Efficacy of Candles Made from Powderized Catnip Leaf (Nepeta cataria) as a Natural Mosquito Repellent

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

According to the Department of Health, a total of 69,088 dengue cases were reported nationwide from January 1 to July 28, 2018. This is 5% higher compared to the same period last year with a total of 65,879 dengue cases. There were 366 deaths reported from January 1 to July 28, 2018. This is higher compared to the same period last year (355 deaths). Because of this, people are prompted to find ways of controlling the vector. People using advanced technology either use Genetic Control or intelligent Gravitrap. Others use the OL Trap. On the other hand, catnip contains Nepetalactone, an essential oil that gives the plant its characteristic odor and is about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, the compound used in most commercial insect repellents. for this reason, the researchers investigated the potential of catnip candle as a mosquito repellent.

METHODS

Catnip leaves were washed, sundried, pulverized and set aside at the same time. Paraffin wax was melted and poured into six 50 ml candle molders with a fixed candle wick. These are labeled as T0 R1, T0 R2, T1 R1, T1 R2, T2 R1, and T2 R2. for containers labeled as T1 R1 and T1 R2, 5 g of catnip powder was mixed and left to cool down. From containers labeled T2 R1 and T2 R2, 15 g of catnip powder was used and allowed to cool down. Containers T0 R1 and To0R2 served as the control, hence, were not mixed with catnip powder. Six 850 mL containers with 10 mosquitoes each were prepared. These containers were also labeled as T0 R1, T0 R2, T1 R1, T1 R2, T2 R1, and T2 R2. Unlit candles with the same label as the containers were put inside the containers with R1 labels. Lit candles with the same label as the containers were put inside containers with r2 labels. The set-ups were observed for 30 minutes.

RESULTS

Results show that the observed number of mosquitoes who died in containers T0 R1, T0 R2 and T0 R3 are 0, 3 and 5 respectively. on the other hand, the number of mosquitoes that died in set-ups T0 R2, T1 R2 and T2 R2 are 2,7 and 9 respectively.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the findings of the study, more mosquitoes died in set-ups with lit candles than those with unlit candles. Also, more mosquitoes died in lit set-ups with more catnip powder.