SIP Research Group 4 1 1

SAINT PAUL UNIVERSITY DUMAGUETE
DUMAGUETE CITY, PHILIPPINES
A.Y. 2021 -2022
HOMEMADE (peppermint/oregano) INSECT REPELLENT
ABSTRACT
Plant-based repellents have been utilized as a protection measure against host-seeking pests for
generations in traditional practice. Not does not only repel pests like mosquito and pests, but it also
prevents insect-borne diseases. Every year, millions of people die from mosquito-borne diseases around
the world, but this can be managed with the use of insect repellents. A key resource to produce new
natural repellents is knowledge on traditional repellent plants gathered via ethno botanical investigations.
By conducting ethno botanical studies to gain knowledge about traditional repellent plants, researchers
can produce new natural products for an alternative. As part of these ethno botanical studies, our Science
Investigatory Project is based on combining peppermint and oregano (as research shown that these two
organisms are effective insecticides) and test if it more efficient than solely using oregano or peppermint
to repel insects. Results from our data and analysis show that our product (HOMEMADE
(peppermint/oregano) INSECT REPELLENT) is more efficient than just oregano or just peppermint by
1.03975903614%. It is not a significant difference, but it is still more efficient than the other two
organisms.
1
A.Y. 2021 -2022
ACKNOWLEGDEMENT
We would like to acknowledge and give our warmest thanks to Ms. Queenver Templado who made this
project possible. Her guidance and advice carried us through all the stages of writing this research. You
gave us a lot of ideas and knowledge even though we only meet virtually. Thank you also to our parents
for giving us the support that we need during the process. Thank you for providing what we need to make
our SIP project successful. We would also like to thank our leader, Niel Serion Balsamo for guiding and
putting a lot of effort into finding where we can get the product that everyone needs.
Thank you also to our sources written in the Bibliography for providing us information, knowledge, and
ideas that helped us make our product much easier to make. Without the sources, it would be difficult to
start our study. To end, we would like to acknowledge and appreciate ourselves for giving our very best
to make this experiment a big success.
2
A.Y. 2021 -2022
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction………………………………………………………………… ………….......p. 4-8

