“THE EFFICACY OF CYMBOPOGON CITRATUS LEAVES (LEMONGRASS) AND

ORIGANUM VULGARE LEAVES (OREGANO) AS MOSQUITO COIL”

A Research Study Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Academic Requirement in

Practical Research 2

Presented by:

Bautista, Stephen S.

Bohot, Dyn Mark C.

Bustamante, Josh Ysaac JYB A.

Carable, John Lee T.

San Pascual, Vince Antoinne S.

Ycoy, Gian Carlo S.

Presented to:

Mrs. Ivy Gail B. Benito

Practical Research II Teacher

January 25, 2023

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First and foremost, the researchers want to express their gratitude to Almighty God

because this study would not have been possible without his grace and direction.

The researchers also like to express their sincere gratitude to everyone who

contributed their time, knowledge, work, and support to the successful completion of the

study.

To our adviser, Mrs. Marilita Q. Rivera, for her perseverance, encouragement, and

commitment to teaching and advising us throughout the time she served as our Practical

Research II teacher;

To our Practical Research II instructor, Mrs. Ivy Gail B. Benito, for her guidance,

supervision, and checking as well as for responding to our questions on the study;

Lastly, we would like to show our deepest gratitude to our parents and family, who

have given us unfailing support and continuous encouragement throughout the

completion of our research study.

Without these individuals, our research study will not be accomplished.

- The Researchers

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 DEDICATION

This research paper is wholeheartedly dedicated to the Almighty God, who has

given us the wisdom, patience, and inspiration that we need to strive and go further with

our everyday lives. To our parents and guardians, who have been our source of strength

and determination to keep pursuing our goals. To our friends and classmates who

extended their assistance and support in the midst of problems while doing this study.

And finally, to our school, for providing us with the opportunity to nurture, practice, and

collaborate on this study.

Vince Antoinne

John Lee

Stephen

Josh Ysaac JYB

Dyn Mark

Gian Carlo

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRELIMENARIES Page

TITLE PAGE i

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ii

DEDICATION iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS iv

LIST OF FIGURES vi

Chapter

1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction 1
Background of the Study 3
Scope and Limitation of the Study 6
Significance of the Study 7
Statement of the Problem 8
Hypothesis of the Study 9
Theoretical Framework
Conceptual Framework 11
Definition of Terms 14

2 REVIEWS OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

The Variables Their Definition and Importance of the Study
Review of Related Literature
Local 15
Foreign 16

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3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Methods of the Study 19
Setting of the Study 20
Subject of the Study 22
Procedure of the Study 23
Sources of Data 25
Construction of Instrument 26
Validation of Instrument
Data Gathering and Procedure 27
Statistical Treatment of Data 28

BIBLIOGRAPHY 29

v
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page

1 Conceptual Model of the Study 10

2 Vicinity Map of Researcher’s Residence 21

3 Vicinity Map of Silangan National High School 21

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vii
 CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

INTRODUCTION

Controlling the mosquito population remains a challenge for humanity. Its small

bite can cause people to contract different diseases and viruses, which can be fatal if not

treated properly and immediately. Despite the progress made to control its number and

the development of different products and measures, mosquito-related morbidity and

mortality across the tropical regions remains high and a threat to the general population.

Even the use of commercial insecticides can be dangerous due to the harmful chemicals

and components that they contain. That is why new interventions are important in order

to develop a safe alternative to reduce the effects of mosquitoes and the components of

insecticides (Ferguson, N.M., 2018). With the use of plants with Insecticidal properties

such as lemongrass and oregano, an organic solution can be created.

The lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), also known as citronella, is a tall, stalky

plant with a lemony scent and citrus flavor (Olsen & McDermott, 2019). Due to its qualities

and properties, oregano is frequently used as a culinary component or ingredient to give

distinct flavor and aroma to various local dishes, an essential component in household

disinfectants due to its strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties (Olsen &

McDermott, 2019), a natural remedy for various illnesses, an anti-inflammatory and

antioxidant for the body, a key to boost the immune system and promote healthy

digestion, help regulate systolic blood pressure and cholesterol levels (Manvitha & Bidya,

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2013), and as an effective insect repellent against Aedes aegypti, also known as

mosquitoes (Zulfikar, et al., 2018)

While the oregano (Origanum vulgare) is an herb from the mint, or Lamiaceae

family, and is considered a staple herb or aromatic used in many cuisines around the

world (Butler & Brazier, 2020). It is typically used in small amounts, but it contains some

important nutrients; only one teaspoon of dried oregano can provide roughly 8% of the

body’s daily vitamin K requirement (Link, 2017). For centuries, people have used oregano

as a natural remedy to treat a variety of illnesses. It is rich in antioxidants and contains

certain compounds that have potent antibacterial properties, such as thymol, carvacrol,

and α-terpinene, which help fight bacteria and prevent damage caused by harmful free

radicals in the body. (Link, 2017). These compounds are also reported to be highly

effective in repelling mosquitoes (Sharififard, et al., 2018).

The Aedes aegypti, commonly known as the mosquito, is a member of the class

Insecta and the family Culicidae. It acts as a vector for a variety of pathogens and

parasites, resulting in the transmission of fatal viruses and diseases such as Dengue,

Malaria, Yellow Fever, Chikungunya, Zika, Zika virus, filariasis, and Japanese

Encephalitis, which are considered public health concerns (Sogan, et al., 2021).

The mosquito coils confer protection against mosquito bites through the spatial

action of airborne insecticide particles or smoke that it releases from burning the coil

slowly in light-fire. These airborne particles create a chemical barrier that prevents

mosquitoes from entering the area where the coil is emitting its scent, or a killing zone if

only the coil contains insecticide, which is lethal to mosquitoes exposed to it (Ogoma, et

al., 2012). Due to the components in mosquito coils continuously emitting smoke and

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scent, which deters mosquitoes from biting people and spreading viruses and diseases.

It works as an effective repellent and helps reduce the incidence of mosquito-borne

diseases (Hogarh, et al., 2018).

The researchers discuss each other's ideas about making a mosquito coil and

reach an agreement that the primary ingredient(s) to be utilized must be organic or

derived from plants that are known to repel mosquitoes. The researchers claim that

employing organic materials as a substitute ingredient can be useful, practical,

convenient, and, most importantly, a safer alternative against using chemicals and

difficult-to-find components in creating a mosquito coil.

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

According to historical accounts, the presence of mosquitoes has caused adverse

conditions that have given rise to epidemics and outbreaks of diseases spread in several

occasions and civilizations. Even in this modern age, despite of the advances in medical

technology and availability of the resources, intelligence and information to cure the

mosquito-borne viruses and diseases, many people continue to suffer the ravages

caused by mosquitoes. This small insect is able to populate as many as 110 trillion, and

each carry over 15 deadly diseases, causing the death of more than half of all the humans

that ever lived since the beginning of civilization (NPR, 2019).

Many of the pathogens and parasites transmitted by mosquitoes have emerged

throughout the centuries and have caused significant number of cases and casualties,

one of the most devastating and infamously known is the Dengue fever, which appeared

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to be the most widespread and rapidly increasing mosquito-borne disease in the tropical

climate regions of the world. According Pfizer, a leading global pharmaceutical company,

mosquito-borne diseases cause more than 725,000 deaths per year, while the dengue

fever, according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United

States accounts for an estimated 400 million dengue infections each year in over 125

countries, putting the lives of 40% of the world's population at risk of dengue infection. On

the other hand, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) the dengue fever

accounts for more than 96 million symptomatic cases and an estimated 40,000 deaths

annually.

The spread of mosquitos causes the appearance of varieties of viruses and

diseases around the community, which imposes a serious health concern for its citizens

and puts the lives of the people at risk. Different solutions and measures have already

been taking place in order to mitigate the cases of mosquito-borne diseases, but the

consequences of the people's shortcoming and incompetency makes these solutions void

and the devastation that mosquitoes bring continues to ravage.

