Far Eastern College – Silang, Inc.

Metrogate Silang Estates – Silang Cavite

Senior High School

Chapter I

Introduction

This chapter presents the introduction, background of the study, research

framework, significance of the stud, statement of the problem, objectives of the study,

hypothesis, scope and delimitations and definition of terms.

1.1 Background of the Study

Omar Akbari said, “mosquitoes are perhaps the dangerous animals in the world.”,

written by (Patrick Keeffe, 2016) in Healthline. According to the American Mosquito

Control Association (AMA, 2015), there are over 3,000 species of mosquitoes in the world.

The world health organization (WHO, 2015) reports that more than half of the world's

population is now at risk of mosquito-borne diseases. “Their ability to carry and spread

diseases to human cause millions of deaths every year. In 2015, malaria alone caused

438,000 deaths.” as WHO (2015) stated. Dengue fever has increased 30-fold in the last 30

years, as more countries are reporting their first cases of the disease. The WHO (2020)

addressed that there are many different species of mosquitoes, and that some of them can

spread a variety of diseases. The aedes aegypti mosquito transmits Zika, dengue,

chikungunya, and yellow fever to humans (WHO, 2020). This mosquito species is found

in places where more than half of the world's population lives. It is important to maintain

mosquito control activities in order to avoid outbreaks of such diseases (WHO, 2020). As

reported by the Center for Global Health (CDC, 2015), an insect repellent can help protect

you from mosquitoes that transmit malaria and other diseases like dengue, chikungunya,

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Senior High School

and yellow fever. To repel insects, they should apply insect repellent to their skin and

clothing.

There are natural insect repellents that uses natural ingredients such as plant’s oil

and there are non-natural insect repellents that use synthetic or man-made ingredients.

According to Ngan (2008), These non-natural insect repellents have a common ingredient

known as DEET or Diethyltoluamide (Chemical name, N, N-Diethyl-3-methylbenzamide).

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, 2017) defined DEET as “the active

ingredient in many repellents and it is widely used to repel insects.”. In other report, Day

calls DEET the gold standard of repellants, and one that is nearly always harmless

when applied appropriately but DEET has a scary reputation. It says that “several

cases from the 1980s of people are dying after drinking DEET and It is sometimes

confused with DDT, a now-banned chemical insecticide that can promote cancer and

birth defects.” (cited in Markham Heid, 2018). Zaro (2020) states, “given the

questionable safety profile of DEET and other synthetic insect repellents, many people

today choose natural insect repellents as a safe alternative.”.

As mentioned by Mosquito Squad (2021), there are some smells that mosquitoes

love, so having those smells in your yard is an invitation for these annoying pests.

However, just as there are smells which mosquitoes love, there are others that they hate

and will make sure to avoid. Mosquito Squad (2021) includes citronella, lavender and

lemon grass in scents that repel mosquitoes. Citronella is one of the most well-known

mosquito repellent scents as stated by Mosquito Squad (2021). As written by Kripena

(2020), citronella oil is extracted from the stems of some Cymbopogon grass plants. Since

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Senior High School

they share a family, these grasses are similar to lemongrass and are often known as such.

According to the article, citronella oil repels mosquitos but does not kill them. Instead, it

masks the carbon dioxide and lactic acid scents that mosquitoes seek. With its pleasing

aroma and overall effectiveness, lemongrass oil has become one of the most popular of all-

natural insect repellents (Contributor, 2017). Lemongrass oil, which is closely related to

citronella, repels a greater variety of pests than most natural "one-scented" oil mixtures

(Contributor, 2017). Lemongrass grows quickly and easily in many climates, and the plant

itself tends to act as an insect repellent (Contributor, 2017). As mentioned by Best Plants,

“even though lavender is a smell often enjoyed by humans, lavender repels mosquitoes

because mosquitoes dislike the scent lavender gives off. It can be planted in gardens, turned

into oil, and added to the skin or combined with other oils to repel mosquitoes.”. Exactly

as published by doityourself staff (2009), The fragrance of the plant will discourage nearby

bug activity, and lavender oil makes an excellent topical repellent. Rub some on your skin to

stop mosquito attacks. It won't just keep you scratch free, though. Lavender also nourishes

the skin, smells great, and acts as a relaxant, encouraging sound sleep. In other research,

Chalkia (2020) states that it is scientifically proven that scented candles can play an

essential role in the physiological effects of mood, stress, working capacity, and overall

mental health (cited in Cornish, 2020).

Furthermore, the study written by Jessica Bautista, Jenelle Gatbonton and Rosita

Ignacio (2014) explores the area of the determination of mosquito repellent property of the

crude ethanolic extract from the leaves of basella alba (family basellaceae) against aedes

aegypti. When it comes to repelling mosquitoes, scents are one of your strongest weapons

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Senior High School

(Crumpetsa, 2020). The current study conducted focuses on the ability of Lavender with

Citronella and Lemongrass Scented Candle as Mosquito Repellent.

