% over a distance of 1.0 m. In the low biting
pressure environment, geraniol reduced the mosquito pressure by an average of 62%.
No sand flies were present at this site.Considering the volume of citronella candles and
other such products (coils, diffusers, and vaporizing mats) purchased per year (EPA
2001) in the USA alone, there is a surprising lack of scientific data to support the claims
that these products effectively repel biting insects. Although there is a large body of
literature concerning the topical application of natural repellents (Choi et al. 2002, Erler
et al. 2006), to date few studies have specifically examined the repellent effect of
botanical candles in an outdoor setting (Lindsay et al. 1996). Contrary to the popular
conception, Lindsay et al. reported that citronella candles and incense were both
ineffective for reducing the biting pressure of mosquitoes in the field. They found that
burning an unscented candle had the same effect on reducing the biting rate of
mosquitoes as burning a citronella candle. Similarly, there appear to be few scientific
articles that specifically address the protective effect of either linalool or geraniol candles
in an outdoor setting where these products are likely to be used. However, in a previous
study, it was found that geraniol in the form of a diffuser-style area repellent provided
significantly more protection to volunteers than citronella or linalool (Mu ̈ ller et al. 2007).
It remains unknown as to whether geraniol in candle form would protect better than
citronella or linalool.

Synthesis

Insect repellent is a substance applied to skin, clothing or other surfaces which

discourages insects from landing or climbing on that surface which the citronella and
nepetalactone oils shows studies and properties refers to as strong protection against
insects like mosquitoes. Long term application of chemical substances for controlling,
repelling and killing of hazardous insects make serious anxieties for environment and
human health therefore usage of natural and organic substances should be given
attention as agents for vector control. New research shows that mosquitoes hate aroma
of Catnip. Catnip is one of the natural plants that people use to ward off insects. Several
research shows that Catnip is more effective compare to DEET. A weak solution of
catnip extract is as effective as a DEET solution that is ten times more concentrated.
According to Peterson, Catnip is more effective than DEET, less catnip oil would be
needed to match the level of effectiveness of repellency as a DEET-based repellent.

Lemon grass oil and catnip plant oil have the properties and were used in studies
as mosquito repellant differently. Citronella incense sticks, candles, and oils were
already made and used in different experiments and studies and proven effective. With
this study we could reduce the spreading of viruses and let people sleep without
worrying. Statistically, it shows that these substances have effective content against
mosquitos and were also used as anti-microbial used as a remedy to insect bites. The
literatures and and studies proves that it could contribute to another breakthrough using
the two kinds of oils - citronella oil and nepetalactone. Since the researchers are in
academic strand - STEM in a medical school - Riverside College , knowing more about
these and conducting a research is of our great interest and will be of great help to the
community.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Nepetalactone - Conceptually, it is one of the major components (~ 40%) of the

essential oils from Catnip.

Operationally, it is one of the major components of catnip which helps

repel mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes - Conceptually, are insects belonging to the order Diptera, the True Flies.
Like all True Flies, they have two wings, but unlike other flies, mosquito wings have
scales.

Operationally, mosquitoes are the primary subject that is used in the study.

Swelling - Conceptually, occurs whenever the organs, skin, or other parts of your body
enlarge.

Operationally, mosquito bite causes a large area of swelling, soreness and

redness.

Anti fungal - Conceptually, comprise a large and diverse group of drugs used to treat
fungal infections.
 Operationally, catnip and lemon grass are one of the best organic anti
fungal.

Catnip, or Nepeta cataria - Conceptually, is a member of the same plant family as

mint, and nepetalactone is a type of chemical known as a terpene – a volatile organic
molecule made up of two carbon rings joined together, one with six carbons, the other
with five.

Operationally, it is the independent variable that is used in

the study to produce an effective mosquito repellant.

Citronella Oil - Conceptually, is a naturally insect and animal repellent distilled from two
grass varieties. It is yellow to brown and has a grassy/floral smell.

Operationally, it is one of the components of lemongrass that helps repel

mosquitoes.

Scavenging - Conceptually, it is a process of detaching exhaust gas in the engine

cylinder by means of incoming change air.

Operationally, it is an act that an ant will go into a dead insect’s body which
the product that will be produced by the study is preventing to.

