The Feasibility of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) Extract, Hot Chili Pepper

(Capsicum frutescens), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), as Fly Repellent.

__________________________________________________________

An Experimental Research Paper Presented to the School Faculty of

Notre Dame of Kidapawan College

Integrated Basic Education

Kidapawan City

__________________________________________________________

In Partial Fulfilment for the Advanced Chemistry in Grade 9

__________________________________________________________

CABALLES, DANMARC P. EBITA, ERIKA C. MANGRAY, YFTISHAM L.

MARATA, MAXINE EDREEA ANN D. NICOR, IVY G. NORTIGA,

KEIDRICH JIREH P. PIMENTEL, ZHAIRA T. SMITH, DANAH I.

VILLEGAS, NEVILLE JADE

March 2019
 ii
JMJ Ch
Notre Dame of Kidapawan College
Integrated Basic Education Department
Datu Ingkal Street, Kidapawan City

APPROVAL SHEET

The Notre Dame of Kidapawan College-Integrated Basic Education accepts and

approves the research entitled The Feasibility of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon
Citratus) Extract, Hot Chili Pepper (Capsicum frutescens), Ginger (Zingiber
officinale) as Fly Repellent has been prepared and submitted by DANMARC P.
CABALLES, ERIKA C. EBITA, YFTISHAM L. MANGRAY, MAXINE EDREEA ANN D.
MARATA, IVY G. NICOR, KEIDRICH JIREH P. NORTIGA, ZHAIRA T. PIMENTEL,
DANAH I. SMITH, NEVILLE JADE VILLEGAS who are recommended for the
corresponding ORAL EXAMINATION.

APPROVED in partial fulfilment of the requirements of SCIENCE 9 by the Oral

Examination Committee:

MR. ANALITO N. GAMBOA

Chairman

MR. CERN JULIUS P. ANDAL MR. RODOLFO ORQUIZA

JR. Member

Member

ACCEPTED in partial fulfilment of the requirements on Science 9

MR. ANALITO N. GAMBOA

Science Research Mentor

March 2019
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

On the behalf of the research team, the researchers would like to say thank you to the
teachers who have helped the researchers in giving their researcher’s tips on how to
execute the procedures properly and for being very accommodating in their times of
need.

Sir Christopher James B. Ferrer, Ma, for giving them the opportunity to conduct a
research in this school.

Sir Analito N. Gamboa for giving the researchers guidance all throughout the research
process. For teaching us the fundamentals of research, and for showing great deal of
patience of rechecking the errors made.

Classmates, for helping us and giving us advice that we can easily make this project on
time.

Parents, for supporting us financially and for loving us.

And most especially to God, for the strength that you gave the group, for the mind to
manage the task, for the ability to understand instructions, and for the never ending
support. Thank you for lending us the Power to answer the questions during defence.
 iii

---------
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title……………………………………………………………………………………………………...i
Approval Sheet…………………………………………………………………………………………ii
Table of Contents……………………………………………………………………………………...iii
Acknowledgement……………………………………………………………………………………..iv
Abstract …………………………………………………………………………………………………v
INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………………………….1-4
Background of the study……………………………………………………………………………1
Statement of the Problem…………………………………………..……………………………… 2
Hypothesis…………………………………………………………………………………………… 2
Significance of the Study…………………………………………………………………………... 3
Scope and Limitation……………………………………………………………………………….. 3
Conceptual Framework…………………………………………………………………………….. 4
Definition of Terms…………………………………………………………………………............. 4
MATERIALS AND METHODS……………………………………………………………..............5-7
Research Design……………………………………………………………………………............ 5
Research Subject………………………………………………………………………………….....5
Statistical Treatment………………………………………………………………………………... 5
Research Subject……………………………………………………………………………........... 5
Materials and Equipment…………………………………………………………………………... 5-6
Procedures…………………………………………………………………………………………... 6-7
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS…………………………………………………………………….8-9
Conclutions and Recommendations………………………………………………………………..10
Appendix……………………………………………………………………………………………….vi
Curriculum Vitae………………………………………………………………………………………vii

………………………………………………………………………………………………………….viii
………………... ………………………………………………………………………………………. ix
 iv