Different mosquito-repellent products have been invented and are available on the

market nowadays, and because of this, it has become a concern for many, because most

of these commercial repellents are produced by using chemical components such as the

N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET); Allethrin; N, N-diethyl mandelic acid amide; and

Dimethyl phthalate. These chemicals would cause toxic reactions to the human body,

such as allergy, dermatitis, and cardiovascular and neurological side effects, which have

been reported after misapplication. The frequent use of synthetic repellents has disrupted

the environment and resulted in the development of mosquitoes with resistance to

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insecticides, resurgence in mosquito populations, and adverse consequences on non-

target organisms (Asadollahi, et al., 2019).

The health problems associated with synthetic mosquito repellents have prompted

researchers to develop a safe and effective mosquito repellent, which is an organic

mosquito coil formulation. It will be biodegradable, environmentally friendly, readily

accessible in the community, safe for humans to use, free of chemical residue, and a

more practical alternative to the conventional chemical-based mosquito coils on the

market.

The organic mosquito coil will be made primarily of dried Lemongrass and dried

Oregano leaves, which are readily available on the market and are typically planted in

gardens and open spaces. Because of their potent scents, which are scientifically proven

to deter mosquitoes, lemongrass and oregano are well-known as an effective plant-based

mosquito repellent. The researchers wanted to utilize the capabilities of lemongrass and

oregano to repel mosquitoes so that people could have an idea about the potential of

these plants and their significance as a convenient, safe, and cost-effective alternative to

the chemical-based mosquito repellents.

For the researchers to evaluate and determine the performance of the organic

mosquito coil, the barangay of Silangan in the Municipality of San Mateo, Province of

Rizal was selected as it is the area where the researchers currently reside. Barangay

Silangan have a total population of 59,051 as per the 2020 National Census of the

Philippine Statistics Authority, accounting to the 21.61% of the total population of San

Mateo which is 273,306. Due to its relatively high density of people living closely together

in small houses, apartments, and compounds, the probability of contracting a disease

5
spread by mosquitoes has never diminished. The organic mosquito coil that the

researchers are developing seeks to address these issues and problems that the public

are now experiencing, including the growing inflation and prices of commodities as well

as an increase in the risk of acquiring mosquito-borne diseases in the neighbourhood. It

is the right time to develop an alternative, safe, and practical mosquito-repelling solution

that would not expose the population to harmful chemicals found in commercial

insecticides on the market.

SCOPE AND LIMITATION

The focus of this research is to determine the effectiveness of lemongrass and

oregano in the development of mosquito coils. Specifically, this study sought to create a

tangible formulation of an organic mosquito coil from dried lemongrass and oregano

leaves so that the community could benefit from its practicality, effectivity, and safety.

Through experimental and direct observation, the effectiveness of these plants will be

investigated carefully and accordingly by the researchers. The primary raw materials

used by the researchers to create the organic mosquito coil are dried lemongrass and

oregano leaves. While sawdust will help the dried lemongrass and oregano leaves burn

slower and longer than using the dried leaves alone.

To conduct this study, the researchers must be able to create the right formulation

of an organic mosquito coil before performing any tests or surveys with the public. Then,

a questionnaire and a sample of organic mosquito coil will be distributed to 30

respondents, who will be chosen randomly in order to participate. The distribution of

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research materials will take place in Silangan National High School, Barangay Silangan,

San Mateo, Rizal, and will be conducted during the month of February 2023. The data

and information that will be gathered from the respondents will serve as the basis for the

creation of a conclusion to determine the effectiveness of organic mosquito coils in

repelling mosquitoes and reducing their chances to spread virus and disease.

The importance of this study is to provide a safer, more practical, and

environmentally friendly alternative to the commercial mosquito coils on the market, which

contain harmful chemicals that can affect humans and the environment.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The researchers believe that the result of this study will be beneficial to the following:

For the Future Researchers that this research could serve as a guide for them in

case they were to conduct the same study or any other vector-control solution, and that

this could contribute useful information to them.

For the Students in Senior High School that this research could help them

understand the significance of lemongrass and oregano as a main ingredient for making

insect repellent and how safe it would be for them to use it every single day.

For the Parents/Guardians that this study will serve as a guide for taking care of

their children and for keeping them safe from mosquito bites.

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 For the environment that this study could help reduce the use of chemical-based

mosquito coils. Making the air free of any chemicals that are emitted by chemical-based

mosquito coils when used by people.

