Garlic for Mosquitoes?

Edited by: Mary Schroeder, M.S., R.D. & Pat Kendall, Ph.D., R.D., Colorado State - Fall 2003
Garlic, a common staple found in countless kitchens and recipes worldwide, long has been considered a
special food - not just for the unique flavor it imparts, but also for its medicinal value. Most of its
therapeutic value, as well as its flavor and odor, can be attributed to sulfur compounds contained within
the garlic clove. In recent years, garlic has been widely studied for its role in promoting health. There is
good evidence that garlic possesses antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoan and even insectrepellent properties.
Given the recent surge of the West Nile virus spread by infected mosquitoes, it is interesting to explore the
value of garlic as one more method for avoiding mosquito bites. A number of studies have shown that the
oil fraction of garlic destroys certain species of mosquito larvae. Garlic sprays (made primarily with garlic
extract) are available on the market for use on plants as an alternative botanical pesticide to chemical
pesticides. The sulfurs contained within the garlic extract have been shown to be effective against a wide
range of insects, including mosquitoes, and the lingering odor can deter mosquitoes from the area for
weeks.
It is thought that garlic may be an alternative mosquito repellent for humans as well. In a field study
conducted in India, a preparation made of 1 percent garlic oil, petroleum jelly and beeswax that was
rubbed on the arms and legs of study subjects was found to be effective in preventing mosquito bites for
up to eight hours.
In addition, there is some evidence that heavy consumption of garlic through supplements or well-flavored
foods may help ward off mosquitoes. When garlic is eaten and its components are metabolized,
compounds are released from the body through the skin and the breath. Although they may not be
detectable by others (or may, in the case of garlic breath!),... [continues]
ORANGE PEEL AND CHILI EXTRACT:
A HOUSEHOLD INSECTICIDE
ORANGE PEEL AND CHILI EXTRACT:
A HOUSEHOLD INSECTICIDE
Table of Contents
Abstract
I. Introduction
a. Background of the Study .
b. Significance of the Study .
c. Limitation of the Study .
d. Statement of Problem ..
e. Hypothesis .
f. Objective
g. Definition of Terms .
II. Review of Related Literature
III. Materials and Method ..
IV. Treatment of Data ...
V. Result
VI. Budgetary Requirement
VII. Recommendation .
VIII. Acknowledgement.
IX. Bibliography .
Abstract
This study aimed to know the effectiveness of Chilies and Orange Peel Extracts as an Insecticide. Basically,
this studys purpose is to answer the following questions: 1.) what are the contents of Chilies and Orange
Peel? 2.) How effective are Chilies and Orange Peel extracts as an organic insecticide? This study used the
descriptive-comparative method. Described were the contents of Chilies and Orange Peel extracts and how
effect these solutions are. This study focused on the exact time the pests did after they are sprayed by the
organic insecticide. Based on the findings and conclusions, the researchers recommend the following: 1.)
Use gloves in spraying the said organic insecticide solution to avoid contact to the eyes. 2.) Wash your
hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after preparing and using the solution. 3.) Spray an adequate
amount depending on how contaminated the plant is.
1
I. Introduction
a. Background of the Study
MAlunggay
Introduction
Background of the Study
Dengue, also known as breakbone fever, played a fatal role in the Philippine economy for the
previous years. More than sixty two thousand dengue cases were recorded last year and more than five
hundred patients have died. No existing treatment has been approved by the World Health Organization
(WHO) to completely turn down the virus once it starts infecting a patient; therefore prevention had been
the point of action of the community in the past decades. They used natural ways of prevention like
restraining themselves from keeping piled water within their area and artificial ways like using insect
repellants or mosquito killers.

