ABSTRACT

Tropical country like the Philippines is most likely a good breeding place for
harmful insect like mosquitoes. If we have mosquitoes at home, we resort to
handy, easy and costly way to drive them away by purchasing chemically made
mosquito repellent. Knowing the bad effects of this product, I personally started
my research on plant –based product which aims to find a natural way to repel
mosquitoes which is not toxic, no health risks and environmental friendly.
Taking into consideration my objectives in making a mosquito repellent, I
made a product with the main ingredients of oregano, calamansi, oil, and salt. It is
in the form of a lamp that would keep the mosquitoes away from the place where
you are. The smell of the oregano and calamansi will make this insect avoid the
fumes one’s it is lighted. This device is handy and can be done by a grade four
child under the supervision of an adult since a match will be used to set the light
of the lamp. 
With the completion of this this simple experimental device, I am hopeful
that many household will to make one and try to see for themselves how it works
and keep them safe from the annoying and health threatening mosquito bites.
The device is on its trial stage. The improvisation will be made based on the
feedbacks of the end users.       

    1
INTRODUCTION
In the Philippines, insect bites, especially of mosquitoes, pose a big threat
to the people when transmitted by diseases such as dengue, malaria, and
chikunngunya. Dengue for one has 50 to 100 million cases reported worldwide
every year according to the World Health Organization. Dengue fever can affect
anyone, and could life threatening and fatal, especially to infants and young
children. It can also happen anywhere, and Legazpi City exception wherein several
cases were reported and identified. 
 That is why every year, during rainy season, there is rapid increase of
mosquito breeding, the public is advised to take precautionary measures to
prevent dengue-carrying mosquitoes from multiplying. To avoid mosquito bites,
people resort to usual insect repellent such as; creams, sprays and lotions.
However, adverse effect had been noticed to the end user of the product. Some
experienced skin- allergy upon application, while others suffer from respiratory
infection when the spray is inhaled. In response to the existing problem a simple
research was conducted to take part in the nationwide awareness program in the
prevention of the illness brought about by mosquitoes. In my own little way I
could be an advocate of safe and disease free country through research and
experimentation.

  2
Objectives of the Study: 
The study of the combined repelling strength of oregano and calamansi
aims to achieve the following objectives;
1. To find out whether oregano and calamansi oil lamp is effective in
repelling or eradicating mosquitoes.
2. To tell the shelf life of the effectiveness of the lamp.
3. To find traces of evidences that oregano-calamansi oil lamp as a
repelling agent could be an alternative to other forms of insect
repellent.                 
Scope and Delimitations
The Oregano – Calamansi Oil Lamp Mosquito Repellent is a simple
product/devise used for keeping away and eradicating life threatening mosquito
bites. It is made of herbs such as oregano and calamansi which are commonly
found in our backyard. Heated oregano in cooking oil with a little calamansi made
a combined chemical properties which can repel mosquitoes. Set-up in a reusable
can with salt and twisted cotton cloth for lighting purposes. 
The device/ product is very simple to make of a grade four pupil under a
supervision only during the lighting up of the lamp. Furthermore, when the lamp
is already lighted, keep it away from combustible materials to avoid incident that
will cause fire. The shelf life of the lamp would depend on the consumption of oil
of the lighted cotton wick of the lamp. 

    3
Significance of the Study:
The primary goal of the study is to make use of natural-based repellent that
will protect each member of the household from mosquito bites with no with no
toxicity level, and poses no health and environmental problems.
Specifically, the beneficiaries of the product are the following;
Students. During this time that most of the students are at home having their
online class or making their modules due to the pandemic, they deserve to be
protected from insect bites like the mosquitoes. With this simple product they
can easily get rid of mosquitoes in a place where they are having their virtual
classes or answering modules. Undisturbed by unwanted mosquitoes would keep
them focus on their studies. 
Housewives. They are the most vulnerable person in the house of mosquito bites,
because they usually work in the kitchen wherein mosquitoes hid along dark and
damp places with stagnant water. With the formulation of this repelling agent,
housewives will no longer worry of mosquito bites. The mosquito repellent will
drive them away.