For the Society that this could give them knowledge about the importance of

lemongrass as an insect repellent and to raise awareness on how to prevent mosquito-

borne diseases.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study aimed to determine the Efficacy of Cymbopogon citratus Leaves

(Lemongrass) and Origanum vulgare Leaves (Oregano) as Mosquito Coil.

Specifically, this study will be carried out to seek answers to the following questions:

1. What are the insecticidal properties of Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass) and

Origanum vulgare (Oregano)?

2. How much time is the lastingness or effectiveness of lemongrass and oregano as

a mosquito repellent?

3. What are the problems and consequences of using synthetic chemical-based

mosquito coil?

4. What will be the harmful side effects for people if they use the mosquito coil made

from Lemongrass and Oregano leaves?

5. Is the use of organic mosquito coil effective in repelling mosquitoes and other

insects?

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 6. Based on the results of the experiment, is the use of lemongrass and oregano

leaves as an organic mosquito coil effective in repelling Aedes aegypti

(mosquitoes)?

HYPOTHESIS OF THE STUDY

The use of Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass) and Origanum Vulgare (Oregano)

as a mosquito coil is effective in repelling Aedes aegypti (mosquitoes).

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

This research is all about the development of lemongrass and oregano as an

organic mosquito coil and its effectiveness compared to a common mosquito coil that can

be bought in the market. The theory that the researchers came up with is that the mixture

of oregano and lemongrass leaves in mosquito coils will be effective in repelling

mosquitoes. Thus, protecting and preserving the people’s health and lives from

contracting diseases and viruses caused by mosquitoes.

Ogoma et al. (2012) stated that numerous pieces of evidence support the

theory that insect repellents either activate or inhibit olfactory receptors which interfere

with mosquitoes' host-seeking capability. This affects the mosquitoes' olfactory-driven

behaviours, resulting in repellency of the mosquitoes from its potential host. Repellency

is a quality of personal defense products like mosquito coils, which are often utilized in

places with mosquito-related problems.

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 Sougoufara et al. (2020) added that the resistance of Aedes aegypti against

synthetic chemical-based insecticides also becomes a global issue. The continuous use

and reliance of people on synthetic chemical-based insecticide brands and classes can

be attributed to this phenomenon. This long-term exposure to mosquitoes helped them

adapt and evade most of the insecticides used nowadays. Making mosquito-control

programs inflict little to no damage against the mosquitoes and leaving fewer options and

strategies for effective control and eradication measures.

Considering that there is still no available safe and effective vaccine to protect

the people from diseases attributed to mosquitoes, vector-control measures such as

utilization of mosquito coil plays an important role in the strategy of controlling and

eradicating the population of mosquitoes in the infested areas. The creation of plant-

based mosquito repelling products with knowledge about the characteristics these

repellent plants learned through ethnobotanical studies is a valuable resource (Silverio,

et al., 2020).

Oregano and Lemongrass are only two of the several herbs that can be

utilized as insect repellents. Due to their potent aroma, which instantly repels any

mosquito in an area where these plants are being used at, the researchers came to the

conclusion that these plants can be confined and used to create an organic mosquito coil

that can serve as an alternative to the common mosquito coils that are currently available

on the market. Organic mosquito coil has the advantages which includes being easy and

affordable to produce; its ingredients are easily obtained in the community, as well as in

the market; biodegradable, so they do not pollute the environment; and are safe for

human health because the residual content is easily lost.

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CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

INPUT
Lemongrass PROCESS
Leaves Extraction of Lemongrass and
Oregano Leaves Oregano Leaves

Sawdust Drying of Lemongrass and

Oregano Leaves
Mixing of dried Lemongrass
leaves and dried Oregano
leaves with sawdust
Formation of mosquito coil with
METHOD the use of a moulder
Creation, Heating of the organic mosquito
Experimentation coil in the oven
FEEDBACK

and Observation of
Lemongrass- and
Oregano-based
Mosquito Coil.

FACTORS TO
OBSERVE
- Lastingness of the
mosquito coil
OUTPUT
- Repellency to
Efficacy of organic mosquitoes
mosquito coil made
from dried - Effects on humans
Lemongrass leaves
and dried Oregano
leaves

Figure 1. Analytical framework of The Efficacy of Cymbopogon Citratus leaves

(Lemongrass) and Origanum Vulgare leaves (Oregano) as Mosquito Coil.

