Citronella (Cymbopogon Nardus) and Peppermint (Mentha x Piperita) Oil Extracts as Ant-Repelling Spray

Abstract

Our goal was to make a repellent that is not cost-effective and safe. To mitigate the negative effects of using commercialized ant repellents, we developed a non-toxic ant repellent using Citronella (Cymbopogon Nardus) and Peppermint (Mentha x Piperita) Oil Extracts that are of high quality and assured to be safe. To achieve the results, 20 ants per treatment per replication were used and placed inside the container. We also placed a bait and applied the spray to its surroundings. The ants’ activity was observed every 30 minutes until one entered the bait. Their repellence activity and effectiveness were acquired through the mean percentage according to the number of ants it has repelled. ANOVA was used to validate the significant difference between the Experimental and Control Groups.  The findings presented that after the 6-hour observation, the Experimental Treatments had an overall mean of 15, 70.01% - 85.00% ≡ Quite Effective, which means it produces and works well according to the intended product. Moreover, the ANOVA showed that the F-computed value of 70.95 > the F-tabulated value of 3.48 at a 0.05 significance level, showing a significant difference between the tested Experimental and Control Groups. The mixture of Citronella and Peppermint Oil Extracts can be a natural substitute for ant repellents.