                                              4
Related Literature and Studies
 Fig.1 AEDES AEGYPTY MOSQUITO
Dengue and the Aedes aegypti mosquito The Aedes aegypti mosquito can
transmit the viruses that cause dengue fever. The female mosquito lays eggs in
containers with water and plants near the home. It bites people and animals. This
species can survive year round in tropical and subtropical climates. General
information ∙ Aedes aegypti is a small, dark mosquito with white lyre shaped
markings and banded legs. ∙ They prefer to bite indoors and primarily bite
humans. ∙ These mosquitoes can use natural locations or habitats (for example
treeholes and plant axils) and artificial containers with water to lay their eggs.
They lay eggs during the day in water containing organic material (e.g., decaying
leaves, algae, etc.) in containers with wide openings and prefer darkcolored
containers located in the shade. ∙ About three days after feeding on blood, the
mosquito lays her eggs inside a container just above the water line. Eggs are laid
over a period of several days, are resistant to desiccation and can survive for
periods of six or more months. When rain floods the eggs with water, the larvae
hatch. ∙ Generally larvae feed upon small aquatic 

  
   5
organisms, algae and particles of plant and animal material in water-filled
containers. ∙ The entire immature or aquatic cycle (i.e., from egg to adult) can
occur in as little as 7-8 days. The life span for adult mosquitoes is around three
weeks. ∙ Egg production sites are within or in close proximity to households. ∙
Aedes aegypti do not remain alive through the winter in the egg stage in colder
climates. National National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases
Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Dengue Branch Medical importance Most
frequently found in tropical and subtropical areas of the world, Aedes aegypti
historically is considered to be a primary vector of viral diseases such as the
dengue fever, chikungunya and yellow fever. Habitat Aedes aegypti is extremely
common in areas lacking piped water systems, and depend greatly on water
storage containers to lay their eggs. Male and female adults feed on nectar of
plants; however, female mosquitoes need blood in order to produce eggs, and are
active in the daytime. Eggs have the ability to survive drying for long periods of
time, allowing eggs to be easily spread to new locations. Artificial or natural water
containers (water storage containers, flower pots, discarded tires, plates under
potted plants, cemetery vases, flower pots, buckets, tin cans, clogged rain gutters,
ornamental fountains, drums, water bowls for pets, birdbaths, etc.) that are within
or close to places where humans live are ideally larval habitats for this mosquito.
This species has also been found in underground collections of water such as open
or unsealed septic tanks, storm drains, wells, and water meters.

                         
   6

Fig.2 OREGANO
Botanically known as Origanum Vulgare, oregano is a flowering plant from
the same family as mint. It is often used as an herb to flavor food.
Oregano has been popular ever since the ancient Greek and Roman
civilizations used it for medicinal purposes. In fact, the name oregano comes from
the greek words oros meaning mountain, and ganos meaning joy or delight.
Oregano oil extract can be produced via several extraction methods.
Essential oil derived from oregano plants contains thymol and carvacol. These two
compounds are repulsive to insects which make it effective pest control against
houseflies, moths, and most especially mosquitoes. It believe that mosquitoes
dislike the herbs aromatic oils. It can double as an insect repellent which protect
us and our family.

  7
 Fig. 3 CALAMANSI

The calamansi fruit comes from a small tree or shrub found in most tropical
countries in Asia. It is scientifically known as Citrofortunella Microcarpa coming
from the family of citrus fruits. It has high content of vitamin C and has anti-
oxidant properties which promotes anti-aging, hair growth, lowering cholesterol
and boost the immune system of the body. Aside from the nutritional properties, it
has been widely used to eliminate itching and irritation resulting from insect bites,
and also acts as laxative.  
Numerous studies have shown that calamansi , contains substances called
Linalool and D-Lmonene which melt the waxy coating of insects making them
vulnerable to die.

     8

Fig.4 Cooking Oil

Vegetable cooking oils (VCOs) and used vegetable cooking oils (UCOs) can be
considered as alternative fuels which will provide the household with low price
fuel and may solve the problem of getting rid of waste VCOs. Their utilization as
cooking fuel can bring numerous benefits not only for urban but also for rural
communities in Indonesia. The paper focuses on characterizing VCOs and UCOs
as fuels for the household cooking application using a modified pressurized
cooking stove. Physical properties such as auto-ignition point, auto-ignition time,
flash point, density and viscosity of VCOs play the vital role in the combustion.
Some properties of these oils were measured and characterized according to ASTM
standards. The oil was used directly as a fuel using in a design modified
pressurized cooking stove. Adjusting the temperature of vegetable cooking oils
used as fuel, it is possible to improve their combustion performance, thus reducing
ignition time and incomplete combustion. The main target of the research is to
determine the quality and performances of these oil combustion.

