A Research Proposal

on

“Effects of boiled Yerba Buena (Mentha arvensis) leaves as a natural

pesticide for cockroaches”

Submitted to:

Mrs. Mary Ann D. Carvajal

in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the outputs in Statistics/Research IX

Submitted by:

Noelle T. Caballera

SORSOGON NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

I. INTRODUCTION
The use of toxic pesticides to manage pest problems has become a common practice around
the world. Pesticides are used almost everywhere -- not only in agricultural fields, but also in
homes, parks, schools, buildings, forests, and roads. It is difficult to find somewhere where
pesticides aren't used -- from the can of bug spray under the kitchen sink to the airplane crop
dusting acres of farmland, our world is filled with pesticides. In addition, pesticides can be
found in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. Exposure to pesticides
can occur in many ways. Exposure can occur in agriculture, through the treatment of crops,
plants and grain stores. It can occur in forestry, gardening and professional and domestic pest
control and through the spraying and use of amenities. Exposure can also occur through the
treatment of wood with preservatives, the treatment of boat hulls with anti-fouling agents, and
the treatment of livestock with anti-parasitic preparations. In addition, pesticide residues found
on, and in, our food also puts us at risk. Pesticides can be acutely toxic. This means that they
can cause harmful or lethal effects after one single episode of ingestion, inhalation or skin
contact. The symptoms are evident shortly after exposure or can arise within 48 hours.
Pesticides can cause harmful effects over an extended period, usually following repeated or
continuous exposure at low levels. Low doses don’t always cause immediate effects, but over
time, they can cause very serious illnesses. Because of these, more money are spent by people
around us for they are dealing with these kind of effects in our own health.

A. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Cockroaches are undeniably one of the most furious pests that we encounter in our residences.
The occurrence of these kinds of pests causes a problem that most people deal with. This kind of
problem is experienced in most residences and this is also one of the reasons of having chemicals
in our homes. To have a harm free environment inside our residences, herbals are grown to feel
safe. We are told that herbal plants give benefits that not only affect people but also other living
organisms. The people that are experiencing how disturbing cockroaches are, they are really giving
time to choose the best type of pesticide to use. The modern way of eradicating cockroaches is
through spraying pesticides containing harmful chemicals. Problems associated with cockroaches
are really hard to deal with especially if the pesticide being used is full of chemicals that can also
result to more spending of money. Alternative ways are thought to help thousands of people to feel
clean in their own houses and the only way to feel the cleanliness the people wants, herbs and
organics matter are evident in our surroundings.

B. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM/OBJECTIVES

This research study will be conducted to prove the effectiveness of boiled Yerba Buena
(Mentha arvensis) leaves as a natural pesticide for cockroaches.
This research study aims:
 to provide a natural way of eradicating pests especially cockroaches.
 to have a harm free environment.
 to give the people, even the community, a reason to save money and also to save lives.
 to give people a clean residence for them to live.
 to prevent certain diseases to spread no just in each of people’s respective residences but
also to the community.
 to obtain a peaceful stay in our own residences.

C. STATEMENT OF THE HYPOTHESIS

NULL HYPOTHESIS
Boiled Yerba Buena (Mentha arvensis) leaves is not an effective natural pesticide
for cockroaches.
ALTERNATIVE HYPOTHESIS
Boiled Yerba Buena (Mentha arvensis) leaves is an effective natural pesticide for
cockroaches.
IF-THEN FORM
If Yerba Buena (Mentha arvensis) is an effective pesticide for eradicating
cockroaches, then residences will have a healthier and cleaner environment

D. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Using herbal as the main ingredient for a pesticide instead of using chemicals cannot just save
our own health but also our own environment. Certain characteristics prove that Yerba Buena
(Mentha arvensis) is good for eradicating pests. If this herb will be used as the main ingredient for
pesticides, several problems also will be eradicated. Having Yerba Buena (Mentha arvensis) as the
main spice used in the pesticide can give you more saved money since this herb can be planted
anywhere and it is not that expensive. Compared to chemicals, Yerba Buena (Mentha arvensis) is
more healthy to use and more capable of giving your homes the best fragrance in the community.
Compared to the effect of commercially sold pesticides, organic pesticides are less expensive since
herbs can be grown in our own surroundings and the other organic matter can be seen also in our
surroundings.