 Background of the study
 Significance of the study
 Scope and Limitation
 Statement of the problem
 Hypothesis
Making of the Product…………………………………………………………………… p. 8-15
 Product Procedure
 Testing Procedure
Results and discussions………………………………………………………………….p. 16-23
Recommendation………………………………………………………………….p. 24
Review of related literature………………………………………………………………. p. 24-25
Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………….p. 26
Bibliography………………………………………………………………. …………….p. 27
Appendix………………………………………………………………. …………….p. 28-30
3
A.Y. 2021 -2022
 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Peppermint (Mentha piperita), a mint family perennial herb with a strong aroma. Peppermint has a strong
sweetish aroma and a warm pungent flavour with a cooling aftertaste. The flowers are dried and used to
flavour candy, desserts, beverages, salads, and other foods. The leaves are typically used fresh as a
culinary herb, and the flowers are dried and used to flavour candy, desserts, beverages, salads, and other
foods. Its essential oil is used as a flavouring as well. The plant is a cross between spearmint (Mentha
spicata) and watermint (Mentha aquatica), and it is grown in Europe, Asia, and North America. Oregano,
also known as origanum or wild marjoram, is an aromatic herb belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae)
that is known for its savoury dried leaves and flowering tops. Oregano is a Mediterranean herb native to
the hills of Europe and western Asia that has become naturalized in parts of Mexico and the United
States. The herb has long been a staple of Mediterranean cuisine, and it's widely used to season a variety
of dishes. Culinary oregano, such as Greek or Italian oregano, has a strong aroma and a spicy, warm
flavour. Ornamental cultivars have a milder flavour profile and are not suitable for cooking. (Britannica)
4
A.Y. 2021 -2022
 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Insect repellents are agents used to protect the body from the bites of insects that can cause local or
systemic effects. While some bites cause only local skin irritation, some can cause severe illnesses and
possibly death as the insects act as carriers or vectors of diseases. There is a need for insect repellents
because, in a country such as the Philippines, where there are almost 300 known species of mosquitos that
can carry various diseases, we must use insect repellents to repel mosquitoes and other biting insects. We
have conducted this Science Investigatory Project to help Filipinos, especially in quarantine, so they
could live with comfort in their homes and protect their bodies from any illness that insects could cause.
We are using oregano and peppermint in making the insect repellent to make it organic and not filled with
chemicals; Oregano is considered as an excellent insecticide. It has compounds such as carvacrol, thymol,
and a-terpinene which reportedly is highly effective in repelling mosquitoes. We are paring it with
peppermint for a fresh and minty clean aroma and it also has active ingredients that repels mosquitoes.
We insisted on making it organic to reduce harm on the environment and so it would be cheap so
consumers will save money. We want to make an environmentally friendly insect repellent for Filipinos
to use in their homes.
5
A.Y. 2021 -2022
 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
An Insect repellent is not designed to kill insects. The purpose of the insect repellent is to repel insects
from an infested surrounded radius of where it has been sprayed. Its main target is insects but it can also
affect the human body if you spray with high dosages. Human exposure to insect repellents in high
dosage may cause skin irritation, rashes and swelling. The central nervous system is known to be also
affected, resulting in disorientation, uncoordinated muscles, difficulty sleeping, confusion, seizures, and
even death. To avoid these causalities, do not use the insect repellent on humans. The insect repellent is
contained in a bottle-shaped container with a spray mechanism on top. Its amount is limited to its
container but we will ensure to fully fill the bottle. It should be used in moderation and only be sprayed to
insects. Production rate of the insect repellent will depend on the ingredient availability and the cost.
Peppermint and oregano are commonly found in the Philippines and they are fairly cheap so production
rate will be high.
6
A.Y. 2021 -2022
 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
There are various kinds of insect repellents, most of which use a lot of chemicals that could harm the
environment. We want to make a repellent that is not only effective but safe for our surroundings as well.
With the idea of using organic ingredients, we need to create hypotheses and do experimentation to
establish our motive.
Main Problem -
Will combining oregano and peppermint make a more efficient insect repellent?
Sub Questions -
Is peppermint/oregano insect repellent better than a chemical insect repellent?
How much oregano and peppermint do you need the insect repellents to be effective?
How fast can an oregano and peppermint insect repellent eliminate insects?
Does adding peppermint on the insect repellent create a pleasant and non-intoxicating scent to humans?
Is the peppermint/oregano insect repellent non-toxic to plants?
7
A.Y. 2021 -2022
· HYPOTHESIS
Ho:
Combining Peppermint and Oregano will increase the affectivity of an Insect Repellent.
Ha:
Combining Peppermint and Oregano will not increase the affectivity of an Insect Repellent.
· MAKING OF THE PRODUCT
MATERIALS:
 3 Empty Spray Bottles
 Kitchen Knife
 Cauldron
 Stove
INGREDIENTS:
 Oregano
 Peppermint Oil
8
 Water
A.Y. 2021 -2022
PROCEDURE:
