GUANTANAY SPRAY: KANTUTAY (LANTANA CAMARA) LEAF AND GUAVA (PSIDIUM GUAJAVA) LEAF EXTRACTS AS SUBTERRANEAN TERMITE EXTERMINATING SPRAY

Abstract

Termites are destructive pests capable of damaging the foundations of homes. They are considered one of the greatest threats to homeowners due to the extensive destruction they can cause. Although chemical solutions for termite infestation are available, these chemical-based treatments pose potential risks to human health. Thus, an organic approach to termite control presents a viable alternative that may reduce harm to both human health and the environment. This study utilized Kantutay (Lantana camara) leaf extract and Guava (Psidium guajava) leaf extract as alternatives to commercially available termiticide sprays. These plants contain chemical constituents that are toxic to termites; however, existing studies were insufficient to fully determine their effectiveness as termiticide sprays. An experimental research design was employed, in which subterranean termites were subjected to treatments using the formulated sprays. The capability of the extracts when used individually and in combination was examined. The combined formulation, referred to as Guantanay Spray (Kantutay + Guava), was tested and compared with a commercially available termiticide spray. The results of the experiment showed that the combined extracts, known as Guantanay Spray, achieved the highest termite mortality rate of 96.7% under field conditions. This result was higher than the mortality rates obtained using the individual plant extracts, which showed 90% mortality for Kantutay leaf extract and 86.7% mortality for Guava leaf extract. Guantanay Spray demonstrated a higher level of efficiency compared to the commercial pesticide Leadrex. However, statistical analysis using ANOVA revealed no significant difference between Guantanay Spray and the commercial termiticide, as indicated by a P-value of 1. This result suggests that the combined organic spray performed comparably to the commercial pesticide and exhibited an additive effect. Therefore, this study successfully produced an effective termite exterminating spray that is less hazardous to humans and less harmful to the environment.