Abstract

Houseflies and cockroaches are two of the most commonly noted pests in our households. Since these insects feed on human and pet foods, they serve as vectors for disease transmission. Chemical insecticides are usually used in many households in order to control these pests. But the high price and health problem from branded chemical insecticides gives dilemma to Filipino household. Respiratory diseases can also result from continuous use of these insecticides especially since chemical substance from the product are inhaled by a person. This study seeks the possibility of using the extracts of ginger and dalandan to repel and eliminate insects, particularly, houseflies and cockroaches.
The Dalandan and Ginger extracts as an insecticidal spray can be possible by the botanical and chemical properties that can be found within the fruit and crop. Dalandan have a chemical property which is known as d-limonene that has the capacity to melt the protective wax coating of insects, affecting their respiratory system. Ginger contains gingerols and shogoals that give ginger its hot and warming qualities, responsible for their ability to suffocate the insects.
In making the insect spray, the dalandan was squeezed in order to get its extract, while the extracts of ginger were juiced out by chopping the ginger into smaller pieces and squeezing it until the juices reached the measurement given. For additional d-limonene substance (orange oil) which was extracted from the dalandan peels soaked in a jar with alcohol and was left on a sunny place for one week. To finish the product, all extracts were mixed in a sprayer. Salt was added as preservatives, which aid the capacity of the extracts to stay effective for at least three weeks. To test the effectiveness of the product on houseflies, the researchers two trials were done, using slices of jackfruit. In determining the effectiveness of the spray on cockroaches, two trials were done, wherein five cockroaches were placed on boxes covered with stockings. From the tests that the researchers conducted, it can be concluded that the dalandan-ginger insect spray, which was the final product turned out to be an effective way of repelling and eliminating houseflies and cockroaches. Higher concentration of the organic spray should be applied in order to achieve a higher possibility of the houseflies and cockroaches repelled and eliminated. Comparing it to commercial insect spray, the extract took a longer time to take effect. But the dalandan-ginger insect spray is healthier to use since the materials in the insect spray were all organic and does not affect one’s health.

CHAPTER I
Introduction

Insects are one of the common problems today. Houseflies and cockroaches are two of the most commonly noted pests in our households. Cockroaches are scavengers and will eat anything organic. They prefer food sources such as starches, sweets, grease, meat products. Houseflies collect pathogens on their legs and mouths when females lay eggs on organic matter. It only takes a matter of few seconds for them to transfer these pathogens to food or touched surfaces. Since these insects feed on human and pet foods, they can serve as vectors for disease transmission. To control these pests, chemical insecticides are usually used in many households. These chemical insecticides have many disadvantages because it can pose danger in our environment like air pollution and in our health. Some insects are said to be repelled by strong odors. Citrus fruits like calamansi, oranges and dalandan, have strong odors that may repel insects. The strong smell of ginger may overwhelm the insect’s sense of smell. The extracts of ginger and dalandan were used by the researchers in their study to repel insects, particularly, houseflies and cockroaches at home. The extracts of ginger revealed essential oils and the juice of dalandan contains limonene, which can repel or kill insects. Orange oil extract from the dalandan peelings was also used for additional D-limonene. Salt was used as preservative so that the spray will have a longer shelf-life.

Statement of the Problem This study tested the possibility of using dalandan and ginger extract as an effective repellent of houseflies and cockroaches. Specifically, this study aims to answer the following questions:
a. Can dalandan and ginger extracts be used as insect repellent?
b. How does the number of spray affect the flies and cockroaches?
c. What is the degree of effectivity of the mentioned natural spray compared to the commercial insect repellent?

Significance of the Study With this study, the researchers can find ways of decreasing the number of cockroaches and houseflies at home and in the community. Many people will have a cheaper repellent spray, since the materials are easily found in the kitchens of our home. With the use of organic materials, any household can repel these insects without taking risk of one’s health because of the harmful chemicals found in the commercial insecticides. The community will also have an environmental-friendly insect spray, promoting clean air.

Scope and Limitation of the Study The study tried to determine the effect of using dalandan and ginger extracts in reducing the insects, specifically, cockroaches and houseflies. Each member tried to come up with information that helped them in their research through the internet. The researchers used juice and peelings of dalandan and ginger to remove the insect at home and in the community. The techniques used in the study were boiling, pounding and filtering. Tests were conducted within the school vicinity, near the garbage cans, using the extracts to prove the ability of the set-up as an effective repellent. The study is only limited on the effect of dalandan and ginger on cockroaches and houseflies.