Department of Education

Region III
SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE OF OLONGAPO CITY
OLONGAPO CITY HIGH SCHOOL
14th St., Rizal Ave. East Tapinac Olongapo City

"Optimizing Formulation for Enhanced Insect Repellent

Effectiveness"

by:

Basa,Faith
Delira,Dave
Diones,Joed
Ramos,Amiel
Salinas,Joyce

A Manuscript
Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Subject Requirements in
Practical Research I

Submitted to:

PRUDENCIO G. GALSIM JR.

Adviser

March 2024
 Department of Education
Region III
SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE OF OLONGAPO CITY
OLONGAPO CITY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
14TH ST., Rixal Ave. East Tapinac, Olongapo City, Zambales

Background of the Study:

 Insects pose significant threats to public health by transmitting

diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus.
 Traditional insect repellents often contain synthetic chemicals,
raising concerns about their impact on human health and the
environment.
 There is a growing demand for effective, safe, and
environmentally friendly insect repellents.

Statement of the Problem:

 The primary problem addressed is the need for insect repellents

that balance effectiveness, safety, and environmental
sustainability.
 Existing repellents may contain synthetic chemicals that pose
risks to human health and ecosystems.
 Insecticide resistance in mosquito populations emphasizes the
urgency of developing new repellent formulations.

1
 Department of Education
Region III
SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE OF OLONGAPO CITY
OLONGAPO CITY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
14TH ST., Rixal Ave. East Tapinac, Olongapo City, Zambales

Hypotheses:

 Null Hypothesis: There is no significant difference in the repellent

efficacy between traditional synthetic insect repellents and newly
developed natural or eco-friendly formulations.
 Alternative Hypothesis: Newly developed natural or eco-friendly insect
repellents demonstrate comparable or superior efficacy in repelling
insects compared to traditional synthetic repellents.

Research Paradigm

Dependent Variable (DV):

Independent Variable (IV): Insect repellent
Formulation components and effectiveness, measured by
their concentrations. the duration and level of
protection against insect
Control Variable (CV): bites.
Environmental conditions
such as temperature,
humidity, and exposure time;
application method and
frequency; insect species
tested; and testing location.
Significance of the Study:

 The study aims to explore the creation of insect repellents using

innovative approaches and natural ingredients to provide sustainable
solutions to insect-borne diseases.
 Development of effective and sustainable insect repellents is crucial
for mitigating the spread of insect-borne diseases and reducing
reliance on potentially harmful chemicals.
 Adoption of eco-friendly repellents aligns with global efforts to
promote sustainability and minimize the environmental impact of pest
control practices.

2
 Department of Education
Region III
SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE OF OLONGAPO CITY
OLONGAPO CITY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
14TH ST., Rixal Ave. East Tapinac, Olongapo City, Zambales

Scope and Limitations:

 The study will focus on exploring the efficacy of natural ingredients
and innovative technologies in insect repellent formulations.
 Testing will be conducted to compare the efficacy of traditional
synthetic repellents with newly developed natural or eco-friendly
formulations.
 Limitations may include variations in environmental conditions and
insect populations, as well as the availability of resources for testing.

Definition of Terms:

Synthetic repellents: Repellents containing artificial or man-made chemicals.

Natural ingredients: Ingredients derived from plants or other natural sources.
Eco-friendly formulations: Repellent formulations designed to minimize
negative impacts on the environment.

3
 Department of Education
Region III
SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE OF OLONGAPO CITY
OLONGAPO CITY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
14TH ST., Rixal Ave. East Tapinac, Olongapo City, Zambales

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Related Literature
 From Insect Repellents fact sheet. (n.d.-a).

Retrieved from http://www.npic.orst.edu/factsheets/repellents.html

Insect repellents serve to deter mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and other biting
insects, crucial in preventing the transmission of diseases such as Zika, Malaria,
Lyme disease, and West Nile virus. These repellents, including those with active
ingredients like DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus registered with
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), work by interfering with insects'
senses, particularly smell and taste, making it difficult for them to locate human or
animal hosts. The efficacy of these repellents varies, with higher concentration ones
potentially offering longer protection but not necessarily better repellency, thus
necessitating adherence to label instructions and use of EPA-registered products
for optimal efficacy and safety. While generally safe when used correctly, insect
repellents can cause skin or eye irritation in some individuals, though adverse
reactions are typically limited to skin irritation and rare when used as directed.
Research continues to assess the long-term effects of prolonged exposure to insect
repellents and their potential carcinogenicity. It's crucial to follow label instructions
carefully to minimize risks, such as applying only to exposed skin, avoiding contact
with eyes or mouth, and washing skin and treated clothing after returning indoors.
Precautions should be taken when using repellents on children, during pregnancy,
or while breastfeeding, following recommendations from healthcare professionals.
Overall, understanding the types of repellents available, their effectiveness, and
associated safety precautions is essential for effective insect bite prevention.

4
 Department of Education
Region III
SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE OF OLONGAPO CITY
OLONGAPO CITY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
14TH ST., Rixal Ave. East Tapinac, Olongapo City, Zambales

 From article of Insect repellents: the pros and cons | McGill University
Health Centre. (n.d.). McGill University Health Centre.

Retrieved from https://muhc.ca/health-info/article/insect-repellants-pros-and-cons

Insect repellents, such as those containing DEET or picaridin, are essential

for outdoor activities like camping to ward off mosquitoes, black flies, and ticks.
DEET is highly effective but should be used cautiously, especially for children.
Picaridin is a safer alternative for children over six months. Natural repellents from
plant oils like citronella are available but less effective and short-lasting. Permethrin-
based repellents target ticks on clothing. Precautions include avoiding insect-prone
areas, dressing appropriately, and using unscented products. Avoid combining
sunscreen with repellent and monitor for any signs of irritation from insect bites.

