1.1 Introduction
Mosquito repellant insecticides are substances formulated to prevent, reduce, or eliminate contact between humans and mosquitoes by repelling or killing them, thereby minimizing the transmission of mosquito borne diseases (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023). One of the most common household forms of mosquito repellant insecticides is the mosquito coil, a slow burning product that releases insecticidal smoke to repel or kill mosquitoes within enclosed spaces. Mosquito coils are widely used in many developing countries because they are relatively affordable, portable, and easy to use compared to electric vaporizers and sprays (Ogoma, Moore, & Maia, 2012).
Mosquitoes are vectors of several life threatening diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, and lymphatic filariasis. In tropical countries like Nigeria, malaria remains a leading public health challenge, contributing significantly to illness and death, particularly among children under five years and pregnant women (WHO, 2023). The persistent prevalence of mosquito borne diseases has increased the demand for effective mosquito control measures at both household and community levels. As a result, mosquito coils have become a common preventive tool in many homes.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are significance of the study, scope of work, research hypothesis and questions, limitation of the study and definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
The first truly effective active ingredient used in mosquito repellents was citronella oil. This material is an herbal extract derived from the citronella plant, an Asian grass. While citronella had been used for centuries for medicinal purposes, its repellence was only accidentally discovered in 1901, when it was used as a hairdressing fragrance. Since citronella oil is a fragrant material, it is thought that the chemical terpenes of which it is composed are responsible for its repellent activity. Citronella oil does repel mosquitoes, but it has certain characteristics which limit its effectiveness. For example, it is very volatile and evaporates too quickly from surfaces to which it is applied. Also, large amounts are needed to be effective.
Mosquito repellant insecticides are widely recognized as essential tools in the prevention and control of mosquito borne diseases. The World Health Organization (2023) stated that mosquitoes remain one of the deadliest disease vectors globally, transmitting malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, and other infections that affect millions of people each year. According to the World Health Organization (2023), malaria alone accounts for a significant proportion of morbidity and mortality in sub Saharan Africa, with children under five years and pregnant women being the most vulnerable groups. In countries such as Nigeria, the burden of malaria continues to pose serious public health and socio economic challenges.
Scholars have reported that mosquito control strategies include environmental management, use of insecticide treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and personal protective measures such as mosquito coils and sprays. Ogoma, Moore, and Maia (2012) reported that mosquito coils are among the most commonly used household mosquito control products in developing countries due to their affordability, accessibility, and ease of use. They asserted that the smoke generated from burning coils contains active ingredients that repel or kill mosquitoes within enclosed spaces. This widespread usage reflects the importance of mosquito coils in daily life, particularly in rural and peri urban communities where alternative control measures may be limited.
However, concerns have been raised regarding the safety and environmental implications of synthetic mosquito coils. Liu et al. (2003) reported that prolonged exposure to mosquito coil smoke may release particulate matter and volatile organic compounds that pose respiratory health risks. They contended that regular inhalation of such emissions in poorly ventilated spaces may contribute to indoor air pollution and associated health complications. In addition, regulatory bodies have affirmed that excessive reliance on chemical based insecticides may lead to insect resistance, reducing long term effectiveness in mosquito control (WHO, 2023).
Natural products have historically played a significant role in pest control. Duke (2009) stated that many plant species contain bioactive compounds with insecticidal, repellant, or toxic effects against various insect species. Essential oils extracted from plants have been widely studied for their efficacy in repelling mosquitoes. According to Okwu and Morah (2007), citrus peels are rich in phytochemicals such as limonene, flavonoids, and other volatile oils that possess insecticidal properties. They affirmed that these compounds interfere with the nervous system of insects, thereby reducing their activity and survival rate.
Orange fruits are widely consumed in many parts of the world, including Nigeria, resulting in the generation of large quantities of peel waste. In most cases, these peels are discarded indiscriminately, contributing to environmental sanitation challenges. Researchers contend that the improper disposal of organic waste contributes to environmental pollution and attracts other disease vectors. Transforming orange peels into useful products such as mosquito coils therefore addresses two pressing concerns: waste management and vector control. The utilization of locally available raw materials for industrial production also promotes cost reduction and economic sustainability. In addition to citrus peels, certain plant species such as Cestrum have been studied for their insecticidal and medicinal properties.
Duke (2009) reported that species within the Cestrum genus contain alkaloids and other bioactive compounds that exhibit biological activity against insects. He asserted that these natural compounds may enhance the effectiveness of plant based formulations when properly processed and applied. The integration of orange peels with Cestrum extracts in mosquito coil production is therefore grounded in phytochemical research that supports the insecticidal potential of these plants.