     9

Fig.5 
In chemistry, a mixture is a material made up of two or more different chemical
substance/substances which are not chemically combined. A mixture is the
physical combination of two or more substances in which the identities are
retained and are mixed in the form of solutions, suspensions and colloids.
Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures
Mixtures can be either homogeneous or heterogeneous: a mixture in which
constituents are distributed uniformly, such as salt in water, is called
homogeneous, whereas a mixture whose constituents are clearly separate from
one another, such as sand in water, it is called heterogeneous.
In addition, "uniform mixture" is another term for homogenous mixture and
"non-uniform mixture" is another term for heterogeneous mixture. These terms
are derived from the idea that a homogeneous mixture has a uniform
appearance, or only one visible phase, because the particles are evenly
distributed. 

                                                                                                                                               10
However, a heterogeneous mixture has non-uniform composition and its
constituent substances are easily distinguishable from one another (often, but
not always, in different phases).
      Several solid substances, such as salt and sugar, dissolve in water to
form a special type of homogeneous mixture called a solution, in which there is
both a solute (dissolved substance) and solvent (dissolving medium)
present. Air is an example of a solution as well: a homogeneous mixture of
gaseous nitrogen solvent, in which oxygen and smaller amounts of other gaseous
solutes are dissolved. Mixtures are not limited in either their number of
substances or the amounts of those substances, though in a homogeneous
mixture the solute-to-solvent proportion can only reach a certain point before the
mixture separates and becomes heterogeneous.
A homogeneous mixture is characterized by uniform dispersion of its constituent
substances throughout; the substances exist in equal proportion everywhere
within the mixture. Differently put, a homogeneous mixture will be the same no
matter from where in the mixture it is sampled. For example, if a solid-liquid
solution is divided into two halves of equal volume, the halves will contain
equal amounts of both the liquid medium and dissolved solid (solvent and solute).

         
                                                                                                                              11

Fig.6       
Fig.6 Extraction" refers to transference of compound(s) from a solid or liquid into
a different solvent or phase. When a tea bag is added to hot water, the
compounds responsible for the flavor and color of tea are extracted from the
grounds into the water (Figure 4.1a). Decaffeinated coffee is made by using
solvents or supercritical carbon dioxide to extract the caffeine out of coffee
beans. Bakers use the extract of vanilla, almond, orange, lemon, and peppermint
in their dishes, essences that have been extracted from plant materials using
alcohol. In the chemistry lab, it is most common to use liquid-liquid extraction, a
process that occurs in a separator funnel (Figure 4.2). A solution containing
dissolved components is placed in the funnel and an immiscible solvent is added,
resulting in two layers that are shaken together. It is most common for one layer
to be aqueous and the other an organic solvent. Components are "extracted"
when they move from one layer to the other. The shape of the separator funnel
allows for efficient drainage and separation of the two layers.

    12
Methods and Procedures

      Materials and Equipment 

A. The following materials and equipment were used;
 15 fresh leaves of oregano
 1 regular size calamansi
 1 cup cooking oil
 ½ cup salt
 Reusable can
 Strainer
 Funnel
 Measuring cup
 Frying pan/stirring spoon
 Stove/pot or pan
 Match
 Knife/chopping board
 Scissor/cotton cloth
       13

      

      

         

         
                                      Fig. 7
                 14
B. Procedures
1. Making the Oregano –Calamansi Oil
 Harvest fifteen ( 15 ) fresh leaves of oregano and thinly chop them.
 Put 1 cup of cooking oil in the pot and add in the chopped oregano.
 Heat the oil with oregano in low fire to extract oregano oil.
 Using the strainer and funnel transfer the oregano oil in a container.
 Put the extracted calamansi and set aside.

2. Setting – Up the Lamp

 Clean the reusable can thoroughly and dry it.
 Put ½ cup of salt in the can.
 Cut a cotton cloth in an elongated shape and twist it. 
 Place it in the can with salt, with the top part being seen above.
 Put the oregano-calamansi oil in the can. Wet the wick with oil. 
 Put the bits of oregano around.
 Light it up and refill the oil if needed.

  15
     

         
                                        

                                                                                       

  

      

                        
Fig.8
                    
                     16
C.T1. Research Design
This Science Investigatory Project Is an experimental type of research. There were four (4)
experimental formulation.