Limonene - Conceptually, is the oil extracted from the peels of oranges and other citrus
fruits
Operationally, it is the used in producing the insect repellent by the use of
catnip.

Research Design

Quantitative Research Design, as defined by Babbie (2010), is an approach that

deals with numbers, logic, and an objective stance. It mainly focuses on numeric and
unchanging data and detailed, convergent reasoning. Quantitative research, along with
its high reliability, has an overarching aim of classifying and counting features as well as
constructing statistical models in an attempt to explain what is observed (“University of
Southern California Libraries,” n.d.). Specifically, this study shall utilize the True
Experimental Research Design of Quantitative Research, which involves the true
experiment which is used to describe all studies with at least one independent variable
that is experimentally manipulated and with at least one dependent or outcome variable.
The researchers will be able to determine the effectiveness of citronella and
nepetalactone in repelling mosquitos in terms of time and number of mosquitos.

Materials and data gathering procedures

Procedures for breeding :

Aedes Aegypti is the mosquito that brings such viruses like Zika, dengue,
yellow fever and other that is constantly causing deaths and sickness to people . First
choose a location outside to raise your mosquito larvae, make sure it is away from
sunlight. Keep the container under shaded water sources. Use rain water, cover and let
it stay for 2 weeks for algae to form. Make a small opening for the mosquito to enter and
wait for a day for them to breed. Larvae will form. Put the container in a habitable box
and wait for the larvae to become at the late stage pupae. From time to time, mosquito
larvae will be checked at Medical Laboratory until the larvae will be at its late stage
pupae and ready for the experiment.

Procedures for preparing the products:

It is only a matter of time to make a mosquito repellent using

lemongrass and catnip leaves. It consist few steps to achieve the desired mixture. First,
the researchers must prepare all the equipments needed for the experiment that they
are about to do. Second, wash the lemongrass and catnip leaves. Third, separate the
two ingredients. Using the the knife and the chopping board cut the the lemongrass and
catnip leaves into pieces and crush them with a help of mortar and pestle. Transfer the
crushed grass in the container. After that, add olive oil to cover the grass. Then shake
the container vigorously and leave it in a warm place for 48 hours. Lastly, after 48 hours
sieve the oil through a cheese cloth and transfer into a container.

In making the lemongrass oil and catnip oil candle, melt an 8-inch or
20cm x 7cm candle ( made of paraffin wax ) in a cooking pot. Agitating (stirring) the
candle could help liquefy the candle. Measure the melted candle in ml then combine it
with the lemongrass and catnip following the concentration level of set up A which is
75% nepetalactone and 25% citronella extract on a container depending on the quantity
of melted candle with extract. Put the candle wick on the center of before solidifying the
mixture by letting itself harden overnight. (note: make sure that the place is far from dirt
or at least isolated so people especially kids wont touch them). Carefully get the
mosquito repelling candle out from the container, and so the candle is now ready to
repel mosquitoes away. Same procedures will be followed for Set Up B and Set up C.

Procedures for testing the product :

A. Testing the product for mosquitoes as repellant

The researchers will tests the effectiveness of the three concentrations through
three set ups and will determine and compare the data gathered. Set up A as the candle
of 75% nepetalactone and 35% citronella oil. Set up B as 50% citronella oil and 50%
nepetalactone and lastly Set Up C as 75% citronella oil and 25% nepetalactone. Same
procedure will be done for the three set ups.

(There has been a proliferation of candles with claims of mosquito protection.

However, objective data on the performance of such products are often lacking. Human
tests conducted during the biting period of mosquitoes in an outdoor setting are the most
objective method of testing candle repellent performance. But, when in the process of
developing optimum formulation, human testing can be expensive and time consuming.
For this reason, scientists at Poseidon have developed a convenient screening method
to show the performance of experimental candle formulations.)

