DEVELOPING A SUSTAINABLE MOSQUITO REPELLENT CANDLE USING

RECYCLED COFFEE GROUNDS

Submitted by:
Yutan, Lean Claire B.
Venzon, Shaina Jane B.
Agiadan, Ronald Jr. O.
Natanauan, Yumiko Dhane M.
Daulo, Camille R.
Villanueva, Denise Anne V.
Mapa, Dean Lizter C.
Mane, Gabriel Vien A.
Rivera, Jondhell E.
INTRODUCTION:

This study explores the use of recycled coffee grounds in creating mosquito repellent
candles as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to chemical repellents. It aims to assess the
effectiveness, longevity, and environmental benefits of these candles, offering a practical solution
that reduces waste and minimizes health risks.

Mosquitoes are found in almost every region of the world. It is a small, flying insects that
belongs to the Culicidae family. They are highly adaptable and thrive in various habitats, including
urban areas, forest, and wetlands. Mosquitoes have a short lifespan of 2 to 4 weeks, depending on
temperature, humidity, species, and other factors with female mosquitoes typically having a longer
life than males. While male mosquitoes primaly feed on plant nectar, females are the one that bites
people and animals to get blood that is necessary for them to produce eggs (Aghayan et al, 2024).
Mosquitoes have the ability to spread pathogens (germs) through their bites that can cause diseases
like dengue fever, West Nile virus, and malaria.

The leading disease that may cause problems in the Philippines during the rainy season is
dengue. Dengue was an acute viral illness caused by an RNA virus of the family Flaviviride and
spread by Aedes aegypti, which were known as individuals from the fly family. They were so huge
that the vast majority can surely be seen with the uncovered eyeball. Male mosquitoes may survive
for seven days, whereas females can live for a couple of months (Roger, 2016). According to a
World Health Organization report from 2018, 390 million cases of dengue contamination occur
annually (95% tenable interim 284–528 million), of which 96 million (67–136 million) manifest
clinically (with any form of illness). In the Philippines, the department During the same period of
2018, officials were explaining a 7 percent reduction. Dengue cases in the country as of May 26,
2018, are now at 37,959. A total of 195 passes were noted. The majority of affected gatherings
take place between the ages of 10 and 14, with 52% of the participants being men.

By preventing mosquito-borne diseases, mosquitoes repellent was developed. It is a

substance designed to repel mosquitoes and prevent them from biting humans and feeding on
human blood. Mosquitoes repellents are available as creams, lotions, oils, and sticks that are
allowed to applied on the skin and also has aerosol and pump-spray that can be used on the skin
as well as clothes (Salunke et al, 2022). There are many things that supposedly drive the
mosquitoes away in the surrounding area but based on some research, the mosquitoes repellent on
the market contains dangerous chemical that can cause some side effects that is not good in our
health. Therefore, it is necessary to use a safer for health and have a minimal side effects mosquito
repellents caused the researchers to make a natural mosquito repellent made of a candle that has
recycled coffee grounds.

It has been discovered that coffee grounds work well to keep a variety of mosquito species
away. Coffee grounds have demonstrated encouraging benefits when applied to Aedes mosquitoes,
which are known to spread illnesses like Zika and dengue. Coffee's strong smell serves as a barrier,
making it harder for mosquitoes to find their victims. Because of this, using coffee grounds to repel
various mosquito species is a flexible and effective solution.

Coffee grounds have been shown in scientific research to repel mosquitoes. Entomologist
research has demonstrated that coffee grounds may significantly reduce the number of mosquito
bites. Indeed, in a controlled setting, coffee grounds were discovered to be able to repel up to 80%
of mosquitoes. These results offer strong proof that coffee grounds can serve as a natural mosquito
repellent that works just as well as conventional ones (Asadollahi et al., 2019).