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 This study considered the variables that are important in the development of the

study. The IPO model of this study is composed of input, process, and output and also

includes the methods used and the factors to observe the progress and development of

the study. In the IPO model, the study is viewed as a series of boxes representing

processing elements connected together by arrows to show the relationship of one

variable to another that will contribute to the outcome of the study.

The variable inside the first box is the input, which are lemongrass, oregano, and

sawdust. These are the raw materials to be used for this study.

The variable inside the second box is the transformational process, which includes

the extraction and drying stages of lemongrass and oregano leaves, mixing the leaves

with sawdust, forming mosquito coils with the use of a moulder, and heating the organic

mosquito coil in the oven to solidify.

The variable inside the third box is the method, which is the creation,

experimentation, and observation of the raw materials that have been transformed into

organic mosquito coils made out of dried lemongrass and oregano leaves.

The variables inside the fourth box are those factors that have been observed,

which are effectiveness, lastingness, range, scent, and affordability. These concerns the

quality, performance, and availability of the organic mosquito coil compared to the

synthetic, chemical-based mosquito coil in the market.

The output of the study is the result of processing all the input, process, methods,

and factors that have been observed during the experimentation and treatment of the

lemongrass and oregano leaves into organic mosquito coil.

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 A feedback system is necessary in order to continually observe the progress and

development of the lemongrass- and oregano-based mosquito coil.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

The following terms are defined according to their conceptual and operational use

in this study.

Effectiveness. This refers to the potency of the organic mosquito coil to repel or even

eliminate mosquitoes at a certain time and place.

Effects. This refers to the possible health consequences that a certain individual or group

of individuals might acquire because of the use of the organic mosquito coil.

Formulation. This refers to the set of ingredients or components out of which the

mosquito coil is made. It can be organic (from plants and natural ingredients) or inorganic

(from man-made chemicals and materials).

Mosquito Coil. This refers to the product that the researchers will develop and test in

order to collect important data and information that will lead to its effectiveness and

success in repelling mosquitoes.

Moulder. This refers to the equipment used to form mixed dried lemongrass and oregano

leaves into the spiral shape of a mosquito coil.

Lastingness. This refers to the duration of the repellency or effectiveness of the organic

mosquito coil.

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Range. This refers to the distance that the odor from the organic mosquito coil can reach

or travel.

Repellency. This refers to the ability or capacity of the organic mosquito coil to repel

mosquitoes at a certain time and area.

Sawdust. This refers to one of the ingredients used to create organic mosquito coils. Its

function is to start combustion in the coil and maintain the fire and release of smoke, along

with the scent of lemongrass and oregano leaves.

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 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Presented in this chapter are the local and foreign reviews of related literature and studies

thoroughly searched by the researchers that were relevant to the proposed study. This

review focuses on and suggests further studies and supporting details from local and

foreign literature as proof to strengthen the research regarding the lemongrass- and

oregano-based mosquito coil.

Local Literature

1. Insecticidal properties of Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass)

The following recognized phytoconstituents have been linked to lemongrass

by Herbanext Laboratories (2022) and Agron (2012): Geranial (α-citral), Neral (β-

citral), Nerol Geraniol, Citronellol, N-decyclic Aldehyde, Terpinolene, Geranyl

Acetate, Myrcene, and Terpinyl Methyl Heptenone . These qualities of lemongrass

have antibacterial and analgesic advantages, and they are also a key ingredient in

insect repellents that kills mosquitoes. However, compared to synthetic chemicals

present in commercial insecticides, lemongrass' efficiency or durability is not as

long-lasting; hence, further study is required to enhance its formulation and

potency.

2. Insecticidal properties of Origanum vulgare (Oregano)

According to Philippine Herbal Medicine (2022) and StuartXchange (2022),

oregano is well-known in herbal medicine for its strong antioxidant properties. It

contains a rosmarinic acid compound, thymol, and carvacrol, which are

15
 responsible for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal, and

anti-viral properties. Oregano also contains flavonoids, triterpenoids, sterols,

vitamin C, and vitamin A. These natural properties of oregano make it an excellent

antiseptic and insect repellent.