E. SCOPES ANG LIMITATIONS

This study would like to find out if decocted Yerba Buena (Mentha arvensis) leaves is an
effective natural pesticide to eradicate cockroaches. The research is only limited in the analysis of
effects and the comparison of it to commercially sold pesticides. The researcher doesn't include
the explanation of the formulation of commercially sold pesticides.

F. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND RELATED STUDIES

Pesticide products include both active ingredients and other ingredients. Active ingredients are
used to kill, control or repel the pest. Other ingredients may do a variety of jobs, like attracting the
pest, spreading the active ingredients around, and/or reducing drift. In order to know the risk
associated with a pesticide, both toxicity and exposure must be considered. The toxicity depends
on the ingredients in a product. Active ingredients are the chemicals in pesticide products that kill,
control, or repel pests. For example, the active ingredients in an herbicide are the ingredient(s) that
kill weeds. Often, the active ingredients make up a small portion of the whole product. Other
ingredients are not listed on product labels for EPA-registered pesticides because their identity is
considered to be confidential business information. You may also see them listed as “inert”
ingredients. While many of the chemicals used as other ingredients are not known to pose health
or environmental risks, some of them can be toxic. In some cases, the other ingredients can pose
greater risks than the active ingredient itself. Organic foods are not necessarily pesticide-free.
The pesticides that are allowed for organic food production are typically not manmade. They tend
to have natural substances like soaps, lime sulfur and hydrogen peroxide as ingredients. Not all
natural substances are allowed in organic agriculture; some chemicals like arsenic, strychnine and
 tobacco dust (nicotine sulfate) are prohibited. Many things found in nature can be used to control
pests. Most of them are considered 'organic' when used as pesticides.
Yerba Buena is an excellent source of antioxidants such as polyphenols quercetin, caffeine,
catechin and caffeic acid. It is also rich in limonene, pulegone,
menthol, menthenone and menthene. Studies reveal that Yerba buena is mostly used in folk,
ayurvedic and herbal medicine for treating and healing several ailments. It offers relaxation to the
body, mind and spirit. Apart from its healing properties, this herb is used for culinary purposes.
Yerba buena can serve as a natural repellent for warding off insects and rodents away from the
house.
II. METHODOLOGY
A. Materials/Equipment
The following materials will be used in conducting this research study:
 Yerba Buena (Mentha arvensis) leaves
 Casserole
 1L fresh water
 Gasoline/LPG
 Essential oils
 20 cockroaches and other types of insects
 2 clear boxes
 1 commercially sold pesticide
B. Treatment/General Procedure
Through decoction, Yerba Buena (Mentha arvensis) leaves’s extract is separated from the
leaves itself. One hundred grams of Yerba Buena (Mentha arvensis) leaves will be added in 1 liter
fresh water. After having the mixture of water and the leaves, it will be boiled to leave an extract
from the leaves. It will then be added with essential oils and will then be poured in the container.
There will be 2 clear box filled with 20 cockroaches and 20 other types of insects. The decocted
natural pesticide and commercially sold pesticide will be sprayed in each of the clear box. Each of
it will be sprayed within 1 and a half hour. It will be observed and the results will be noted and
discussed.
III. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Okpala, B. (2016, March 8). 17 Remarkable Ingredients of Yerba Buena. Retrieved from
https://globalfoodbook.com/17-remarkable-benefits-of-yerba-buena
(2017).Impacts of pesticides on health. Retrieved from http://www.pan-uk.org/health-
effects-of-pesticides/
(2019, February 14). Organic Pesticide Ingredients. Retrieved from
http://npic.orst.edu/ingred/organic.html
(2019, February 14). Other/Inert Ingredients in Pesticides. Retrieved from
http://npic.orst.edu/ingred/inert.html
(1999). Menthol. Retrieved from https://www.scienceofcooking.com/menthol.htm
(2019, February 14).Pesticide Ingredients. Retrieved from http://npic.orst.edu/ingred/
(2019, February 14).Pesticide Active Ingredients. Retrieved from
http://npic.orst.edu/ingred/active.html