Chemical Science International Journal

Abstract

Use of botanical environmentally friendly and biodegradable insect repellants as opposed to chemical insecticides is increasingly becoming important as an alternative method of insect control. Housefly (Musca domestica L.) has potential of transmitting pathogen causing diseases such as typhoid, cholera, bacillary dysentery, tuberculosis, anthrax, ophthalmia, and parasitic worms. Essential oils derived from aromatic plants have exhibited biological properties and can be used to prevent and treat human diseases. The aim of this study was to formulate the housefly repellent paint and detergent. Extraction of essential oils was by hydro-distillation. Condensed oil extracts were collected in n-hexane and insect behavioral response tested using adult houseflies (Musca domestica L.). N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) was used as the positive control and acetone as the negative control. The formulated products showed higher repellent activities against the housefly. When 1% (V/V %) insect repellent detergent and paint were compared, the housefly repellent activities occurred at 67±2.64 for detergent and 76±1.34 for the paint. When 3% (V/V%) insect repellent detergent and paint were compared, the housefly repellent activities occurred at 81±1.77 for detergent and 84±2.1 for the paint for outdoor and indoor field trials which were carried out for eight hours each day for two days. The results provide scientific rationale for traditional use of R. officinalis oil and Pelargonium citrosum in control of housefly and other common insects in the household.