Treatment Descriptions
Controlled Variables
T0              15 oregano leaves
½ cup rock salt
1 piece calamansi extract
                  Experimental Variable
No cooking oil
Controlled Variables
T1 15 oregano leaves
½ cup rock salt
1 piece calamansi extract
Experimental Variable 
¼ cup cooking oil
Controlled Variables 
T2 15 oregano leaves
½ cup rock salt
1 piece calamansi extract
Experimental Variable 
½ cup cooking oil
Controlled Variables  
T3 15 oregano leaves
½ cup rock salt
1 piece calamansi extract
Experimental Variable 
1 cup cooking oil

                            17
D.The four experimental formulations represent the four kind of Oregano-
Calamansi oil Lamp prepared tested in terms of effectiveness in repelling
mosquitoes, shelf life and possible alternative as insect repellant. 
 Ten (10) from each category evaluated the effectiveness of the Oregano-
Calamansi Oil Lamp where they used it in their respective homes.
Here under were their names:
T2. Actual Use of the Product by Housewives/Working Mothers

Names Age No. of Children

Aiza Bertillo 44 3 children
Irma Atos 36 2 children
Jennifer 39 3 children
Ariola
Fiona Abion 43 7 children
Jovy Sales 45 3 children
T3. Actual Use of the Product by Students

Names Age Grade/Year

Nicole Bertillo 17 Grade 10
Kaye Bertillo 14 Grade 8
Sebastian Cal Ortiz 13 Grade 7
Therese Banday 8 Grade 3
Alexander Padilla 5 Kindergarte
n
     

  

                                                  18
E. Distribution of Questionnaires 
After the actual testing each respondent was given a questionnaire.
Responses were summarized discussed. Herewith is the sample format;
Name: ___________________________________________ Age
_______________
Occupation/Year/Grade: ______________________
Fig. 9 Direction: Check the appropriate box on the degree of acceptability base on
the tested characteristics.
4-5 Highly Acceptable 3 – Moderately Acceptable
2- Acceptable 1- not acceptable

1. Does the Oregano-Calamansi Oil Lamp effective in repelling mosquitoes?

                      4-5                                    3                                   2                                    1

2. Does the shelf-life of Oregano-Calamansi Oil Lamp sustain the period of

time when mosquitoes are most active?

                       4-5                                       3                                       2                                        1        

3. Does the Oregano-Calamansi Oil Lamp ca be an alternative mosquito

repellent?

19
Results and Discussions
  The acceptability of Oregano-Calamansi Oil Lamp Mosquito Repellent was
based on its effectiveness as repelling agent, the shelf-life of the lamp, as an
alternative repelling agent from other forms of mosquito repellent.
T4. Acceptability Test of the Effectiveness of the Oregano-Calamansi Oil Lamp
Mosquito Repellent.
Acceptability Rating:
 4-5 Highly Acceptable 3- Moderately Acceptable
 2- Acceptable                                1- Not Acceptable

Effectiveness as Repelling Shelf-life of the Alternative

Formulations Agent Lamp Repelling
Agent
 T0 2 2 1
T1 3 2 2
  T2 3 3 2
T3 3 4 4
Table 3 shows that T0 is not acceptable in terms of alternative repelling agent. T0
and T1 are acceptable on the shelf-life of the lamp. T1 and T2 are also acceptable
as an alternative repelling agent. T2 is moderately acceptable on the shelf-life of
the lamp. T1,T2, and T3 are moderately acceptable as effective repelling agent.
Only T3 is highly acceptable on shelf-life of the lamp and as an alternative
repelling agent.

                                                                                                                                              20
 
Activity Proper
In the actual use of the devise/product, the following tables showed the
results. 
T5. Results of the Actual Experiment Product Sampling was done to evaluate the
effectiveness of Oregano-Calamansi Oil Lamp Mosquito Repellent.
Housewives and Working Mothers

Names Work/Job Observations

The mosquitoes are moving away where my
three kids are homeschooling.
Aiza Housewife
Bertillo

My kids are no longer bitten by mosquitoes. I

am not worried anymore even I am at work.
Irma Atos  BFP Employee

The oil lamp was a great help to drive away

mosquitoes in our house.
Jennifer Businesswoman 
 Ariola
Yes, it can be an alternative mosquito
repellent and it can be done at home
Fiona Housewife
Abion
It is a nice product. It help a lot specially this
Jovy Sales Government time that we are in pandemic.
Employee