The increasing demand for eco friendly products has further strengthened interest in plant based mosquito repellants. Environmental advocates have affirmed that sustainable development requires the reduction of synthetic chemical usage and the promotion of renewable resources. According to Ogoma et al. (2012), the exploration of alternative mosquito control products is necessary to improve safety while maintaining efficacy. They stated that locally produced repellants derived from plant materials may provide culturally acceptable and economically viable solutions in malaria endemic regions (Ogoma et al., 2012).
The background of this study therefore rests on the intersection of public health challenges, environmental sustainability concerns, and the search for cost effective local solutions. The persistent prevalence of mosquito borne diseases, the health risks associated with synthetic insecticides, and the environmental burden of agricultural waste collectively create a compelling need for innovation. The production of mosquito repellant insecticides using orange peels and Cestrum represents an attempt to harness natural resources for practical public health application. This study is set against the backdrop of increasing efforts to develop sustainable, affordable, and environmentally friendly mosquito control strategies that are responsive to local needs and resources.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the high cost of commercially produced mosquito coils makes them less affordable for low income households, especially in rural and semi urban communities. At the same time, large quantities of orange peels are discarded daily as agricultural and domestic waste. These peels often constitute environmental waste that contributes to sanitation challenges in markets and homes. Scientific studies indicate that citrus peels contain essential oils such as limonene, which possess insecticidal and repellent properties (Okwu & Morah, 2007).
Furthermore, the increasing demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable products calls for alternative solutions derived from natural resources. The development of mosquito coils from orange peels is a viable approach that addresses both waste management and vector control. However, there is inadequate empirical data on the production process, efficiency, burning characteristics, smoke emission levels, and overall repellant effectiveness of mosquito coils produced from orange peels, particularly within the local context. It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to investigate the production of mosquito repellant insecticides (mosquito coil) using orange peels (Cestrum), evaluate their effectiveness, and determine their suitability as a safe, affordable, and environmentally sustainable alternative to synthetic mosquito coils.
1.4 Purpose of Study
The purpose of this study is to explore and develop a mosquito repellant insecticide (mosquito coil) using orange peels and Cestrum as raw materials. The study aims to investigate how locally sourced agricultural waste can be converted into effective and environmentally friendly mosquito control products, providing a sustainable alternative to synthetic mosquito coils.
1.5 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to produce an effective and environmentally friendly mosquito repellant insecticide (mosquito coil) using orange peels and Cestrum. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To extract essential oils from orange peels and Cestrum for use in mosquito coil production.
- To formulate and produce mosquito coils using the extracted oils and appropriate binders.
- To evaluate the burning characteristics and smoke emission of the produced mosquito coils.
- To assess the mosquito repellant effectiveness of the orange peel and Cestrum based coils.
- To compare the performance of natural mosquito coils with commercially available synthetic coils.
1.6 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What are the chemical components of orange peels and Cestrum that will contribute to mosquito repellency?
- How can mosquito coils be formulated using orange peels and Cestrum extracts?
- What are the burning characteristics and smoke emission levels of the produced mosquito coils?
- How effective are orange peel and Cestrum based mosquito coils in repelling mosquitoes?
- How does the performance of natural mosquito coils compare with synthetic commercial coils?
1.7 Significance of Study
It is believed that at the completion of the study, the research will provide an environmentally friendly, cost effective, and locally sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic mosquito coils. The study will also provide affordable and safe mosquito control solutions that reduce exposure to mosquito borne diseases.
Furthermore, the study will create opportunities for small scale production and commercialization of natural mosquito coils. In addition, the study will provide a practical approach to utilizing agricultural waste and reducing pollution.
Lastly, the study will contribute to improved mosquito control strategies that complement existing interventions.
1.8 Scope of Study
This study is limited to the production and evaluation of mosquito coils using orange peels and Cestrum within Lagos State, Nigeria. The study will focus on extraction of essential oils, coil formulation, burning characteristics, smoke emission, and mosquito repellency assessment.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
The study was limited by the availability of consistent quality of raw materials. Laboratory facilities for precise extraction and evaluation were constrained. The production process was influenced by frequent power interruptions, which affected some experimental trials. The study was also constrained by financial resources and time availability, which limited extensive testing and replication.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Mosquito Coil: A spiral shaped insecticidal product that slowly burns to release smoke capable of repelling or killing mosquitoes (Ogoma, Moore, & Maia, 2012).
Mosquito Repellant: Any substance or formulation that drives mosquitoes away from human or animal hosts to prevent bites and disease transmission (WHO, 2023).
Cestrum: A genus of plants containing bioactive compounds, including alkaloids and essential oils, that have insecticidal and medicinal properties (Duke, 2009).
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