There are lots of benefits to using coffee grounds as opposed to traditional insect repellents.
First of all, coffee grounds are widely available and reasonably priced, so everyone may use them.
On the other hand, traditional repellents may be costly and contain dangerous ingredients. Unlike
typical repellents, which smell strongly of chemicals, coffee grounds offer a nice scent that is
pleasant to humans. Furthermore, since coffee grounds are a naturally occurring waste product,
they have less of an adverse effect on the environment than typical repellents, which may cause
pollution. All things considered, coffee grounds offer a practical, economical, and environmentally
beneficial substitute for conventional insect repellents.
 According to Spyriounis et al. (2022), in order to maintain their environmental friendliness
and prevent mosquitoes and other possible insects from rapidly developing resistance to the
repellents, researchers should also investigate methods for improving the currently available
organic repellents. Researchers should actively explore new natural organic repellents that can be
utilized against mosquitoes and other insects. In addition to the existing organic repellents, They
should also look into possible ways to allow various natural organic repellents to be used in
combination against insects.

This study identified a significant gap in the availability of natural mosquito repellents. In
response, the researchers developed the concept of using recycled coffee grounds as an alternative
ingredient in mosquito repellent candles. This approach offers a sustainable solution that may
effectively address the issue of mosquito control.

The purpose of this study is to explore the characteristics of candles made from coffee
grounds. It will examine their scent, how long they last, and how well they store over time.
Additionally, the study will assess the effectiveness of these coffee ground candles in repelling
mosquitoes. This research is important because it could provide useful information on the practical
benefits of using coffee grounds, a common waste product, for making candles. It also investigates
whether these candles can serve as a natural and eco-friendly way to keep mosquitoes away, which
could be valuable for sustainable pest control solutions.

In conclusion, this study aims to create a mosquito repellent candle using recycled coffee
grounds. This helps reduce waste by repurposing used coffee grounds. It also creates a sustainable
and eco-friendly product for keeping mosquitoes away. The goal is to demonstrate how recycling
can be used to make practical and environmentally friendly items. The use of recycled coffee
grounds helps reduce waste and supports recycling efforts. This method offers a sustainable
alternative to traditional mosquito repellents, which often contain harmful chemicals. By creating
a candle with recycled materials, the study addresses environmental concerns and provides a safer
option for mosquito control.
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The Department of Health (DOH) is closely monitoring the rise in dengue cases,
particularly during the rainy season. Stagnant water provides a breeding ground for Aedes aegypti
mosquitoes, the main carriers of the disease. As of June 29, 2024, there has been a 30% increase
in dengue cases compared to the previous month. From May 19 to June 1, 6,323 cases were
reported, increasing to 8,246 from June 2 to June 15. The DOH is cautious with the latest tally
(June 16 to 29) due to possible late reports. Since the start of 2024, there have been 90,119 dengue
cases reported, resulting in 233 deaths, a 19% increase from the same period in 2023. The analysis
of the epidemic curve by DOH indicates that weekly dengue cases in 2024 surpassed those in 2023
from January 1 to May 11. However, from May 12 to June 29, weekly case numbers have either
dropped below or slightly exceeded those recorded in 2023. This change is likely due to the
increased efforts of local governments in mosquito population control by removing breeding sites.

In recent years, many of the insect repellents offer protection against pesky bugs, their
widespread use raises concerns about potential environmental and health risks. Many repellents
are designed to benefit consumers, but their indiscriminate application can lead to unintended
consequences. Research suggests that these chemicals might interact with biological systems in
harmful ways, producing toxic byproducts.

This review explores the current understanding of insect repellent toxicity, focusing on
how these chemicals alter biochemical pathways in various organisms, from simple invertebrates
to complex vertebrates. We examine both in vitro and in vivo studies to understand the
mechanisms of toxicity. The review also incorporates clinical reports to provide a comprehensive
picture of the potential side effects associated with the uncontrolled use of insect repellents. Our
aim is to highlight the importance of responsible use and to encourage further research into the
long-term impacts of these chemicals on both human health and the environment.

While many insect repellents on the market effectively ward off mosquitoes, they often
contain DEET, a chemical that can pose health risks. A safer alternative is to use natural repellents,
which make you less appealing to mosquitoes without harmful chemicals. Citronella candles,
widely available in the U.S., are a popular choice. These candles offer several advantages,
including being non-sticky, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. They are also gentler on
sensitive skin and can be used on children as young as three months old, reducing irritation.
Additionally, they are harmless to most plastics and fabrics. However, natural repellents do have
some drawbacks. They tend to be more expensive and may require more frequent reapplication to
maintain full protection. Essential oil repellents, for example, can evaporate quickly, so you’ll
need to reapply them often. It’s also important to note that essential oils should not be applied
directly to the skin, as this can cause rashes.

