Citronella Incense Sticks as Mosquito Repellent and its Efficacy

Abstract

The study assessed the efficacy of mosquito repellent incense sticks formulated with citronella powder and citronella oil as F1 and F2 respectively. A total of 15 sample household were distributed both the samples for observation and recording about the efficacy of the incense sticks in repelling mosquito at Dopgre Village, Gambegre Block, West Garo Hills district, Meghalaya. The collected data were analysed using statistical tool and results revealed appreciable effectiveness of F2 than F1. The observation were based on the parameters of flammability, burning time, mosquito repellency, aesthetic appeal, odour, smoke creation and portability which are the common standards criteria for herbal based incense sticks for repelling mosquito or insects. The p-value (< .000) for the paired sample t-test is less than the standard significance level of 0.05 which confirmed that citronella oil extract can be effectively used to repel mosquito. Meghalaya being endemic to many mosquito associated diseases, The Dopgre villager of West Garo Hills district Meghalaya needed to be informed about the ease, convenient, accessibility and economics of using herbal based incense sticks for repelling mosquitoes.