The Effectiveness of Chili Powder and Calamansi Rind Extract as an Alternative Termite Exterminator

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This Science Investigatory Project was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of chili powder and calamansi rind extract as an organic pesticide against termites.

The study was experimental in design to determine the potency of the product components as an alternative termite exterminator without harming our health and our environment. The fact that commercial pesticides are expensive, the researcher was motivated to produce a natural solution against termites. The researcher used chili powder because it contains capsaicin which is known to be a good repellant against insects by causing membrane damage and metabolic disruption. Extract from calamansi rind, however, contains D-limonene that can melt the wax coating of the insects.

METHODS

This study aims to interpret data on how effective insecticides is to relate the product's benefit to the school and even household. Data were derived from the experiment. The researcher observed recorded and examined the data gathered. Counting the number of termites died and recording the time they last were the proponent's bases on the effectiveness of the product. The researcher tried the effectiveness of the solution according to chili powdered pungency per 500g of calamansi rind extract. And to determine its effect, replication of test was done with the amount of chili powder in the solution as the tested variables. Each10 ml treatment using a different proportion of chili powder was sprayed in ten sample termites. The no. of termites died in each treatment were counted and the time was recorded.

RESULTS

The researcher tried to determine the right amount of chili powder in 500g calamansi rind extract that could possibly eliminate the termites at best result. It was found out that 40g chili powder in the solution made was more effective. On this sight, the researcher went on deeper testing to determine the effectiveness of the made product based on the amount of calamansi rind extract on it.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the results, the proportion from 5000g calamansi rind extract with 40g chili powder showed the best result of termite termination. Its effectiveness was tested by counting the number of termites died as they sprayed in different amounts. The result was compared to the outcome as the commercial pesticide was sprayed in the same variables. It revealed that the natural made product is as effective as the commercial pesticide. ChilCal Terminator, the product name, could be an alternative pesticide proven safe, economic and environmentally friendly.