A. Making of the Oregano Oil
First: Gather a good amount of Oregano leaves and place it in a container
9
A.Y. 2021 -2022
Second: Wash the leaves gently.
Third: Chop them into fine minces but
Leave some leaves for later.
10
A.Y. 2021 -2022
Fourth: Place 2 cups of the minced oregano inside a
Cauldron
Fifth: In the Cauldron, place 1 cup of any type of oil.
(Preferably Cooking Oil)
11
A.Y. 2021 -2022
Sixth: Place the Cauldron on a stove and turn the heat up into
the medium setting. Stir and wait for 15 minutes.
Seventh: Remove the Cauldron from the stove and cool it for
10 minutes.
Eighth: Get it out let it cool down a little and
Pour it in a container using strainer.
12
A.Y. 2021 -2022
Ninth: squeeze the minced oregano on the strainer to get
more oil into the container.
Tenth: put the remaining oregano leaves into the
bottle and shake it.
Eleventh: Let the oil rest for three days.
13
A.Y. 2021 -2022
B. Making of the Product:
First: Place 50% of peppermint oil and 50% of oregano oil in a spray bottle
Second: Add water to fill the bottle
Shake thoroughly every use to have appropriate consistency and maximum effect
14
A.Y. 2021 -2022
Experimentation purposes:
Second bottle:
Add the remaining 50% of the oregano oil and add water to fill the bottle.
Last bottle:
Add the remaining 50% of the peppermint oil and add water to fill the bottle.
C. Experimentation Process of the Finished Product
For our experimentation, we compared our final product which is the Peppermint & Oregano Spray to
experimentation products which are The Peppermint Spray and The Oregano Spray. We placed three
insects in three different containers. We timed how fast each spray would kill an insect to determine its
effectiveness and we compare the three sprays to see which one killed an insect the fastest. We were
15
hoping that our final product will be the fastest insect killer If so, it would prove that our null hypothesis
is correct.
A.Y. 2021 -2022
 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Components of Peppermint & Oregano Insect Repellent Spray
SHAN CARBY FULMURAN
I caught a spider then put it in a container with holes so that the test subject can still breathe then I
sprayed 3 of the peppermint & oregano insect repellent in and it became immobilized at 1:30 minutes,
16
then at exactly 5 minutes the insect fully dies but I found out that the insect dies when in contact with the
insect repellent.
A.Y. 2021 -2022
Test number 2 with the oregano insect repellent. Three Sprays, first minute not showing major changes to
the spider's behaviour so far, but it appears to be walking in an unusual way it's almost as if it is dizzy.
And after 5 whole minutes the insect is completely fine but appears to be dizzy.
Test number 3 with the peppermint insect repellent. For this bottle I tested two insects so results would be
more accurate. 3 sprays again with each container. 1.30 seconds in test subject 1 looked like it was
suffering and test subject 2 was immobilized. At the 2-minute mark, test subjects 1 & 2 were almost dead.
In 5.18 minutes, both the spiders died.
17
A.Y. 2021 -2022
Results:
Peppermint & oregano insect repellent: 3 sprays, 5:00 Minutes.
Oregano insect repellent: Test subject became dizzy to the spray; test subject did not die.
Peppermint insect repellent: 2 subjects, 3 sprays each subject, 5:18 Minutes.
(Shan Carby Fulmaran tested the three sprays on spiders while the remaining members only tested
the final product on mosquitos and flies.)
18
A.Y. 2021 -2022
ERIN DINOPOL
I contained a fly inside a container, I sprayed the peppermint & oregano spray on the fly 3 times. The fly
died after 52.04 seconds.
Results:
Subject: Fly.
3 Sprays, 52.04 Seconds
19
A.Y. 2021 -2022
ALVARIC AMORES
I was unable to contain a mosquito due to how tedious it was. So, I sprayed the peppermint & oregano
spray on a mosquito on the wall 3 times. The mosquito died after 48 seconds but I couldn't picture the
dead mosquito because he landed in an area I can't reach. And my observations are that the peppermint &
oregano insect repellant is starting to take effect at around 39 second because its flying pattern turned
sluggish. The spray I used was a container for perfume since it was a perfume container it focused on
spreading that spraying in a concentrated spot. I think the reason it died faster than Erin's is because my
oregano in the insect repellant is more concentrated.
Results:
Subject: Mosquito.
3 Sprays, 48 Seconds.
20
A.Y. 2021 -2022
KADISHA ANYA LIBO-ON
I saw an ant on the floor, I sprayed the peppermint & oregano spray on the ant 3 times. The ant died after
15 seconds.
Results:
Subject: Ant.
3 Sprays, 15 Seconds.
21
A.Y. 2021 -2022
From the experimentation of Shan Carby Fulmaran, with a dispatchment time of 5.00 minutes from the
peppermint & oregano spray and 5.18 minutes from the peppermint spray and an 18 second gap between
the two sprays. For the oregano spray, it was not effective enough to dispatch the insect. The results prove
that the peppermint & oregano insect repellent is more efficient than the peppermint insect repellent and
oregano insect repellent. Furthermore, we can convert the insect dispatchment time to percent, so we
could determine how much the Peppermint & Oregano Insect Repellent is more effective than the
Peppermint Insect Repellent in percentage. First, we divide the number of minutes by 60, which is the
number of minutes in an hour. [Oregano Insect Repellent] 0 Minutes / 60 = 0 (NA) [Peppermint Insect
22
Repellent] 5.18 Minutes / 60 = 0.0863 (8.63%) [Peppermint & Oregano Insect Repellent] 5 Minutes / 60
= 0.083 (8.3%) Then we divide the higher percentage by the lower percentage. 8.63% / 8.3% =
1.03975903614%
A.Y. 2021 -2022