ABSTRACT

This study aims to achieve and provide best but cheap product for everyone’s needs and

safety. The researchers want to know the exact effectiveness of Lemongrass, Chili

pepper, Ginger as an Organic Fly Repellent. In making the product the researchers

obtain the extract of the ingredients and mix it all together including the candle wax. The

researchers tested it through the mortality of time which was approximately 1 hour in the

researcher’s home. In the first trial the researcher’s place their first candle with the first

leftover and 6 flies landed on the leftover. In the second trial there was 4 flies and on the

third trial there were none flies that landed on the leftover. The researchers also used

their candle to test if it can surpass the commercialized one and it did. The researchers

concluded that the second and third trial are effective than the first trial. The researchers

also concluded that our product can surpass the commercialized one. Based on the

respective result of the study the researchers conducted, it was highly recommended

that our product can be used as a fly repellent but further research and possible

ingredients are needed to make this study more effective.

 1
1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Flies are common problems everywhere, especially in rural areas. House flies carry

diseases on their legs and the small hairs that cover their bodies. It takes only a matter

of seconds for them to transfer these pathogens to food or touched surfaces. Mature

house flies also use saliva to liquefy solid food before feeding on it. During this process,

they transfer the pathogens. Diseases carried by house flies include typhoid, cholera,

dysentery, salmonella, anthrax and tuberculosis.

Geraniol and citronella oil are found in lemongrass, which repel not only flies but also

other insects. Blue, Marie- Louis (2004)

Even though gingers effectiveness has no scientific support, ginger is effective when it

comes to repel insects. Koening, Edriaan (2017)

Capsaicin is an animal repellent that is also used against insects and mites.

Gervais, J. A.; Luukinen, B.; Buhl, K.; Stone, D. (2008)

In order to make a fly repellent product, the researchers will make our product like a

candle, the reason why candle is used in this study. In order to avoid the said diseases

through flies, the researchers decided to investigate the feasibility of Lemongrass, hot

chili pepper, and Ginger as an Organic Fly Repellent. The researchers came up with

idea of using natural resources found in our surroundings because not all can afford
2
expensive expenditures.

The researchers decided to study if our product will be effective as a Fly Repellent.

Repellents messes with the sensory of insects, removing their ability to detect targets,

thus they would go away in order to recover. Our product can avoid spending too much
money in the hospital and medicines, although there are a lot of repellents in store, you
2
can spend less are already around us, it is also much safer to use natural ingredients.

Statement of the Problem

The researchers are to find out if Lemongrass, Hot Chili pepper, and Ginger can be a fly

repellent.

A. General objectives

This study seeks the feasibility of Lemongrass, Hot Chili Pepper, and Ginger as a fly

repellent.

B. Specific objectives

Specifically, this study aims to answer the following questions:

1. Can the extract of Lemongrass, Hot Chili pepper, Ginger be a fly repellent?

2. Can the extract of Lemongrass, Hot Chili Pepper, and Ginger surpass the

effectiveness of the commercial product?

Hypothesis

Ha: The extract of Lemongrass, Hot Chili pepper, and Ginger can be a fly repellent.

Ho: The extract of Lemongrass, Hot Chili pepper, Ginger, and Ginger cannot be a fly

repellent.

Ha: The extract of Lemongrass, Hot Chili pepper, and Ginger can surpass the

effectiveness of the commercial product.

Ho: The extract of Lemongrass, Hot Chili pepper, and Ginger cannot surpass the

effectiveness of the commercial product

 3
3

Significance of the Study

The increasingly high prices of fly repellent products are the main problem of the people

concerned. The rationale of the study is to save more money and to lessen the trashes,

on the other side this study aims to create a product to prevent the mentioned diseases.

The students can benefit from this research for this can be an idea that will help them in

their own investigatory project. Hence, they will know more about repellents and its

content.

The community can benefit from this research because they can help prevent these

diseases and make them aware that they can find an alternative fly repellent, and is also

very affordable. The researchers can also benefit from this research because the

researchers can know more about it by performing this study.

The other researchers may find this study helpful because it might help them in their own

research. They can get ideas from our research that they can use in their study. The

future researchers that will continue our research may use our study as a reference to

their own research.