While traditional repellents may work, there are environmental concerns and limitations
with their use. The idea of creating a candle from recycled coffee grounds not only seeks to provide
a sustainable alternative but also taps into the potential of utilizing waste materials. This initiative
can help fill the gaps in current mosquito repellent solutions by offering an eco-friendly option
that may also attract consumers interested in sustainability. Thus, the research addresses both the
efficacy of mosquito repellent and the need for more environmentally responsible products.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Theory of the Sense of Smell

This study is anchored on the theory of Luca Turin’s Theory of the Sense of Smell (1898).
The theory of how we perceive odors and the effectiveness of mosquito repellents. It proposes that
for an odor to be sensed, the substance must be volatile so its molecules can reach the olfactory
receptors, which may need some degree of fat solubility. The article also notes that there is no
widely accepted explanation for how an odor molecule triggers the olfactory nerve. Although
linking odors to molecular vibrations fits many aspects of olfactory chemistry, this idea has not
gained broad acceptance due to insufficient direct evidence and a proposed mechanism. This
theory of odor perception is relevant to studying coffee grounds as a mosquito repellent because it
explains that for an odor to be detected, its molecules must be volatile and somewhat fat-soluble
to reach olfactory receptors. This theory helps assess if the aromatic compounds in coffee grounds
are capable of being sensed by mosquitoes and potentially repelling them. Despite uncertainties
about the exact mechanisms of odor detection, this framework guides the investigation into the
effectiveness of coffee grounds as a repellent.

Kinetic Molecular Theory

This study is founded on the theory that was developed by multiple scientist over time,
including Danielle Bernoulli (1738), Rudolf Clausius (1857), and James Clerk Maxwell (1873),
wherein they provides a fundamental framework for understanding the behavior of gases, which
can be applied to the evaporation of mosquito repellent compounds from a candle made from
recycled coffee grounds. According to the theory, gas molecules are in constant, random motion,
colliding with each other and the walls of their container. The rate of evaporation of the repellent
compound is influenced by temperature, molecular weight, and intermolecular forces between the
compound and the coffee grounds. A higher temperature increases the kinetic energy of molecules
that results to more frequent and energetic Impacts, which can be more helpful for speeding up the
evaporation. The molecular weight of the repellent compound also plays a role because it
accelerates the diffusion of lighter molecules due to the high average speed. Additionally, the
strength of intermolecul ar forces between the repellent compound and the coffee grounds can
affect evaporation. If the forces are strong, the compound may be less likely to escape into the gas
phase. By understanding these factors, it is possible to know how the design and composition of
the candle influence the duration of its effect in repelling mosquitoes. For instance, increasing the
temperature of the candle, using a repellent compound with a lower molecular weight, or reducing
the strength of intermolecular forces between the compound and the coffee grounds could all
potentially lead to a longer-lasting repellent effect.

Olfaction on Mosquito Behavior

This study is anchored on the theory of olfaction on mosquito behavior by Takken & Knols
(1999). Proposed a theory that is the influence of olfaction on mosquito behavior. Studies have
shown that olfaction mediates many behavioral movements of mosquitoes. Indeed, the chemical
ecology of mosquitoes is now widely recognized as one area of investigation on which future
control strategies may depend. Host-seeking and feeding behaviors are much affected by host
odors, and many mosquito species use olfaction for oviposition. This study is relevant to the study
of developing sustainable mosquito repellent candles using recycled coffee grounds. Since smell
has a big effect on how mosquitoes act, the smell of coffee may help keep them away.
 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

1. What are the characteristics of

coffee grounds candle in terms of:
1.1 Scent
1.2 Duration • Collection of data
1.3 Amount of mosquitoes Developing a sustainable
• Analysis and interpretation of mosquito repellent candle using
2. What are the effects of coffee data recycled coffee grounds.
grounds candles in mosquitoes?
2.1 Number of mosquitoes • Presentation of findings/result
2.2 Radius Effect

3. Is there a significant relationship

between the characteristics of coffee
grounds candle and effects to
mosquito?
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
This study aims to determine the effectiveness of developing a sustainable mosquito repellent
candle using recycled coffee grounds.

