SAN PABLO COLLEGES

San Pablo City

MOSQUITO COIL OUT OF GARLIC (Allium sativum),

LEMONGRASS (Cymbopogus citratus) AND CITRONELLA OIL

A Technical Paper Submitted

By

Jherome Ivan C. Dela Cueva

Francine Gem U. Torres
Karl Angelo C. Concordia

To

Prof. Ma. Gloria F. Maningas

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

In
Introduction to Research

March 2015
 MOSQUITO COIL
OUT OF GARLIC, LEMONGRASS AND CITRONELLA OIL

Jherome Ivan C. Dela Cueva, Francine Gem U. Torres, Karl Angelo C. Concordia

ABSTRACT

Insecticides, nowadays, are getting harmful and hazardous to people. Some contain
chemicals that can poison us. The researchers tried to make an insect repellent to help people to
lessen their expenses when it comes in medicine caused by mosquito bites.

The researchers attempted to create a product by collecting garlic (Allium sativum) and
lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) which can be collected and planted just nearby our houses.

The researchers tried to mix the garlic and lemongrass with citronella oil and latter mold
it to form a mosquito coil.

The product made turned out to be effective that proves that plants around us have
different uses other than beautifying our surroundings.
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We would like to express our gratitude to the following that helped to make our
experiment successful:

Our friends and classmates, thank you for giving us feedbacks and suggestions to our
experiment for this project.

Our beloved parents, thank you for guiding us on how we will be conducting the Science
Investigatory Project and also for giving us morale support.

Prof. Ma. Gloria F. Maningas, thank you for teaching us the different things we need to
know about conducting the said experiment and for continuing the teachings that our previous
instructor left.

Ms. Raquel A. Abrigo, thank you for introducing us the different things needed for the
Science Investigatory Project and for being our first Introduction to Research Instructor.

And especially our Almighty Father, thank You for blessing us with the wisdom and the
capabilities needed to make this project successful.

Jherome Ivan C. Dela Cueva

Francine Gem U. Torres

Karl Angelo C. Concordia

 INTRODUCTION

We have plants almost anywhere. However, some may not be aware that some plants
merely have hidden abilities such as the ability to repel insects especially mosquitoes.

Sometimes, we experience scratching when we have mosquito bites. Some may not be
aware that scratching too much could also be dangerous which can infect us and also serves as a
distraction and interruption.

If we will be using insecticides, pesticides, and the like, it could be harmful to our health.
There are chemicals that may poisonous which could lead to different sicknesses. Since, these
can cause problems to us, these just consume and consume more of our money. But with plants,
they are already ubiquitous that can be transformed into more useful materials like a repellent
that can really save us money.

.
 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Insecticides, nowadays, are getting a little bit expensive. They contain chemicals and
other toxic substances which are very hazardous to our health.

Nevertheless, with natural plants, they can be changed into natural insecticides as well.
They are affordable. Therefore, it’s profitable. You can just grow your plants and change it to
something more useful.

A mosquito repellent is anything that can repel mosquitoes. This may not kill the
mosquito but this can repel them. They usually contain different carcinogens which may be
contagious.

Unlike, plants and other natural and organic materials, they are much safer compared to
some insecticides which could also be a source of income.
 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Today, due to fast pace of our society, a lot of people, especially children, experience
dengue, malaria and chikungunya. When these diseases get worse, in worst cases, these can
cause death.

These are the problems that shall be answered after finalizing the Science Investigatory
Project:

 Are garlic, lemongrass, and citronella oil effective in making a mosquito repellent?
 Does the finished product appear presentable?
 Will the finished product be able to act as an insect repellent?
 Will the finished product be able to last in a long period of time?
 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The researchers aim to find and do the following while making the Science Investigatory
Project:

1. To determine the effectiveness of garlic, lemongrass and citronella oil

2. To discover the hidden properties of the said plants
3. To find more uses the different plants can give
 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study was proposed by the researchers because some of the mosquito repellents that
we are using contain some chemicals such as lead and other carcinogens which can not only
harm our environment but also harm us.

For students, this can be used to prevent them from scratching due to insect bites while
studying and also prevent them from getting diseases which is the common cause of absences in
school.

For teachers, inside their faculty rooms especially under their tables, they may feel that
there are insects present. Due to insect bites, this can make them scratch which also disturbs
some teachers from doing necessary things.

For parents, it can be used to minimize their expenses especially when it comes to
medicine. Moreover, it could also lessen their expenses when it comes on buying insecticides
and the like.

For other people who will be using this mosquito repellent, this can be used to reduce the
cases of different diseases and illnesses which is heavy on anyone’s pocket.
 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

This Science Investigatory Project is limited only to the effects of the extracted garlic and
lemongrass plus the citronella oil. This is for the purpose to know the quantity of the cloves of
garlic and lemongrass is needed to be a successful insect repellent. We do not expect to terminate
mosquitoes but rather repelling them while finishing the said project.
 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Allicin is a pungent compound C6H10OS2 formed enzymatically in crushed garlic cloves

that imparts the distinctive smell to garlic and possesses antimicrobial properties. (Merriam-
Webster Dictionary or http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allicin)

