INTRODUCTION
Ants (Formicide) is a common unthreatening insect. However, it is proven in a study conducted
that they can be carriers of diseases that are then transmitted to food (AIMS 2018). Ants are
easily eliminated by chemical based repelling products. These chemical based products may have
inevitable effects to the body exposed to the products such as blindness, skin irritation, lung
cancer and respiratory diseases. (Strid, A.; Hanson, W.; Cross, A.; Bond, C.; Jenkins, J. 2018)
This study is to be conducted to determine the efficacy of chili (Capsicum annuum) extract with
Calamansi (Citrus macrocarpa) extract as an organic alternative to chemical based insecticides.
A recent study (Jimenez,2022) states that chili contains capsicum which is effective at
eliminating bugs mainly, ants (Formicide). White it is indeed proven that the component in chili
namely, capsicum is effective at eliminating bugs, it is yet to be effectively utilized. This study
aims that we prove chili extract along with calamansi as it’s booster in a spray form is affective
as a pesticide. The expected outcome is that the chili extract and calamansi extract solution in a
spray form is going to be an effective alternative to toxic, chemical based
insecticides.
This paper argues that the chili (Capsicum annuum) extract with Calamansi (Citrus
macrocarpa) extract would be an effective alternative to chemical based insecticides. It discusses
the threats caused by the subject and it shows topics previously studied which supports the
objective of this plan which is to potentially address the stated issues by finding an alternative.
METHODS
MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT NEEDED
• Chili (Capsicum annuum) fruit
• Calamansi (Citrus macrocarpa) fruit
• Plastic empty spray bottle
• Mortar and Pestle
Lemon Juicer
• Water
Petri Dishes
PROCEDURE AND APPLICATION
The research will be conducted at the researcher's home. The chili (Capsicum Annuum) fruit
will be crushed and extracted using a mortar and pestle, while the Calamansi (Citrus
macrocarpa) fruit will be extracted using a lemon juicer. After extraction, the extracts will be
mixed with 30 ml of distilled water and 20ml of the active ingredients in a spray bottle. The
treatment will then be ready to apply directly at the subject. Each treatment will be administered
to five ants (formicidae) each in five different petri dishes.
TREATMENTS
Calamansi extract (10ml) and Chili extract (10ml) with water (30ml)
Calamansi extract (20ml) with water (30ml)
Chili extract (20ml) with water (30ml)
NEGATIVE CONTROL
Commercial Insecticide (Undisclosed Company Name)
POSITIVE CONTROL
Pure water
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
RESULTS
Treatment 1 (Calamansi extract 10ml,Chili extract 10ml,Water 30ml)
After one initial spray, the ants were observed to have reacted with an exhilaration of their
movements trying to stay away from the solution. In 5 seconds time, they were observed to have
slowed down in movement. After 15 seconds, they were all at a critical state. In 30 seconds, the
insects had ceased to survive.
Treatment 2 (Calamansi extract 20ml,Water 30ml)
After one initial Spray, the ants were observed to have exhilarated movement. The ants stayed
away from the solution to the part of the petri dish less exposed. After 5 seconds, 4 out of 5 ants
had been completely worn out from post exposure to the solution. 3 out of 5 ants had gradually
slowed down and started to die due to the acidic solution after 30 seconds. 2 less affected ants
were observed to be weak in a critical condition. They then died after minutes had passed.
Treatment 3 (Chili extract 20ml,Water 30ml)
After one initial spray, the ants reacted to the solution exhilarating and running around the
petridish. In 15 seconds, the heat had been slightly persistent and the ants were observed to slow
down and weaken. In 30 seconds, all ants had been observed to die slowly.
Positive Control (Water)
After one initial spray, the ants evaded the area and survived.
Negative Control (Commercial Insecticide)
After one initial spray, all ants in the petridish had been observed to die in less than 5 seconds.
ABSTRACT
The main objective of this study is to examine the efficacy of Chili (Capsicum Annuum)
extract and Calamansi (Citrus macrocarpa) extract as a potential insecticide. This study presents
related literature and data to prove that these extracts may or may not affect the mortality rate of
insects. Ants (Formicidae) are the main subjects to be administered with this treatment. The
treatment is utilized in a form of a spray with an absolute proportion of solution. There are three
treatments being calamansi extract and water, chili extract and water, calamansi and chili in
water to determine how these extracts truly affect the ants. Alongside that is the negative control
which is store bought insecticide with an undisclosed brand and plain water. This treatment is
administered at the researcher’s place. As of the result, it is observed that the natural alternative
work less as efficient as the storebought insecticide but still with a great effect at eliminating the
ants. The main difficulty was the time of reaction in which the commercial insecticide gaurantees
immediate reaction or at it’s best, elimination. The heat of the natural insecticide takes more time
to wear out the ants and kill them. With this, it is concluded that insects the size ants take time to
be eliminated by such treatments. However, it is generally a safer preventative measure that can
be sprayed onto surfaces of daily household items and plants to prevent smaller insects.
DISCUSSION
All the treatments were effective at eliminating the ants. Chili extract was observed to be the
most efficient as compared to calamansi extract. It is advised to utilise the solution with chili and
calamansi extract for prolonged shelf life. The solution only with calamansi extract wasn’t as
effective as the solution only with chili extract. However, the solution with both calamansi
extract and chili extract was as effective as the chili extract therefore it is best to use. In
conclusion, as compared to commercial insecticide, the natural alternative is less as efficient as
the commercial one. However, it’s still effective and the difference is mainly statistical. The
treatment still works should it be utilized daily in a household. Although that it is not guaranteed
to work as quick as the commercial insecticide, it is practically still effective and much more
family friendly and safer for the environment. For 30 seconds slower of an effect to eliminate
ants as compared to the commercial one, the natural alternative would be much more ideal to
avoid the likes of cancer, respiratory diseases, and irritation.