3. The lastingness of lemongrass-based and oregano-based insecticides

According to Benaid, (2019), studies have shown that the candle repellent

with combination of both lemongrass and oregano oil extracts are more effective

repellent than candles with lemongrass oil or oregano oil extract only. Also, that in

15 minutes, 100% of the mosquitoes inside the experiment aquarium was repelled

with candle repellent consists of the combination of lemongrass and oregano oil

extracts. This shows that lemongrass and oregano is not only effective at repelling

mosquitoes, but it can also kill them in the process.

Foreign Literature

4. Problems and Health consequences of using synthetic chemical-based mosquito

coils

Mosquito coils nowadays contain synthetic chemical insecticides, and they

are meant to give protection against mosquitoes by gently vaporizing once the coil

is lighted. The mosquito coil base material is made up of a number of substances

that can burn slowly and release the insecticide over time. The smoke that the coil

emits does not actually kill mosquitoes; rather, it deters or repels them from

congregating in that location. After repeated use, the smoke may contribute to

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 acute respiratory infections and other illnesses in people. It may also be a source

of indoor air pollution (Hogarh, et al. 2016).

Even though chemical-based mosquito repellents on the market have been

designed to have an impressive safety profile, their toxicity toward a person’s skin,

nervous system, and respiratory system can result in rashes, swelling, eye

irritation, and other serious issues that can cause permanent damage to the human

body system. Thus, it was determined that organic mosquito repellents would be

favoured to artificial ones (Shukla, et al. 2018).

5. Effectiveness of Organic Mosquito Coil

Because of imperfections and flaws that exist in chemical-based mosquito

repellents, new repellents made from natural ingredients are needed. While there

are some organic mosquito repellents available on the market, they are not as

effective as other synthetic or chemical-based repellents (Asadollahi, et al. 2019).

Organic mosquito repellents are the solutions for pest management that use

plant-based active ingredients which are secure and biologically effective. These

products’ advantages include efficient mosquito control as well as environmental

and human safety. These organic and natural solutions were created to play a

significant role in supplying pest management tools in regions where product use

is restricted due to environmental concerns and mosquito resistance. These coils

are well-liked by the general people since they are lightweight, affordable, long-

lasting, and portable (Shukla, et al. 2018).

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 The use of all-natural plant-based mosquito-repelling products constitutes

an alternative to synthetic chemical-based insecticides as they are degraded more

easily and are less harmful to the environment, not to mention their lower toxicity

to non-target insects (Silverio, et al., 2020).

In conclusion, both the lemongrass and oregano have the characteristics and

components to repel or even eliminate the mosquitoes. Through the use of these plants,

the researchers can harness their strength and potential as an effective and safe

repellent. It is also thought that commercially available mosquito repellents are not safe;

thus, the need for an organic mosquito coil is significant in order to eliminate the chances

of contracting illnesses from using mosquito coils containing harmful chemicals.

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 CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND PROCEDURE

This chapter discussed the methods and procedures employed in providing data

and the techniques used by the researchers in the completion of the study. It contains

research design and instrumentation, the setting and subject of the study, statistical

treatment, data gathering procedures, and construction procedures.

Method of the Study used

This research was conducted using experimental quantitative design as identified

by the researchers as the appropriate method for this study. The experimental research

design is the scientific method of finding the cause-and-effect of the independent variable

to the dependent variable of the study.

According to Knight (2010), and Pubrica (2022) good research is built on an

experimental research design. It leads the data collection for the experiment, establishes

the statistical analysis of the collected data, and directs the interpretation of the findings

with a scientific approach using two sets of variables in an objective and controlled

manner to achieve accuracy and reach particular conclusions about the hypothesis of the

study. The objective of experimental research design is to determine the effect an

independent variable has on the dependent variable of the research.

The experimental research design will involve the observation and

experimentation of a tangible product, an organic mosquito coil made out of dried

lemongrass and oregano leaves, in order to get the essential data and information. The

19
researchers had to evaluate the plants' potency and repellency on mosquitoes and see

how humans would be affected when they were exposed to the organic mosquito coil.