Garlic can be used to repel a variety of crawling and flying insects, including
mosquitoes,” according to Patrick Parker, SavATree Plant Health Care Program Director. One
treatment with garlic is effective for 2 weeks and can repel insects for up to one month.
Moreover, garlic is easy on the environment. Parker states, “It is a natural extract and does not
affect insects that are beneficial to suburban landscapes.” … Garlic bulbs contain an amino acid
that converts to a substance called allicin when crushed, blended or chopped. The characteristic
odor released as a result of this process has powerful properties. “When garlic extract is absorbed
by a plant, biochemical changes take place in its foliage which causes it to actively repel
insects,” says Parker… (http://www.savatree.com/garlic-insect-repellent.html)

Citronella or Lemongrass is the most common natural ingredient used in formulating

mosquito repellents. The distinctive citronella aroma is a strong smell which masks other
attractants to mosquitoes, making it harder for them to find you. Although citronella is used in
many forms, such as scented candles, torches and citronella ‘scented’ plants, the living plant is
more effective because it has a stronger smell. (http://eartheasy.com/blog/2011/04/5-easy-to-
grow-mosquito-repelling-plants/)

Citronella oil is popular as a 'natural' insect repellent. Its mosquito repellent qualities
have been verified by research, including effectiveness in repelling Aedes aegypti (dengue fever
mosquito). To be continually effective most citronella repellent formulas need to be reapplied to
the skin every 30–60 minutes. Research also indicates that citronella oil is an effective repellent
for body louse, head louse and stable flies. A study conducted by ARPA in 1963 determined that
hydroxycitronellal was an effective repellent against both aquatic and terrestrial leeches. The US
Environmental Protection Agency states that citronella oil has little or no toxicity when used as a
topical insect repellent, with no reports of adverse effects of concern over a 60 year period.
Because some products are applied to human skin, EPA requires proper precautionary labeling to
help assure safe use. If used according to label instructions in the US, citronella is not expected
to pose health risks to people, including children and other sensitive populations. The US Food
& Drug Administration considers citronella oil as generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
Canadian regulatory concerns with citronella as an insect repellent are primarily based on data-
gaps in toxicology, not on incidents. In Europe, Ceylon type citronella oil is placed on the
category 3 list, with some safety concern regarding methyl eugenol. In the UK, E.U. legislation
governing insect repellents came into force in September 2006, which banned citronella as an
active ingredient in any insect repellent products. This applied to both insect repellent for
humans and animals. It can still be sold as a perfume, but must not be sold as an insect repellent.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citronella_oil#Use_as_a_repellent)
 METHODOLOGY

First, the researchers collected the materials which are garlic, the lemongrass (both fresh
and dried), and the citronella oil.

The researchers divided the materials used in the ratio 1:2:3.

Then, the researchers blended lemongrass (both fresh and dried) using the blender.
Subsequently, the researchers added one clove of garlic for Setup A, two cloves of garlic for
Setup B and three cloves of garlic for Setup C together with the blended lemongrass.

After that, the researchers grated the candle into small pieces and mixed it thoroughly
with the blended materials and cornstarch. Afterwards, the researchers put citronella oil with 5
mL on Setup A, 10 mL on Setup B and 15 mL on Setup C.

Using a molder, the researchers inserted the mixture between and at the edges of the
molder in order to have a spiral shape. The researchers wrapped the shaped mixture together with
the molder in aluminum foil and put it in the oven toaster for five minutes.

Finally, the researchers removed it from the oven toaster and set aside for three days to
dry and to beef up.
Prepare the materials mainly the garlic, lemongrass, citronella oil, candlesticks and cornstarch
(left to right).

Blend the lemongrass both fresh and dried and latter add garlic to the blender and blend them
together.

Grate the candlesticks using the grater.

Combine the grated candlesticks and cornstarch with the blended materials.

Add citronella oil to the mixture.

Mix the mixture thoroughly.

Put the mixture in the molder and wrap it in aluminum foil.

Put it in the oven toaster for five minutes.

Set aside and let it dry and you’re done!

FINISHED PRODUCT
 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Setup Smell Effectiveness Effect (Odor)

Can repel mosquitos

More of citronella
A for a very long period Can cause drowsiness.
smell.
of time.
Has smell of garlic Can repel mosquitos
Can cause slight
B and citronella oil on a long period of
drowsiness.
together. time.
Can repel mosquitos
Can cause a little
C More of garlic smell. on a short period of
slight drowsiness.
time.

You may notice that the smell affects the effectiveness as a repellent and effect on the users.

The researchers concluded that garlic can overlap the smell of the citronella oil when increasing
its quantity and citronella oil can contribute the most capability in repelling mosquitos which can
also cause drowsiness to the people who will be using the product.
 CONCLUSION

The researchers concluded that the product turned out to be effective as a mosquito repellent and
not a mosquito exterminator. And the finished product turned out to be presentable and
comparable to other commercial mosquito coils. It can also last in a long period of time and
retains its effectiveness to repel mosquitos and function as a mosquito coil.
 RECOMMENDATION

For future researchers who will be trying this experiment, the researchers recommend that to
extract citronella oil from lemongrass instead of buying a commercial bottle of citronella oil is
more preferable to reduce expenses an make the product profitable as well. And be warned, not
to put the product in the oven toaster for long and absolutely in drying using the oven toaster
which can really spoil and burn your product which can really waste your efforts.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Merriam-Webster Dictionary Online

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allicin

SavATree

http://www.savatree.com/garlic-insect-repellent.html

Earth Easy

http://eartheasy.com/blog/2011/04/5-easy-to-grow-mosquito-repelling-plants/

Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citronella_oil#Use_as_a_repellent