The test system comprises an enclosed candle chamber attached by a

screened wall to a 6 ft tunnel (1 ft wide, 4 ft high; covered with solid white cloth) through
which the candle ‘smoke’ is permitted to travel. The mosquitoes (100+)as late stage
pupae were introduced into the tunnel area in the evening prior to the start of the study
on the following day at 10 AM. By morning, these pupae had emerged into adult mos-
quitoes and fed on sugar solution and distribute throughout the tunnel. Each test
comprises new mosquitoes introduced to the tunnel. The numbers are normalized as
percentage of the total mosquitoes. Inside the tunnel are five pieces of 6 inch x 28 inch
black cloth hanging from the top of the chamber at 1 ft. intervals. Mosquitoes prefer to
perch on darker surfaces and their movements will be observed.The candle with 75%
nepetalactone and 25% citronella ( Set up A ) will be introduced into the chamber and lit
for a total of 20 min for testing its effectivity but continued to be burning until it totally
melts for recording its melting time. The time was sufficient to have the smoke permeate
by passive movement though the tunnel and exit on the screened portion at the end of
the tunnel. If a repellent effect is observed, the mosquitoes will move as far away from
the candle chamber, preferentially perching on the ceiling walls and screen at the end of
the tunnel. This behavior can occur in a matter of seconds. The number of mosquitoes
perched on the cloth and the walls of chamber are counted after the 20 min exposure by
opening a screened side of one wall. Cloths will be changed and chamber will be
cleaned for the next testing to happen. Repeated procedure will be done for Set Up B
and Set Up C.

Statistical analysis

The researchers will use ANOVA to determine the significant difference of the three
concentrations of Citronella and Nepetalactone oil in terms of effectiveness and time of
melting.
References

BOOKS
Debboun (et al)., 2015
Insect repellant handbooks
https://books.google.com.ph/books/about/Insect_Repellents_Handbook.html?id=
E0nSBQAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=kp_read_button&redir_esc=y

Kellerman (et al)., 2017

Conn's Current Therapy 2018 E-Book
https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=3xNBDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT685&dq=books
+for+lemon+grass+effectivty+on+mosquito&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiQveTM
uO_jAhUIA4gKHemgDgYQ6AEILzAB#v=onepage&q=books%20for%20lemon%
20grass%20effectivty%20on%20mosquito&f=false

JOURNAL
Chakrborty (et al)., 2009
Lemon Grass - As an Insect Repellent and Aromatherapy
http://www.researchjournal.co.in/upload/assignments/2_144-146-2.pdf

Graves, Andrea
Catnip’s powerful pong repels mosquitoes
https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn1199-catnips-powerful-pong-repels-
mosquitoes/#ixzz5yGAiPLLc

Peach (et al)., 2019

Lemongrass and Cinnamon Bark: Plant Essential Oil Blend as a Spatial
Repellent for Mosquitoes in a Field Setting
https://academic.oup.com/jme/advance-article-
abstract/doi/10.1093/jme/tjz078/5506539

WEBSITE
Oyedele (et al)., 2004
 Formulation of an effective mosquito-repellent topical product from Lemongrass
oil
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0944711304701129

CITRONELLA OIL AS A MOSQUITO REPELLENT

https://insectcop.net/citronella-oil-for-mosquito-repelling/

Catnip Benefits
https://www.indigo-herbs.co.uk/natural-health-guide/benefits/catnip

Is Lemon Grass the Most Effective Mosquito Repellent?

https://www.rentokil.com.sg/my-pest-control-quick-tips/pest-myths/is-lemongrass-
the-most-effective-mosquito-repellent/

PUBLISH RESEARCH
Baldacchino (et al)., 2013
The repellency of lemongrass oil against stable flies, tested using video tracking
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3718533/

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF LEMON GRASS AS NATURAL INSECT

REPELLENT
https://www.slideshare.net/mobile/gumbanjohndaniel/the-effectiveness-of-lemon-
grass-as-natural-insect-repellent

Ukpong (et al)., 2016

Studies on mosquito repellent activity of cymbopogon citratus using human
volunteers
http://granthaalayah.com/Articles/Vol4Iss12/06_IJRG16_C12_195.pdf

Ojewumi (et al)., 2017

Analytical Investigation of the Extract of Lemon Grass Leaves in Repelling
Mosquito
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315575384_ANALYTICAL_INVESTIGA
TION_OF_THE_EXTRACT_OF_LEMON_GRASS_LEAVES_IN_REPELLING_M
OSQUITO