 From article of World Health Organization: WHO. (2020, March 2).

Vector-borne diseases.

Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/vector-borne-

diseases

Vector-borne diseases, like malaria and dengue, cause over 700,000 deaths
yearly, mostly in tropical areas. Transmitted by mosquitoes, flies, and ticks, they
carry parasites, viruses, and bacteria, posing grave health risks. WHO's Global
Vector Control Response focuses on preventive measures, capacity building, and
improved infrastructure. Behavioral change and public education are crucial in
protecting communities. Access to water and sanitation plays a key role in disease
control efforts, aligning with broader health objectives.

5
 Department of Education
Region III
SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE OF OLONGAPO CITY
OLONGAPO CITY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
14TH ST., Rixal Ave. East Tapinac, Olongapo City, Zambales

Related Studies

 Holland, W. (2019, October 16). Environmentally friendly insect

repellent for agriculture. PlantwisePlus Blog.

Retrieved from https://blog.plantwise.org/2018/07/06/environmentally-friendly-

insect-repellent-for-agriculture/

TUM researchers have crafted an eco-friendly insect repellent for agriculture,

aiming to combat the adverse effects of synthetic insecticides on biodiversity and
environmental health. Inspired by the tobacco plant's natural defense mechanism,
they developed a biodegradable molecule, CBTol, using synthetic biotechnology.
This repellent, produced by genetically modified bacteria fed with wheat bran, is
effective against pests while being harmless to insects and other species. With
antibacterial properties, it offers additional benefits, signaling a promising shift
towards sustainable crop protection methods.

 Anderson, L. A. (2024, February 21). Insect repellents: How to use them safely.
Drugs.com.

Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/article/how-to-safely-use-insect-

repellents.html

Insect repellents like DEET, picaridin, and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus protect
against mosquitoes and ticks, reducing the risk of diseases like malaria and Lyme
disease. DEET is widely used and safe for children over two months old. Other
options include picaridin, IR3535, and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, each with its own
benefits. Permethrin is for clothing only. Apply repellents carefully, avoiding eyes
and wounds. Use sunscreen before repellent. Pregnant and breastfeeding women can
use DEET safely. Overall, DEET is a reliable choice, but the best repellent depends
on individual needs. If you have adverse reactions, stop use and seek medical advice.

6
 Department of Education
Region III
SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE OF OLONGAPO CITY
OLONGAPO CITY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
14TH ST., Rixal Ave. East Tapinac, Olongapo City, Zambales

 Cassar, J. (2021, March 16). Benefits of using Natural organic insect repellent |
Nature’s Botanical. Nature’s Botanical.

Retrieved from https://www.naturesbotanical.com/benefits-of-using-natural-

organic-insect-repellent/.

Switching to natural organic insect repellents offers several compelling benefits.

Firstly, by avoiding harmful chemicals like DEET, individuals can reduce potential
risks to their health. Natural repellents are also gentle on the skin, making them
suitable for those with sensitive skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis.
Additionally, natural ingredients such as essential oils like rosemary and cedarwood
not only effectively repel insects but also provide added antibacterial and anti-
inflammatory properties, promoting overall skin health. Moreover, the aromatherapy
benefits of natural repellents contribute to relaxation and mental well-being, offering
a pleasant alternative to the strong scents of conventional repellents. Lastly, opting
for natural products ensures ethical sourcing and production, supporting animal
welfare and environmental sustainability.

 Coffey, R. (2021, August 22). What is DEET? Is it safe for you and the
environment? Treehugger.

Retrieved from https://www.treehugger.com/what-is-deet-is-it-safe-for-you-and-

the-environment-5190808

DEET is a widely used insect repellent, effective against fleas, mosquitoes, and
ticks. It's considered safe by major health and environmental agencies but can cause
skin and eye irritation and dissolve plastics. Alternatives like lemon eucalyptus oil,
IR3535, Picaridin, and 2-undecanone offer less chemically intensive options. When
using DEET, follow safety guidelines to avoid overuse and contact with sensitive
areas.

7
 Department of Education
Region III
SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE OF OLONGAPO CITY
OLONGAPO CITY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
14TH ST., Rixal Ave. East Tapinac, Olongapo City, Zambales

 Maia, M., & Moore, S. (2011). Plant-based insect repellents: a review of their
efficacy, development and testing. Malaria Journal, 10(S1).

Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2875-10-s1-s11

Plant-based insect repellents, long used in traditional practices, are gaining

popularity as perceived "safer" alternatives to synthetic repellents. However,
standardized testing guidelines are lacking, necessitating further research to assess
their efficacy and ensure consumer safety. Compounds like para-menthane 3, 8 diol
(PMD) from lemon eucalyptus show promise, offering significant protection against
mosquito vectors. Essential oils, such as citronella, thyme, and peppermint, are also
common repellents, but their effectiveness varies, and they evaporate quickly.
Improving formulations and understanding their mode of action are promising
developments in this field. While plant-based repellents hold potential, rigorous
testing and safety considerations are essential for their widespread use as effective
alternatives to synthetic options like DEET.

 Mahoney, D. (2024, March 15). The best bug repellents. Wirecutter: Reviews for
the Real World.

Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bug-repellent/

For a bug repellent that’s safe and effective—and that won’t stink or leave a
puddle of oil on your skin—skip the DEET and get a picaridin formula, like Sawyer
Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent. It’s the best bottle of bug spray we found
after testing 23 repellents and talking to everyone from the EPA to the American
Mosquito Control Association.

8
 Department of Education
Region III
SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE OF OLONGAPO CITY
OLONGAPO CITY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
14TH ST., Rixal Ave. East Tapinac, Olongapo City, Zambales