Another problem came into existence; the deprived people who lacked information on how to
naturally prevent mosquitoes and lived in insanitary dwelling places were also those who could not afford
to buy insecticides when the demand for one rises due to the great number of mosquitoes in their areas.
As a response, the researchers then deliberated on how to make a mosquito killer that could be
made manually by any individual yet comprises effectiveness similar to that of a commercially-prepared
product.
Statement of the Problem/Objective
The researcher thought of using malunggay (Moringa oleifera) root extract as their subject for
the alternative mosquito killer. They tried to test its effectiveness in terminating mosquitoes since it was
non-existent at the time and they tested it on different concentrations in order to attain organized results
for the product. They would like to know if in what concentration of the extract it would be best effective
against mosquitoes.
Hypothesis
If the malunggay root extract displayed an efficient insecticidal property, then the malunggay
root extract is possible to be a primary ingredient in producing mosquito killers.
Description
This science project was conducted to determine if Bird's Eye chili can be used as a form of deterrent
against Gryllus assimilis (the common black cricket). The experiment was done by spraying various
concentrations of Bird's Eye chili extract on crickets.
Hypothesis
Bird's Eye chili extract will repel and even kill crickets.
Overview
Natural pesticides
We normally use chemical pesticides in our homes and gardens to kill or deter pests and insects. This is
because insects such as mosquitoes are not only a nuisance, they also spread diseases. Other pests like
termites can damage our property and caterpillars eat away at the leaves of our plants. Other insects like
the cricket make very annoying noises.
Chemical pesticides are very effective but they can also be very harmful to our health.
Young children are especially vulnerable of the side effects of chemical pesticides. When we use a can of
pesticide spray, often, a small percentage of its fumes is inhaled. Pesticides used in farms to protect the
crops seep into the soil and contaminate our ground water resources.
Natural pesticides are a much safer way to keep pests and insects away without harming our environment.
Since natural pesticides are made of natural substances, they will not harm us. Examples of how natural
pesticides are used include the use of borax acid to repel termites and cockroaches. Lemon juice, bay
leaves and cucumber peel help to keep ants away. Pepper spray can repel and kill crickets.
The Bird's Eye chili
The Bird's Eye chili fruit comes in a few varieties an can be either red, yellow, purple or black in color.
Once upon a time, it was listed in the Guiness Book of World Records as the hottest chili in the world, but
today, even hotteer species of chilis have been identified, such as the Habanero chili (Capsicum chinense)
which is rated 100,000350,000 on the Scoville scale. The Bird's Eye chili is a popular condiment use din
Indonesian, Malaysian, Thai, Filipino and south-east Asian Chinese cuisine.
Scientific Terms
Natural pesticides, capsicum frutescen, ground water
Materials
The materials required for this science project are:
- 4 empty aquarium tanks with a cover each
- A plastic container
- 40 crickets
- A food grinder
- 4 spray dispensers
- 100 grams of Bird's Eye chili
- 400ml of distilled water
- 4 beakers
- 1 measuring cylinder
- A black marker pen
Procedure
1. For this experiment, the independent variable is the concentration of the Bird's Eye chili extract
100%, 75%, 50% and 25%. The dependent variable is the number of crickets that remain alive in the tank.
This is determined by observing and counting the number of crickets which survive the experiment. The
constants (control variables) are the size of the tank, the species of crickets and the volume of Bird's Eye
chili extract that is used on each tank of crickets.
2.

40 crickets are caught and kept in a plastic container. 100grams of Bird's Eye chili is purchased from

the supermarket.
3. The tanks, beakers and spray dispensers are labeled as 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% according
to the concentration of the Bird's Eye chili extract used.
4. Grind 100grams of Bird's Eye chili and add 250ml of distilled water whilst grinding. The juice is
extracted and poured in a measuring cylinder. Pour 100ml of the ground Bird's Eye chili extract into the
beaker labeled 100%,. Into the beaker labeled 75%,75ml Bird's Eye chili juice is mixed with an
additional 25ml of water. The beaker marked 50% will contain 50ml of Bird's Eye chili juice mixed with an
additional 50ml of water. The beaker marked 25% will contain 25ml of Bird's Eye chili juice mixed with an
additional 75ml of water.
5.

The Bird's Eye chili juice is poured into the respective spray dispensers.

6. 10 crickets are placed in each of the 4 tanks. The Bird's Eye chili juice is sprayed into the 4 tanks. The
respective concentrations of Bird's Eye chili are sprayed 5 times in each tank. The number of crickets that
remain alive every 30 minutes for the next 2 hours are counted and the results are recorded in the table
given below.
Observation
It is observed that the highest concentration of Bird's Eye chili juice, i.e. 100%, killed all the crickets in the
shortest amount of time.
Bird's

Number of
crickets that
remain alive.
after:

Eye chili juice concentration

90
mi
nu
te
s

12
0
mi
nu
te
s

25% 10 10 9

50% 10 8

75% 10 6

0
mi
nu
te
s

30
mi
nu
te
s

60
mi
nu
te
s

100% 10 3 0 0 0
The graph below represents the results of our science project:
Conclusion
The hypothesis that Bird's Eye chili extract will repel and kill crickets is proven to be correct.
Crickets are insects that belong to the same family as grasshoppers. They make a loud, high pitched
chirping noise that is comforting for some but can be irritating to others. One of the safest methods to
repel crickets is to use pepper spray. However, care must be taken to avoid contact with the eyes or
plants. Pepper can cause pain and irritation if it comes into contact with the eyes .
Also consider
What would happen if the experiment were to be repeated using different type of peppers like capsicum,
red chilies or green chilies?
The experiment can also be done using different types of insects like the grasshopper or praying mantis.
References
Natural pesticide alternatives - http://www.essortment.com/all/pesticidesalter_rfhc.htm
Natural pesticides - http://www.livingwithbugs.com/natural_pesticides.html
Home made cricket repellant - http://www.ehow.com/way_5811611_homemade-cricket-repellent.html
INVESTIGATORY PROJECT

"MAKABUHAI AND CHILI EXTRACT: A HOUSEHOLD INSECTICIDE"