In conclusion, combining peppermint and oregano will create a more efficient insect repellent than not
combining it by 1.03975903614%. Though it is not a significant difference, it does prove our hypothesis
right. From the experimentation of Alvaric Amores and Erin Dinopol, the two used similar proportionate
insects which is the mosquito and the fly. The mosquito died after 48 seconds, and the fly died after 52.04
seconds. To get the average of the two results, we added 48 seconds and 52.04 seconds which is 100.04
seconds and we divide it by 2 which results to 50.02 seconds. So, roughly in average, mosquitos and flies
will be dispatched after 50 seconds when sprayed with our product 3 times.
From the experimentation of Alvaric Amores and Erin Dinopol, the two used similar proportionate insects
which is the mosquito and the fly. The mosquito died after 48 seconds, and the fly died after 52.04
seconds. To get the average of the two results, we added 48 seconds and 52.04 seconds which is 100.04
Seconds and we divide it by 2 which results to 50.02 seconds. So, roughly in average, mosquitos and flies
will be dispatched after 50 seconds when sprayed with our product 3 times.
23
A.Y. 2021 -2022
RECOMMENDATION
We would like to recommend for future researchers that for “Making of the Product”, after you have
made the Oregano Oil, It is recommended to let it stay out for 3 days or more for maximum efficiency
and to make the repellent more effective when used against insects. It is also recommended to put the
exact amount of oregano oil and peppermint oil as stated. Last but not the least it is better to use cooking
oil to make the oregano oil for it is not as expensive as olive oil or any type of sophisticated oils.
 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
• An insecticide is a chemical or organic substance, frequently produced from plants, that kills
insects by releasing a neurotoxic. (J. H. Diaz, 2016) Insects can cause huge ecological issues by
transmitting bacteria and parasites that impact humans, as well as causing damage to food crops, trees,
and houses. (Iran Red Crescent Medical, 2016) Essential oils, as secondary plant chemicals, provide a
safer alternative to conventional insecticides in insect control operations. ( J Arthropod Borne District, 2016)
Keywords: insecticide, chemical, organic, neurotoxic, insects, bacteria, parasites, humans, essential oil
24
A.Y. 2021 -2022
• Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a culinary and medicinal herb extensively grown and utilized in a
variety of cuisines. The main source of menthol is its essential oil. Menthone and pulegone are two further
active ingredients in peppermint and peppermint essential oil. The main active ingredient, menthol, has
biocidal effects and is effective against mites, mosquito larvae, and other pests when used as a pesticide.
Insects, dogs, and cats are all repelled by it. Antimicrobial properties of peppermint oil Peppermint and
peppermint oil are deemed safe when used correctly due to its history as a flavoring agent. (New York State
Integrated Pest Management, 2018) Peppermint essential oil has been shown to be an effective dengue vector
larvicide and repellant. Additional research is needed to determine the role of oil as an adulticide, oviposition
deterrent, and ovicidal agent. The extraction of the active ingredient from the oil could aid in the development
of mosquito control techniques. (Sarita Kumar, 2011)
Keywords: peppermint, essential oil, menthone, pulegone, larvicide, repellent, mosquito control
• Origanum onites L. (Oregano), essential oil was tested in laboratory behavioural bioassays for
repellent activity against Amblyomma Americanum and Aedes Aegypti (Mosquitos). Results are that
Origanum onites L.
are insecticides because they repel Amblyomma americanum and Aedes Aegypt. (J. F. Carrol, 2017) Oregano
oil 40% exhibited more repellency compared to commercial insect repellent stick containing 33% DEET.
25
Further studies are warranted to confirm the effectiveness of oregano essential oil in personal protecting
against bed bug biting. (J Arthropod Borne District, 2018)
Keywords: Origanum onites L., Amblyomma Americanum, Aedes Aegypti, insecticides, insect repellent
A.Y. 2021 -2022
CONCLUSION
• The purpose of this research was to make an insect repellent that is completely organic. Using Oregano
Oil and Peppermint Oil, and based on our analysis that we have made when testing the product the insect
repellent works effectively against insects that have been exposed to the insect repellent, therefore proving that
the experiment was a success. Our product, based on the results of our experiments, can be utilized as an
effective and environmentally friendly alternative to today's more chemically induced insect repellents. Our
product, insect repellent using oregano and peppermint oil is effective in killing insects. It is also an eco-
friendly insect repellent that can also give a refreshing aroma to the users. Also, we've discovered that
combining oregano and peppermint improves the effectiveness of repelling insects. Therefore, proving that our
Research was a success.
26
A.Y. 2021 -2022
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Wemjournal, 2016. Retrieved from:
https://www.wemjournal.org/article/S1080-6032(15)00434-2/pdf
Ncbi, 2016. Retrieved From:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4867175/
ScienceDirect, 2011. Retrieved From:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2221169111600014
ECommons, 2018. Retrieved From:
27
https://ecommons.cornell.edu/handle/1813/56135
Tandfonline, 201. Retrieved From:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14786419.2017.1280485
A.Y. 2021 -2022
APPENDIX
28
A.Y. 2021 -2022
29
A.Y. 2021 -2022
30