1.2 Research Framework

Meters of the scented candle

from the people that is best
to repel mosquito.

Figure 1. Independent Variable, Dependent Variable, Expected Outcome

Independent variables are the variables that are manipulated by the researcher for

the study. The independent variables listed above are main concentration needed to produce

the scented candle that is a mosquito repellent. The independent variables are essential oils

which are Lavender, Citronella, and Lemongrass oil. The variables are 15%, 25%, and 50%

in the product to know which among this concentration is effective. Independent variables

are the variables that are manipulated by the researcher for the study. The independent

variables listed above are main concentration needed to produce the scented candle that is

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Senior High School

a mosquito repellent. The independent variables are essential oils which are Lavender,

Citronella, and Lemongrass oil. The variables are 15%, 25%, and 50% in the product to

know which among this concentration is effective. The citronella comes from the lemon

grass plant which is mostly used to repel mosquitos. It has a scent that is similar to a lemon

which is a cistrusy that is irritating to mosquitoes, but pleasant to people. There are

molecules in the Citronella that can repel the mosquitos by creating a masking effect on

the skin which are known as Cintronellal, Citronellol, and Geraniol. It only repels

mosquitoes and not kill mosquitoes by manipulating their sense of smell. Citronella oil

masks the scent of the substances that are naturally released by humans which are carbon

dioxide and lactic acid. While this other proportions of preferred ingredients can differ

within acceptable limits to achieve satisfactory results, by adding twenty (20) ounces (by

weight) of full strength, strong citronella oil to one hundred (100) pounds of melted oil,

they prefer to make a candle mixture. Absolutely polished paraffin wax with a melting

point of 132 F. As announced. Lastly adding roughly three drops of citronella extract per

cup of wax. This measurement is converted to percentage.

Lemongrass is a perennial plant which produces an aromatic oil and is an effective

insect repellent against mosquitoes. It is stated by Ukpong, Ettah, and Eshuong (2016) that

by using 2 milli liter and 6 milliliters of Cymbopogon oil, people that are tested are free

from mosquito bites for 3 hours. In addition, Pham Nhut (2020) wrote that 8% of

lemongrass essential oil can be used to produce a scented candle and is said to be effective.

Based on S. Abdel-Shafy R: [Link], in eliminating of L. sericata larvae, camphor was

least effective than the lavender oil which is more effective. The mortality percentages of

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larvae were 100 and 93.3 %, respectively with 32 % concentration. The researchers can

apply this reference to their product because mosquitoes also come from larvae which is

related to the study. Also, according to Bustamante, Lavender essential oil (and the plant

from which it derives) contains a compound known as linalool, which produces a strong

odor that is pleasant to humans and detestable to mosquitos. Based on a study in 2009, it

found that lavender oil has a repellant rate of 93% against mosquitos indoors; also, on

outdoors, only around a repellant rate of 53% against mosquitoes. In conclusion, lavender

oil is natural mosquito repellant that is one of the most effective, mainly when used as part

of a larger natural repellant.

Furthermore, the dependent variables are the variables that depends on the

manipulations of the independent variables. The dependent variables are the variables that

can effectively happen on the concentration of the independent variables, as well as the

effectiveness of this scented candle as mosquito repellent. Dependent variable is the

distance of the scented candle with the mosquitos’ that will be repel by this.

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Metrogate Silang Estates – Silang Cavite
Senior High School

1.3 Significance of the Study

Through this research, various perceptions among the students are studied and

examined by which the results will correspond to the explanation of the positive and

negative effects of class duration. This study would be beneficial to the following:

Filipino Community- This study will be helpful as an added information about how

important mosquito repellent is. It can help them avoid and prevent these serious diseases

through mosquito repellent.

Laboratories- This study will be useful as a reference in making ways on how to

make a scented candle as mosquito repellent. They can tackle ways on how to make and

use scented candle properly.

Biologist- This study will be useful in future plans and studies that they will be

conducted. They can make it as a reference in conducting a study how to avoid vector-

borne diseases and how to control the mosquito larva.

Parents- This study will be useful as a help in protecting their children against

mosquitoes. They can use this study as a guide in choosing a safe mosquito repellent for

their children.

Future Researchers- This study can fill in as their references in directing similar or

modified research. It can likewise be a literature to related studies that can extend

their insight in the flow of research that they are conducting.

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1.4 Statement of the Problem

This study entitled “Use of Lavender with Citronella and Lemon Grass Scented

Candle as Mosquito Repellent” seek to know if in which concentrations (15%, 25%, 50%)

is effective in terms of:

1. Which of the following concentrations (15%, 25%, 50%) will be effective as

mosquito repellent in terms of being 1,2, and 3 meters away from the corner?