Setting of the Study

This study takes place in two areas, first, at Bohot’s residence, where the

experimentation and pilot-testing will take place. The researchers decided to conduct the

study in this place because it is safe and accessible for them. The location of this

residence is in Holy Family (Libis) Homeowner's Association 2, Barangay Silangan, San

Mateo, Rizal. The area is large enough to accommodate the researchers, their

equipment, and the materials that they had used for the experiment and that were easily

found and provided. This area is also near a stream, making it a perfect place for the

mosquitoes to breed and grow their population. Thus, this is an excellent location for the

researchers to conduct and test their organic mosquito coil.

The second place where the survey was conducted is at Silangan National High

School located at Old Army Road Barangay Silangan, San Mateo, Rizal. The school has

been chosen as the place to conduct the survey so that we can gather relevant

information that is needed in the research study.

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 Bohot’s Residence

Figure 2. Vicinity Map of Bohot’s Residence in Barangay Silangan, San Mateo Rizal
Showing the first Location of the Study.

Silangan National High School

Figure 3. Map of Silangan National High School Showing the second Location of the
Study

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Subject of the Study

The research subject to be observed and experimented in this study is the Aedes

aegypti, commonly known as mosquito.

Since the main objective of this study was to test and demonstrate the

effectiveness of Cymbopogon citratus and Origanum vulgare as an organic mosquito coil,

the Aedes aegypti is a suitable subject due to its unique characteristics, widespread

number, negative effects on the health and welfare of people, and the diseases and

viruses it carries that may cause harm to humans, such as dengue virus, yellow fever

virus, chikungunya virus, and Zika virus.

On the other hand, because the participant for the pilot test was chosen based on

availability and willingness to participate in the experiment, human subjects were

recruited using a convenience sampling approach, which is a non-probability selection

technique.

The participants of this study were the selected faculty members of the Silangan

National High School. Respondents were selected through random sampling. This

sampling method is utilized in order to give each member of the faculty an equal

opportunity to become part of the sample. In order to conduct this sampling strategy, the

researchers first defined the population, listed down all the members of the population,

and then selected participants to create the sample. The respondents were chosen

through the use of probability random sampling techniques and formulas.

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Procedure of the Study

This reveals the type of procedures or method the researchers applied to gather

the desired data for the convenient and objective-oriented study, and the researchers’

narrative account of how the instruments preferred were developed and used.

The following will be the procedure of the study, the researcher will revise the

Chapter 1, 2 and 3 after the proposal defense and then seek the permission to conduct

the study from the subject teacher or the class adviser. In the pursuit of conduct of the

study, the researchers will create the correct formula of mosquito coil from the

lemongrass, oregano, and the combination of the plants. Then, series of testing will be

conducted by the researches in order to find the most effective variation of the three

organic mosquito coils.

As part of conducting and collecting the needed data for the study, a researcher-

made Checklist and Likert scale were developed. The said checklist and Likert scale will

have its content validated by the Practical Research II teacher before it is finalized.

Before the experimentation starts, the researchers seek permission from the

homeowner to conduct the study.

The researchers intend to use improvised apparatus such as a tray, mixing bowl,

spatula, strainer, mortar and pestle, mosquito coil moulder, aluminum foil, and oven.

A. Preparation Process

First, lemongrass and oregano leaves will be collected and cleaned to prepare

them for the drying process. This process removes the moisture or any liquid matter inside

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the leaves. The lemongrass and oregano leaves will be arranged neatly in a tray and

dried in a warm, well-ventilated, and dry place for one (1) week. After drying, the dried

lemongrass and oregano leaves will be pounded using a mortar and pestle into smaller

pieces. Then, in a mixing bowl, the dried leaves will be mixed with sawdust.

B. Moulding Process

The dried lemongrass and oregano leaves were then put in the mosquito coil

moulder and then in an oven to form and harden. Finally, the organic mosquito coil will

be removed from the mould and allowed to cool at room temperature.

To prove its effectiveness, a pilot test was conducted with human subjects to see

if the mosquitoes had been repelled or killed by the organic mosquito coil, preventing

them from biting the human skin in the process. The pilot test also assessed any effects

that the lemongrass- and oregano-based mosquito coil may cause in the human body

that might trigger allergies and other health conditions.