Scope and Limitation

Involved in this study are Lemon grass, Hot Chili Pepper, Ginger, Candle, and other

materials gathered. The Investigation was conducted to find out if our project can be

turned as a Fly Repellent. This study is limited for this research only.
 4 4

Conceptual Framework

Lemon grass, Ginger, Hot Chili Pepper,

Candle
Organic Fly Repellent Candle
(Independent)
(Dependent)

Commercialized Candle
(Controlled)

Definition of terms

Citronella- An oil that somewhat smells like lemons that can repel bugs such as flies.

(Blue, Marie- Louis 2004)

Lemongrass- Lemongrass contains citronella and gernaiol that is an effective repellent

against mosquitoes and house flies. (Blue, Marie- Louis 2004)

Hot Chili Pepper- is a hot, fragrant spice made from the rhizome of a plant, which may

repel insects such as flies.

Ginger- It has no scientific support but it can repel insects such as flies. (Koening,

Edriaan. 2017)

Geraniol- is substance that can insects such flies. (Blue, Marie- Louis 2004)

Capsaicin- is an animal repellent that is also used against insects and mites.

(Gervais, J. A.; Luukinen, B.; Buhl, K.; Stone, D. 2008

 5

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This part of the researcher’s investigatory project includes the Research Design,

Statistical Treatment, Research Subjects, Materials, Procedures, and Application.

A. Research Design

The researchers used the experimental design in conducting the experiment. The

researchers consumed the right type of data, enough of it, is available to answer the

questions of interest as clearly and efficient as possible. This means that the researchers

are concerned with analysis of data generated from the experiment, by which the simple

percentage is used to determine the effect of the treatment of Lemongrass, Hot Chili

Pepper, Ginger, Candle, as a certain fly repellent to the morality rate of the flies.

B. Statistical Treatment

The researchers used the simple percentage formula in determining the effects of the

treatments.

C. Research Subjects

The researchers used house flies as the subject for the experiment. The treatment was

applied to a specific number of flies within one hour.

D. Materials and Equipment

 Extract of lemongrass, chili pepper, ginger

 Candle
 Iron Stand
 Stirring Rod
 Alcohol Lamp
 Knife 6
 Mortar and Pestle
 Spoon
 Wire Gauge
 Left over
  Plate

E. Procedure

B.1 Preparations

1. Prepare the materials and equipment needed.

2. Separate the wick of the candle from the wax.
3. Cut the lemon grass and slice the ginger.
4. Set the iron stand and wire gauge.
5. Light the alcohol lamp and put it below the iron stand.
6. Put the mortar on the gauze on the iron ring above the alcohol lamp.
7. Make sure the mortar is dry before putting the wax in it.
8. With the wax all melted put in the chopped lemongrass and ginger, and let it boil.
9. After a while of boiling, add a spoon of powdered hot chili pepper and stir it.
10. Meanwhile, tie the wick on a stick to make it stand in the container.
11. Pour the melted candle wax (only) in the container. And let it dry.

7 7

B.2 Application

1. Put the left overs on two different plates on two different table. At least 4 meters

apart.
2. Put the experimental product candle on the side of the plate, and the

commercialized one on the other plate.

3. Observe the flies that would land on the left overs with the experimented candle

and commercialized, observe its duration of mortality or the time it repels after

the treatment was applied.

4. Gather the data collected.
 8

RESULTS AND DISSCUSSIONS

This is where the researchers did their experiment, observations and recorded it.

In this table it shows that the following variable will give a result. The researchers put the

leftovers with the experimental candle four meters away from the leftover with the

commercialized one. The trial was conducted in three different days.

Table 1.0

Legend: 6-10 flies = Not Effective

3-5 flies = Less Effective

0-2 flies = Effective

 Number of Number of Flies

Frequency Flies landed landed on the Mortality

Trial on the Commercialize of Time Effectivenes

experimenta d s

l candle Candle
33.5 grams

of

Lemongrass,

1 2 tablespoon 2 6 12:35- Effective

of Hot Chili 1:35

Pepper, and

20 grams of

Ginger.
33.5 grams

of

Lemongrass,

2 tablespoon

2 of Hot Chili 0 8 12:40- Effective

Pepper, and 1:40

20 grams of

Ginger.
33.5 grams

of

Lemongrass,

3 2 tablespoon 1 6 12:45- Effective

of Hot Chili 1:45

Pepper, and
 9 9

20 grams of

Ginger.