SIP Research Group 4 1 1

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

SIP Research Group 4 1 1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

SAINT PAUL UNIVERSITY DUMAGUETE

DUMAGUETE CITY, PHILIPPINES

A.Y. 2021 -2022

HOMEMADE (peppermint/oregano) INSECT REPELLENT

DUMAGUETE CITY, PHILIPPINES

A.Y. 2021 -2022

to make this experiment a big success.

DUMAGUETE CITY, PHILIPPINES

A.Y. 2021 -2022

Introduction………………………………………………………………… ………….......p. 4-8

 Significance of the study

 Scope and Limitation

 Statement of the problem

Making of the Product…………………………………………………………………… p. 8-15

Results and discussions………………………………………………………………….p. 16-23

Review of related literature………………………………………………………………. p. 24-25

Appendix………………………………………………………………. …………….p. 28-30

DUMAGUETE CITY, PHILIPPINES

A.Y. 2021 -2022

 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

DUMAGUETE CITY, PHILIPPINES

A.Y. 2021 -2022

 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

to use in their homes.

DUMAGUETE CITY, PHILIPPINES

A.Y. 2021 -2022

 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

rate will be high.

DUMAGUETE CITY, PHILIPPINES

A.Y. 2021 -2022

 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

establish our motive.

Is peppermint/oregano insect repellent better than a chemical insect repellent?

Is the peppermint/oregano insect repellent non-toxic to plants?

DUMAGUETE CITY, PHILIPPINES

A.Y. 2021 -2022

· MAKING OF THE PRODUCT

 3 Empty Spray Bottles

SAINT PAUL UNIVERSITY DUMAGUETE

DUMAGUETE CITY, PHILIPPINES

A.Y. 2021 -2022

A. Making of the Oregano Oil

First: Gather a good amount of Oregano leaves and place it in a container

DUMAGUETE CITY, PHILIPPINES

A.Y. 2021 -2022

Second: Wash the leaves gently.

Third: Chop them into fine minces but

Leave some leaves for later.

SAINT PAUL UNIVERSITY DUMAGUETE

DUMAGUETE CITY, PHILIPPINES

Fourth: Place 2 cups of the minced oregano inside a

Fifth: In the Cauldron, place 1 cup of any type of oil.

(Preferably Cooking Oil)

DUMAGUETE CITY, PHILIPPINES

A.Y. 2021 -2022

the medium setting. Stir and wait for 15 minutes.

Eighth: Get it out let it cool down a little and

Pour it in a container using strainer.

DUMAGUETE CITY, PHILIPPINES

A.Y. 2021 -2022

Ninth: squeeze the minced oregano on the strainer to get

more oil into the container.

Tenth: put the remaining oregano leaves into the