21
Students

Names Grade/Year Observations

Made me at peace while working
Nicole Bertillo Grade 10

Kaye Bertillo Grade 8 Disturbance? No more

I was amazed on how it works.
Sebastian Cal Ortiz  Grade 7
It’s effective, No more mosquitoes
Therese Banday Grade 3

Alexander Padilla Kindergarte It’s Cool

n

Based from the observations and experiences during the conduct of the
experiment on the actual use of the product of the ten (10) respondents they are
convinced that Oregano-Calamansi Oil Lamp Mosquito Repellent can be
accepted as mosquito repellent because of its effectiveness and staying power
even in the time where mosquitoes are mostly active. They had a great time using
the product because it really work for them and looking forward to use it anytime.
                                                                                                                                               22
T6.  Cost Analysis 
This section shows the cost and benefit analysis of the product based on
the acceptable formulation ( T3 ). 
Expenses in the Production of Oregano-Calamansi Oil Lamp Mosquito Repellent

Descriptions Cost
Ingredients:
15- Oregano leaves free
Calamansi Php 0.50
1 cup cooking oil Php 10.00
½ cup rock salt Php 5.00
Measuring Materials/Equipments
Reusable empty can,strainer free
Strainer,measuring cup,funnel free
   Pot/stove,fuel free
Stirring spoon, knife, chopping board free
Scissors, cotton cloth free

Total  Php 15.50

With amount of Php 15.50 for the production of Oregano-Calamansi Oil Lamp
Mosquito Repellent this agent can be easily be produce by households.
                                                               23
Conclusions and Recommendations

     The Oregano-Calamansi Oil Lamp was tested using the tree basic components
such as effectiveness as a repelling agent, shelf life of the product, and as an
alternative mosquito repellent. Each component was tested and presented in a
data matrix. The things that transpired in the formulation procedures, testing
procedures and cost analysis were compared and discussed. The performance of
the product tested both to housewives/working mothers and students gave a
remarkable  results based on the collective responses given by the respondents.
     It was also evident in the cost analysis that Oregano-Calamansi Oil Lamp has
the lowest cost production compared if to buy a mosquito repellent of any form.
     With the positive outputs  in the test made, Oregano-Calamansi Oil Lamp is
highly recommended to users as an alternative mosquito repellent and can be
further be enhance through continues study and research. Now that many have
been informed by the effectiveness and availability of the materials at home, the
living condition at home will be changed.

                24
References

Reference Books:
 Healing Wonders of Herbs, Herminia de Guzman, Ladion RN,
Philippine Publishing House,1985 p. 116
 Global Almanac and Book of Facts for Kids, Lampara Publishing House,
Inc. 
2011, p. 94-97
Internet Sources:
 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nlh.gov>pme
 https://www.hunker.com>oil-of-or...
 https://home guides.sfgate.com>use... 
 http://medium.com>top-10-mosquito...

                        
                                                                                                                             25
Appendix A
Fig. 1 Aedes Aegypty Mosquito, p.4
Fig. 2 Oregano, p.6
Fig. 3 Calamansi, p.7
Fig. 4 Cooking Oil, p.8
Fig. 5 mixtures, p.9
Fig. 6 Extraction, p.11
Fig. 7 Ingredients/Materials/Equipment, p.13
Fig. 8 Production Procedures, p.15
Fig. 9 Sample Format of Questionnaires, p.18
T1. Research Design, p.16
T2. Actual Use of the Product by Housewives/Working Mothers, p.17
T3. Actual Use of the Product by Students, p.17
T4. Acceptability Test Results, p.19
T5. Results of Actual Experiment,20-21
T6. Cost Analysis, p.22
 OREGANO-CALAMANSI OIL
            

LAMP
      MOSQUITO REPELLENT
          A SCIENCE INVESTIGATORY PROJECT
BY:
ZYRA MAE R. CARIZO
RESEARCHER

  
Table of Contents
            Title Page ………………………………………………………………. i
            Abstract ………………………………………………………………… ii
            Table of Contents …………………………………………………..iii
            Introduction …………………………………………………………..1
Objectives of the Study ……………………………………..2
Scope and Delimitation ……………………………………..2
Significance of the Study …………………………………...3
            Related Literature and Studies ……………………………….4-11
            Methods and Procedures ……………………………………….12-18
            Results and Discussions ………………………………………….19-22
            Conclusions and Recommendations ……………………….23
            References …………………………………………………………….. 24
            Appendix ……………………………………………………………….. 25