Conducted on 12:35-1:35, with 33.5 grams of Lemongrass, 2 table spoon of Hot Chili

Pepper, and 20 grams of Ginger, trial one is effective for only 2 flies landed on the

leftover unlike the commercialized where 6 flies landed on it. Further observation was

done to the other candles.

Conducted on 12:40-1:40 of the second day, with same amount of ingredients. During

trial 3, we found the result we were aiming for. Unlike the commercialized candle which 8

flies landed on the leftover, with the researcher’s product no flies landed on the leftover.

However, conducting the third and final trial on the third day on 12:45-1:45. A fly landed

on the leftover with the experimental candle, more over it is still effective for it repelled

more flies than the commercialized candle, which had 6 flies landing on its leftovers.
 10
10

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Conclusion

By using 33.5 grams of Lemongrass, 2 table spoon of Hot Chili Pepper, and 20 grams of

Ginger, boiling it together with the candle wax and reshaping it into a candle repellent.

The researchers therefore conclude that our product has become effective in its purpose

conducting this study at one of the member’s establishment. Placing the leftover food on

a table beside the experimental candle, they observed the number of flies landing on the

leftovers protected by the experimental candle versus the one protected by the

commercialized candle, the experimental candles were placed at least four meters apart

where the commercialized candle was placed. As time passed, the flies would come and

go on the left overs, by further observation less flies stayed on the leftovers with the

experimental candle, and a number of flies landed on the leftovers with the

commercialized candle. In refer to the researcher’s observation and results, they

conclude that the product made is effective in its purpose and had surpassed the

effectiveness of the commercialized one.

Recommendations

Based on the respective result of the study the researchers conducted, it was highly

recommended that our product can be used as a fly repellent but further research and

possible ingredients are needed to make this study more effective.

 vi

APPENDIX
 vii

Curriculum Vitae

Name: Zhaira T.Pimentel

Address: 156 Quezon Blvrd, Kidapawan City.
Sex: Female
Age: 15
Date of Birth: Dec 15, 2003
Mother: Elvie T. Pimentel
Father: Zandrio H. Pimentel

Name: Ivy G. Nicor

Address: Katipunan II, Makilala Cotabato
Sex: Female
Age: 15
Date of Birth: July 25, 2003
Mother: Jocelyn A. Gomez
Father: Louie M. Nicor

Name: Maxine Edreaa N. Marata

Address: 3030 Villamarso Street, Kidapawan City.
Sex: Female
Age: 15
Date of Birth: November 9, 2003
Mother: Michelle Ann V. del Coro
Father: Michael Edilbert Y. Marata
 viii

Name: Erika C. Ebita

Address: 055, Old Pc Barracks, Kidapawan City
Sex: Female
Age: 15
Date of Birth: November 18, 2003
Mother: Leticia C. Ebita
Father: Jerico O. Ebita

Name: Yftisham L. Mangray

Address: Mundog Subdivision, Pob Kidapawan City
Sex: Female
Age: 16
Date of Birth: January 27, 2003
Father: Hdji. Alibaeser T. Mangray

Name: Neville Jade Villegas

Address: Magpet, Sibawan, Kidapawan City.
Sex: Female
Age: 15
Date of Birth: February 10, 2004
Mother: Nemia P. Villegas
Father: Jonathan T. Jao
 ix

Name: Danah I. Smith

Address: Apo Sandawa Homes Phase 3 Blk 15 Lot 2 , Kidapawan City
Sex: Female
Age: 15
Date of Birth: November 8, 2003
Mother: Dayan I. Smith
Father: Robert C. Smith

Name: Keidrich Jireh P. Nortiga

Address: Carpenter St. ,Kidapawan City
Sex: Male
Age: 15
Date of Birth: January 29,2004
Mother: Babyjean P. Nortiga
Father: Fredirick P. Nortiga

Name: Danmarc P. Caballes

Address: Riverpark, Kidapawan City.
Sex: Male
Age: 15
Date of Birth: August 12,2003
Mother: Marikit Pagaduan