Efficacy of Sambong (Blumea balsamifera) Leaves Extract as Mosquito Killer Spray

Abstract

The use of synthetic chemicals in controlling vector mosquitoes is now causing health problems for the public, and mosquitoes are becoming more resistant to these substances, prompting researchers to look for safer, healthier, and environmentally-friendlier alternatives. In this study, the researchers developed a plant-based mosquito killer spray made from Sambong (Blumea balsamifera) leaves extract, which is more affordable and accessible. The design used in the study was the experimental method which helped to determine the efficacy of the plant-based mosquito spray in different concentrations (IV) by the number of dead adult mosquitoes (DV). An ethanol extraction was used to obtain the Sambong leaves extract. The number of mosquitoes killed was observed for 30 minutes at concentrations of 100% (pure extract), 70%, and commercially available insecticides. The pure Sambong (Blumea balsamifera) leaf extract showed the fastest efficacy at killing mosquitoes, taking an average of 40 seconds.

Moreover, Sambong leaf extract had a faster time interval of death, with the pure extract being 1 to 7 seconds faster than commercial insecticide (Baygon). The results demonstrate the significant difference between the synthetic insecticide (Baygon) and formulated concentration (100% and 70%) of Sambong (Blumea balsamifera) leaves extract in terms of their efficacy in killing mosquitoes. The pure concentration (100%) of Sambong leaf extract exhibited the highest efficacy and the fastest time in eliminating adult mosquitoes compared to the concentration of 70% of the extract and commercially available product (Baygon). The study suggests that Sambong leaf extract can be an effective and safer alternative to chemical insecticides.