2. Which among of these concentrations (15%, 25%, 50%) will be effective as

aromatherapeutic or has a long-lasting scent as scented candle?

3. Which among of these concentrations (15%, 25%, 50%) will have a long shelf

life?

1.5 Objectives of Research

The researchers’ objective is to produce an organic scented candle that is made up

of lemon grass, citronella and lavender that would help us reduce mosquito, it is entitled

“Use of Lavender with Citronella and Lemon Grass Scented Candle as Mosquito

Repellent.” This study aims:

1. To determine the best concentration for scented candle as mosquito repellent

if the scented candle is 1, 2, and 3 meters away from the corner.

2. To find out which among this concentration is best as aromatherapeutic candle.

3. To know which among this candle has a long self-life.

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Senior High School

1.6 Hypothesis

Based on the research problem above the following null hypothesis are formulated

for the study entitled “Use of Lavender with Citronella and Lemon Grass Scented Candle

as Mosquito Repellent”:

1. The scented candle that is made of lavender, citronella, and lemongrass has no

effective concentration among these three as mosquito repellent:

a. 15%

b. 25%

c. 50%

2. The scented candle that is made of lavender, citronella, and lemon grass is not

bearable in terms of:

a. shelf life

b. effects as mosquito repellent

3. The scented candle that is made of lavender, citronella, and lemon grass does

not have long-lasting effects as scented candle in terms of these

concentrations:

a. 15%

b. 25%

c. 50%

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Senior High School

1.7 Scope and Delimitations of the Study

This study is concerned about the wide risk of the population from these mosquito-

borne diseases and as from this study, they learned that DEET (diethyl-meta-toluamide), as

a skin lotion for any insect bites, might still harm the users, for they may experience

irritation, redness, rash, and swelling, and for the people that have swallowed these

products, may have experienced stomach upset, vomiting, and nausea, and exposure to

DEET (chemical name, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) has been associated with seizures in

people, but still is very rare to happen. As well for the DDT

(Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) that was a spray insecticide in any place, they have

known that it may still let the users experience vomiting, tremors or shakiness, and seizures,

laboratory animal studies showed effects on the liver and reproduction, so that DDT

(Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) is considered a possible human carcinogen. This study

also includes that Pure Lemongrass oil can still be hazardous to human skin if it is not used

and disposed of properly. But for further interest, this research tells that Scented candle

does not kill or harm mosquitoes, but was just to be repelled, because we humans are fond

of scents that relax individuals, that were poisonous to other insects. So that, this research

was focused on finding the ability of the lavender with citronella, and lemongrass scented

candle as a mosquito repellent, especially in fighting diseases that children can easily get

from mosquitoes, where side effects will only have a very small chance to survive.

This study covered the abilities of the multi-purpose 3 kinds of grass in one candle

to lighten up inside a house, where it is very own fragrance scatters calmness to every

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person inside the house. This study can answer the question for its effectiveness and

usefulness, more than just using an ordinary mosquito repellent that we usually bought in

the market, that contains chemicals that are not safe to be inhaled and can cause or

aggravate breathing problems. These repellents that they often bought in a store, can also

even irritate the eyes or cause allergies. It is also stated that in large doses in the chemicals

of these regular repellents, can cause serious illnesses. This study was for trial, for the

better use of mosquito repellents that may harm no one inside the house but just the insects

that harms persons inside the house.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Aedes Aegypti Mosquito- It is also known as yellow fever mosquito is a mosquito

that can be recognized by white markings on its legs and a marking in the form of a lyre

on the upper surface of its thorax. It spreads Zika fever, Chikungunya, Yellow fever

viruses, and mostly spreads dengue fever, and was spread by female Aedes.

Basella Alba- It is herbaceous, edible perennial cultivated as a leafy vegetable vine in

the family of Basellaceae, that repels such insects, as mosquitoes.

Citronella- It is a wired grass that has a mint-scent that is being used as one of the

ingredients in mosquito repellent.

Lavender- Mostly used in aromatherapy, the fragrance from the oil of it is believed

to help promote calmness and wellness, but it does also produce a fragrance that can repel

mosquitoes.

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Senior High School

Lemon Grass- A herb that is native to Sri Lanka and South India, but now grows in

many countries. It is known as a citronella plant, it’s fragrance can help get rid of

mosquitoes, which mosquitoes apparently abhor.

Mosquito-Borne Diseases- It is diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites

transmitted to humans by mosquito bites.

Vector Bone Disease- It’s an infection transmitted to humans and other animals by

blood- feeding arthropods. Such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas, that causes Dengue fever,

West Nile Virus, Lyme Disease, and Malaria.

NCBI- National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health

by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. A branch of the National

Institutes of Health.

WHO- World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations

government, the one’s responsible for international public health, prioritize health in all

policies and healthy settings.

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