Title

CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION:
An ant lives everywhere on land, being the most numerous in insect species.They live on underground and
create those earthier mounds. Some lives on trees and some on hollow parts of certain plants. They can be
considered as a menace in our kitchen and dining hall.
Cockroaches have been a problem to many of us. They may contaminate our food with the filth they carry,
and causes sickness. And it's so hard avoiding these things because they come and go whenever,
wherever.
These insects are pests once they are allowed to multiply. To control these pests, chemical insecticides are
usually used in many of us but there are many harmful effects in using those chemicals. Among those are
dangers they threaten on our surroundings. It causes and adds to pollution.
Some plants produce a distinctive chemical or odor that can drive away insects. Realizing the good
potential of these plants in controlling insects, botanical or organic materials are used now, being
considered instead of wide spread use of chemical ones. Since some of this plants are commonly growing
in our backyards, they are inexpensive and environment friendly.
This study uses the extract of chili and makabuhai plant to control pests in our house. The makabuhai
extracts contains bitter substance and chili produce spicy like taste and smell. It is possible that this taste
and smell is offensive to insects.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
1.) Is it effective?
2.) Is it environmental friendly?
3.) Is it cheaper than the commercial ones?
HYPOTHESIS
1.) YES, it is effective
2.) YES, it is environmental friendly since this plants are commonly growing in our backyards.
3.) YES, because we can find these plants in our backyards.
SIGNIFICANCE
This study investigates the potential of the makabuhai and chili extracts combine together as a household
insecticide against ants and cockroaches. The mixture was made into a solution with little water and
sprayed onto ants and cockroaches at varying concentrations.
CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Hot chili pepper ( capsicum Annum ) sweet and spicy ( fructeseedsSolanceae ) belongs to the same
botanical family as potato, tomato, eggplant and tobacco. They are thouht to have been used first in
mexico around 7000 BC, Columbus brought them to european 15th century. Peppers made their way
around the world and were brought to north america with european colonists chili peppers are found in
abundant and cheap on philippine market. Chili pepper plants are decorative in your garden or home. Chili
pepper plants grow in tropical or subtropical climate zones.
Makabuhai plants ( tinospora Crispamenaspermacea) is a woody climber up to 15m long, older stems with
numerous prominent priotusions, leaves broadly heart shaped, flowers with 3 petals, fruit an ellipsoidal
drupe. Orange up to 2cm long. It's stem contains a very bitter milky sap. In primary rainforest or mixed
decidous forest throughout the philippines. In tropical area at altitude up to 1000m. Bitter taste is not
agreeable to most people.
CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
MATERIALS: Chili( 300g )
Makabuhai Stems ( 300g )
Mortar and Pestle
Beaker
Graduated Cylinder
Piece of Cloth
Spray Bottle
Stirring Rod
Water
PREPARING FOR THE CHILI EXTRACT:
1.) Collect enough hot chili at least 300g.
2.) Pound them with mortar and pestle.
3.) After the juice is extracted, add 25ml of water.
4.) Strain the chili extracts and out it in a beaker, set aside.
PREPARING FOR THE MAKABUHAI EXTRACT:
1.) Weigh 300g of makabuhai stems.
2.) Chopped it into small pieces and then pound it with a mortar and pestle.
3.) Soak the pounded stem in 25ml water for 25 minutes.

4.) Take the stems out of the container and extract the juice.
5.) Mix the chili and makabuhai extract and add 25ml of water.
(NOTE:To avoid being exposed to the solution, use gloves and goggles.)
CHAPTER IV
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
I, the researcher observe for only 30 minutes if the makabuhai decoction and chili extract can kill insects
by testing it to the specific insects, which are ants and cockroaches.

NUMBER OF TEST
TEST 1
TEST 2
TEST 3
NUMBER OF SPRAY
4 SPRAYS ON TEST 1
7 SPRAYS ON TEST 2
9 SPRAYS ON TEST 3
NUMBER OF COCKROACHES KILLED
2 COCKROACHES WERE SENT TO HEAVEN
4 COCKROACHES WERE SENT TO HEAVEN
5 COCKROACHES WERE SENT TO HEAVEN
The information above shows the number of cockroaches being killed by the makabuhai decoction and chili
extract. And i compare it to a commercial one that it is almost the same.
How to Make Ink From Alogbati

Juice from the alugbati fruit can be used to produce red ink.
Alugbati (Basella Rubra Linn) is more commonly known as Malabar spinach or Ceylon spinach in the United
States. It is a fruit bearing plant native to Africa and East Asia. With simple materials, the juice from the
alugbati can be used to create ink for writing that is safe to use and dark red in color. According to
gardeningwithwilson.com, the red ink was used by court officials in ancient China for official seals.
Things You'll Need

Alugbati fruit
Mortar
Pestle
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Instructions
1
Choose alugbati fruit that is ripe and dark purple, the riper the better. Do not choose fruit that are overly
ripe and ready to spoil, as the natural ink that will be made can spoil as well.

Strip the fruit of its skin and seeds, then pulverize the remains with a mortar and pestle. Strain the juice
into a glass jar. Be sure to use a strainer fine enough to remove all of the fruit pulp from the juice.
o

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3
Add the rubbing alcohol, vinegar and iodine to the juice and stir until a smooth, even-colored liquid is
produced. Add the salt and continue to stir until all of the salt is dissolved into the liquid.

4
Place an air-tight lid on the jar. Although the salt and vinegar will help preserve the ink, it will still spoil over
time and should be handled with the same care as any other fruit juice to ensure it lasts as long as
possible.