Specifically, this study seeks to provide answers to the following questions:

1. What are the characteristics of coffee grounds candle in terms of:

1.1 Scent
1.2 Duration
1.3 Amount of mosquitoes

2. What are the effects of coffee grounds candles in mosquitoes?

2.1 Number of mosquitoes
2.2 Radius Effect

3. Is there a significant relationship between the characteristics of coffee grounds candle and
effects to mosquito?
HYPOTHESIS OF THE STUDY

There is no significance relationship between the characteristics of coffee grounds candle and
effects to mosquito.

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

This research aims to develop a sustainable and effective mosquito repellent candle using recycled
coffee grounds. The study will focus on formulating and testing a candle formula, exploring
sustainable production methods, assessing the environmental benefits, and evaluating consumer
acceptance.
The subject of the research consisted of consumers that live in mosquito-prone areas from 2024 to
2025, focusing on Brgy. Balibago city of Santa Rosa, Laguna. The study will be limited to common
mosquito species found in the Philippines, including Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus.
The research will utilize standard-sized candles and will not conduct a detailed cost-benefit
analysis. Data collection will be conducted through questionnaires, surveys, and observations by
the researchers.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The results of the study will be great benefit to the following:

Consumers. This study directly benefits consumers by exploring the potential of coffee grounds as
an effective mosquito repellent. Using readily available coffee grounds offers a more organic and
potentially cost-effective alternative to conventional repellents.

Communities. The findings of this study provide valuable information to public health officials
and local communities, highlighting the potential of coffee grounds as a natural mosquito repellent.
By developing a sustainable mosquito repellent candle using recycled coffee grounds, this study
demonstrates the effectiveness of coffee grounds in controlling mosquito populations.