The researchers, then, compared the lastingness and performance of organic

mosquito coils to the synthetic chemical-based mosquito coils on the market in order to

determine which have better repellency against the Aedes aegypti.

The researchers wrote a letter of request to seek the permission from the principal

of Silangan National High School. After the Principal’s approval, the researchers, ask the

cooperation of the teachers to conduct the survey on the selected Silangan National High

School faculty members, who were given a questionnaire and a sample of organic

mosquito coil to use and observe.

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 After the collection and treatment of the data the researchers discussed the results

for its findings and recommendations.

Sources of Data

The checklist, Likert’s scale, personal observation, and laboratory experiments

were used as primary sources of data for the study. The questionnaire will be composed

of two (2) parts in which the first one was answered by the respondents before they used

the organic mosquito coil, and the other one was after they have used the organic

mosquito coil.

The study will utilize a researcher-made questionnaire Likert scale to determine

their observation and experiences with mosquitoes, the synthetic chemical-based

mosquito coils on the market, and the lemongrass- and oregano-based mosquito coil.

The questionnaire shall have undergone face and content validation by experts in

field and in the field of education.

The questionnaire will concern the following variables: effectiveness, lastingness,

range, scent, and effects on people’s health of the lemongrass- and oregano-based

mosquito coil; and the comparison of the effectiveness, lastingness, range, and safeness

of the organic mosquito coil against the synthetic chemical-based mosquito coils on the

market.

In rating the respondents’ observation and experience with the variables, a five-

point Likert scale will be used as a guide. The following scale range and verbal description

were used.

25
Scale Range Description

5 4.21 – 5.00 Strongly Agree

4 3.41 – 4.20 Agree

3 2.61 – 3.40 Uncertain

2 1.81 – 2.60 Disagree

1 1.00 – 1.80 Strongly Disagree

Construction of Instrument

The instrument is based on the collected information from different resources such

as journals, studies, thesis, and other sources and articles in the internet.

The instrument is comprised of two (2) parts: the first is the checklist for the

lastingness and effectiveness of Cymbopogon citratus and Origanum vulgare as organic

mosquito coils, and for the comparison of organic mosquito coils to the synthetic

chemical-based mosquito coils in the market; and the second is the Likert scale for the

survey that will be conducted.

Validation of Instrument

The researchers’ instrument will be validated by the Practical Research II teacher

if it meets the objectives of the study and corresponds to the theoretical construct of the

26
study. The checklist and Likert scale will be checked for face and content validity to see

if it elicits the needed information for the study.

Data Gathering Procedure

The data collection methods and instruments were needed to obtain the research

data and information. The method used to collect the data and information is through

observation and experimentation. A checklist and Likert scale that were also prepared by

the researchers were the major instruments used to gather the needed data.

The results and findings from the experiment and the observation of the

researchers in the pilot test will serve as primary research data that will support the study.

The secondary data and information, on the other hand, were derived from reliable

sources, like the compositions and published articles of local and foreign studies and

literature, international organizations, internet websites, research papers, dissertations,

scholarly articles, academic journals, and other information connected to the study. These

pieces of information are being carefully scanned, compiled, and gathered by

researchers, along with copies of their sources, links, authors' names, and dates of

publication.

This study will be justified by the actual product and observational results of the

lemongrass-and oregano-based mosquito coil. With regards to the data gathered, the

solution and possible results will be firm and easy to interpret.

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Statistical Treatment

The selection and proper statistical technique for data treatment are critical in any

educational research. It is only through the use of appropriate techniques that the

researchers can arrive at valid conclusions and generalizations. After collecting the data

from the observation and experiment, frequency counts were used to tally, tabulate, and

analyze the data. The researcher used several statistical techniques.

The following statistical treatment were used in this study:

1. To describe the profile of respondents in terms of age – frequency distribution was

used.

2. To describe the results of the answer of the respondents on the performance of

lemongrass- and oregano-based mosquito coil – frequency distribution, mean, and

standard deviation were used.

3. To describe the difference on the performance and effectiveness of organic

mosquito coil to synthetic chemical-based mosquito coil in the market - T-test with

independent samples was used.

28
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