WALANG MATIBAY NA IPIS SA MABAGSIK NA PISIK: MORINGA OLEIFERA, CAPSICUM FRUTESCENS AND AVERRHOA BILIMBI EXTRACTS AS ORGANIC COCKROACH INSECTICIDE

Abstract

Cockroaches in the home environment pose serious health hazards, not only due to the allergens they produce that may trigger asthma, but also because they can carry disease-causing microorganisms. In addition, conventional chemical-based insecticides used to eliminate cockroaches may cause further health risks, including dermatological, gastrointestinal, neurological, carcinogenic, respiratory, reproductive, and endocrine effects. This study aimed to develop a safer alternative to chemical cockroach insecticides by utilizing natural extracts from Malunggay leaves (Moringa oleifera), Kamias fruit (Averrhoa bilimbi), and Chili fruit (Capsicum frutescens) to manage the increasing cockroach population. This study employed a true experimental research design. A total of thirty (30) cockroaches were randomly assigned into six (6) groups, each consisting of five (5) cockroaches. Ethanolic extracts of Malunggay leaves (Moringa oleifera), Chili fruit (Capsicum frutescens), and Kamias fruit (Averrhoa bilimbi) were prepared and applied using the spray method. The experimental setup included a negative control, a positive control using a commercially available insecticide (Baygon), and treatment groups using the plant-based extracts. The efficacy of the treatments was evaluated based on percentage mortality and knockdown time. The combined extracts of Chili fruit (Capsicum frutescens), Kamias fruit (Averrhoa bilimbi), and Malunggay leaves (Moringa oleifera) resulted in 100% mortality of all test subjects. In contrast, the positive control using the commercially available insecticide showed an 80% mortality rate. In terms of knockdown time, the mixture of the three plant extracts eliminated cockroaches within one minute, which was faster than the commercial insecticide. The findings indicate a significant difference between the efficacy of the plant-based extracts and the commercially available insecticide. The extracts varied in their insecticidal potential, with Capsicum frutescens providing rapid and potent cockroach control due to its strong insecticidal properties, while Averrhoa bilimbi and Moringa oleifera contributed moderate effectiveness. Overall, the combined plant extracts demonstrated higher efficacy than the commercial insecticide. Each extract possesses unique insecticidal properties, supporting their potential use as effective organic alternatives for cockroach control.