Future Researchers. This study serves as a valuable resource for future researchers investigating
natural mosquito repellents. It establishes a foundation for further research by demonstrating the
effectiveness of coffee grounds as a mosquito repellent. This study provides a starting point for
exploring the potential of coffee grounds as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative
to conventional repellents.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
The following terms are further defined either operationally or conceptually:
Aedes aegypti. The yellow fever mosquito, scientifically known as Aedes aegypti, is a
major player in spreading serious illnesses. This tiny insect can transmit diseases like dengue fever,
chikungunya, zika fever, yellow fever, and mayaro fever, all of which can cause severe health
problems and even death. (Wikipedia, 2023)
Citronella candles. As defined by Emily Medlock (2021), Are made with citronella oil,
which comes from lemongrass. This oil repels insects. People use these candles outside to keep
away mosquitoes, flies, and ticks. When the candle burns, the citronella oil gets hot and smells like
citrus. This strong smell hides the scents that attract insects, so they can't find people as easily.
Culicidae. As defined by Tumpati, Prab R. (2024), Mosquitoes are insects belonging to
the Culicidae family, part of the Diptera order, which includes all flies. There are over 3,500
mosquito species, divided into two main groups: Anophelinae and Culicinae. These insects are
notorious for spreading diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus.
DEET. Is the chemical used in insect repellent. It keeps away bugs like mosquitoes, ticks,
flies, and fleas. This text will explain DEET's ingredients, history, how well it works, safety, and
how to use it. (Merriam-Webster, 2024)
Entomologists. Entomology, the science of insects, is a journey into a world teeming with
life. Entomologists, like explorers, delve into this microscopic realm, uncovering the mysteries of
insect biology, behavior, ecology, and evolution. Their research spans a broad range of scientific
inquiries, each piece contributing to a deeper understanding of these fascinating creatures.
((Merriam-Webster, 2024)
Flaviviruses. Hepatitis C viruses are a group of viruses that have a unique structure and
way of replicating. They belong to the Flaviviridae family and are known for their single-stranded
RNA genome, which means their genetic material is RNA, not DNA. This RNA is ready to be
translated into proteins by the host cell, making them efficient at taking over cellular machinery.
They also have a protective outer layer called an envelope, made of lipids, which helps them hide
from the host's immune system. This combination of features makes them quite successful at
infecting and spreading. (Merriam-Webster, 2024)
 Invertebrates to complex. As a defined by Marvin Adivino (2024),
Vertebrates invertebrates and vertebrates. Invertebrates, like insects, worms, and jellyfish, don't
have a backbone, while vertebrates, like fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, do. This
backbone provides support and allows for more complex movement, which contributes to
vertebrates' generally more complex body structures and nervous systems.
Malaria. Is a disease caused by a parasite. The parasite is spread to humans through the
bites of infected mosquitoes. People who have malaria usually feel very sick with a high fever and
shaking chills. (Mayoclinic.org, 2024)
Mosquito Repellent. The products were created to keep mosquitoes away from humans
and animals by disrupting the insects' ability to locate their targets. The repellent ingredients, when
applied to the skin, create a barrier that hinders mosquitoes from sensing the lactic acid emitted
naturally by warm-blooded animals, thus preventing them from landing and biting. (Encyclopedia,
2023)
Olfactory. Refers to the sense of smell. It encompasses all aspects related to the perception
and processing of odors.
Pesky bugs. The pesky describes insects or tiny creatures that are bothersome and
annoying. It means they cause constant irritation or trouble, like flies buzzing around your head
or ants invading your kitchen. (Merriam-Webster)
REFERENCE
Salunke, Malati R., et al. "Review of Herbal mosquito repellent." 2022.
https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:247722855.
Than Asoponkul, et al. "Efficacy of used coffee grounds as larvicide against Aedes
albopictus Skuse, 1894 and Ae. aegypti Linné, 1762 (Diptera: Culicidae)." ResearchGate,
2022,
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353947208_Efficacy_of_used_coffee_grounds_
as_larvicide_against_Aedes_albopictus_Skuse_1894_and_Ae_aegypti_Linne_1762_Dipt
era_Culicidae.
Spyriounis, Matthew, et al. "Mosquito Repellents - A Systematic Review."
Semanticscholar, 2023, https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Mosquito-Repellents-A-
Systematic-Review-Spyriounis-Weng/8f08d657b8c6178c8abdb9f39de43e6d1eb7c956.
Maia, Marta Ferreira, and Sarah J. Moore. "Plant-Based Insect Repellents: A
Review of Their Efficacy, Development and Testing." Malaria Journal, vol. 10, no. Suppl
1, 2011, p. S11., doi:10.1186/1475-2875-10-S1-S11.
"Can You Use Coffee Grounds to Get Rid of Mosquitoes?" One Great Coffee, 25
June 2023, https://onegreatcoffee.com/blogs/latest-news/coffee-grounds-for-mosquito.
"Luca Turin's Theory of the Sense of Smell." San Jose State University,
www.sjsu.edu/faculty/watkins/turin.htm.
"The Kinetic Molecular Theory." Purdue University,
chemed.chem.purdue.edu/genchem/topicreview/bp/ch4/kinetic4.html.
Mise, Mylene A., et al. “Effectiveness of Calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa)
Peel Extract as Mosquito Repellent.” Journal of Academic and Technological Advances,
vol. 3, Jan.-Dec. 2021, pp. 1-14
Herbosa, Teodoro J. “Dengue Rising with Rain; Mosquitoes to Blame.” DOH Press
Release, 16 July 2024,
https://caro.doh.gov.ph/%F0%9D%90%83%F0%9D%90%84%F0%9D%90%8D%F0%9
D%90%86%F0%9D%90%94%F0%9D%90%84-
%F0%9D%90%91%F0%9D%90%88%F0%9D%90%92%F0%9D%90%88%F0%9D%9
0%8D%F0%9D%90%86-
%F0%9D%90%96%F0%9D%90%88%F0%9D%90%93%F0%9D%90%87/#:~:text=De
ngue%20cases%20are%20rising%20as,in%20the%20number%20of%20cases..
Roy, Dijendra Nath, et al. “The Insect Repellents: A Silent Environmental
Chemical Toxicant to the Health.” Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, vol. 50,
2017, pp. 91–102., doi:10.1016/j.etap.2017.01.019.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28171823/
Patel, EK., et al. “A Review on: Mosquito Repellent Methods.” International
Journal of Pharmaceutical and Chemical Biology Sciences, vol. 13, no. 1, 2024, pp. 1–2.
International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Chemical Biology Sciences,
doi:10.22271/ijpcbs.2024.v13.i1.77459.