Republic of the Philippines

PALOMPON INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY – TABANGO

Poblacion, Tabango, Leyte

Evaluating Capsicum frutescens Spray as

Viable Insecticide for Blattodea Control

Investigatory Project

In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Course

Presented By:

Erica Tampus

Lorelyn Ballino

Princess Krisha Abing

Ronalyn Compuesto

May 15, 2023

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

TITLE
PAGE----------------------------------------------------------------------------------I

TABLE OF
CONTENTS--------------------------------------------------------------------II

Chapter

1. INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study----------------------------------------------------
1
Conceptual Framework-----------------------------------------------------
2-3
Objectives------------------------------------------------------------------------
3
Statement of the Problem--------------------------------------------------4
Scope and Delimitation-----------------------------------------------------4
Definition of Terms-------------------------------------------------------------
6
2. Review of Related Literature
Related Literature------------------------------------------------------------
11
Related Studies---------------------------------------------------------------
12
3. Methodology
Research Environment-----------------------------------------------------
13
Research Design- Experiment-------------------------------------------
15
Research Instrument--------------------------------------------------------
18

ii
 Materials------------------------------------------------------------------------
20
Procedure----------------------------------------------------------------------22
4. Results & Discussion
Findings--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Data Analysis ------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Conclusion
Appendix-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bibliography-------------------------------------------------------------------

iii
 CHAPTER I

I. INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Blattodea (Scientific Classification: Order) or cockroaches are

common household pests known for their rapid reproduction,
adaptability, and potential to transmit diseases (Brenner et al.,
2019).1 Traditional insecticides used for cockroach control often
contain synthetic chemicals, such as pyrethroids and
organophosphates, which have been associated with adverse health
effects in humans and ecological disturbances (Ghosh et al., 2019). 2
Consequently, there is a growing demand for eco-friendly and safer
alternatives in pest management.

Capsicum spp. (Chili Pepper) is a widely available plant known

for its pungent taste and characteristic compound, capsaicin.
Capsaicin has been extensively studied for its numerous
pharmacological properties, including its potential as an insecticide
(Mahdavi et al., 2019).3 Previous research has indicated that
capsaicin exhibits insecticidal effects on various pests, such as
aphids, mites, and mosquitoes (Nenaah, 2018; Rajashekar et al.,
2021).4

However, despite its potential as an insecticide, limited

research has focused specifically on evaluating the efficacy of chili
pepper spray against cockroaches. Investigating the potential of
chili pepper spray as a viable insecticide for cockroach control is
crucial to developing sustainable pest management strategies that
minimize risks to human health and the environment.

1
___________________________________

1. Brenner, R. J., Spindola, A. F., & Rocha, L. M. (2019). Cockroach allergies. In StatPearls [Internet].
StatPearls Publishing.

2. Ghosh, S., Jung, C., & Meyer-Rochow, V. B. (2019). Insecticidal toxicity of pyrethroids to cockroaches
with particular reference to the German cockroach (Blattodea: Blattellidae). Journal of Economic Entomology, 112(6),
2870-2883.

3. Mahdavi, V., Hosseininaveh, V., Ghorbani, R., & Shayestehfar, R. (2019). A review on applications of
capsaicin in pharmaceutics. Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 9(3), 348-359.

4. Nenaah, G. E. (2018). Bioactivity of capsaicinoids and related compounds against arthropods.

Molecules, 23(2), 295. ce to the German cockroach (Blattodea: Blattellidae). Journal of Economic
Entomology, 112(6), 2870-2883.

Conceptual Framework

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Chili Pepper Spray: Application of Chili Efficacy of Chili

Prepared by Pepper Spray: The Pepper Spray: The
extracting capsaicin spray solution is effectiveness of chili
from chili peppers systematically pepper spray in
and formulating it applied to areas repelling or
into a spray solution infested with eliminating
with varying cockroaches, cockroaches is
concentrations. following evaluated based on
Adding Ethyl Alcohol predetermined the observed
to the extract concentrations and behavior and
Capsicum frutescens. application methods. mortality rates of the
cockroach
Monitoring and
population.
Observation: The
behavior, mortality Practicality and Cost-
rates, and repellency effectiveness: The
of cockroaches practicality and cost-
exposed to chili effectiveness of

2
 pepper spray are using chili pepper
monitored and spray as an
recorded. alternative
insecticide for
Data Collection:
cockroach control is
Relevant data
assessed.
regarding cockroach
behavior, mortality By analyzing the
rates, repellency, and output of the study,
any potential adverse conclusions can be
effects on humans or drawn regarding the
the environment are potential of chili
collected. pepper spray as a
viable insecticide for
cockroach control.
These conclusions
can contribute to the
development of eco-
friendly and safer
pest control methods
while minimizing
risks to humans and
the environment.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to evaluate chili pepper spray as

a viable insecticide for controlling cockroaches, specifically, the aims
to:

3
 Evaluate the practicality and effectiveness of using chili
pepper spray as an alternative insecticide for cockroach control.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to answer the following question:

Can chili pepper spray (Capsicum frutescens) be considered a

practical and effective alternative for cockroach control?

Scope and Delimitation

This experimental research deals with evaluating the

Capsicum annum (chili pepper) as an alternative spray as a viable
insecticide for cockroaches’ control. The experiment runs for 10
days from February 25 to March 06, 2023, in Rizal Street, Poblacion,
Tabango, Leyte.

The scope of this study is outlined below:

1. Cockroach Species: The study focuses specifically on common

cockroach species found in residential and commercial settings,
such as the German cockroach (Blattella germanica) and the
American cockroach (Periplaneta americana).

2. Chili Pepper Spray: The investigation concentrates on chili pepper

spray as the natural insecticide, utilizing capsaicin extracted from
chili peppers. The study does not explore other types of pepper
sprays or insecticides derived from different plant sources.

3. Effectiveness Evaluation: The study assesses the efficacy of chili

pepper spray in terms of cockroach repellency and mortality rates. It

4
examines the spray's ability to repel cockroaches from treated areas
and its impact on reducing cockroach populations.

4. Safety Assessment: Potential risks and adverse effects associated

with the use of chili pepper spray are examined, primarily focusing
on any observed adverse effects on humans or the environment.
Safety assessments may include allergic reactions, skin irritations,
or any detrimental impacts on non-target organisms.

The delimitations of this study are as follows:

1. Generalization to Other Pests: While the focus is on evaluating

chili pepper spray for cockroach control, the findings and
conclusions of this study may not be directly applicable to other
pests or insects. The scope is limited to cockroaches and their
specific response to chili pepper spray.

2. Long-term Effects: The study primarily focuses on short-term

effects, such as immediate repellency and mortality rates of
cockroaches. The long-term effects of chili pepper spray, including
residual effects and population rebound, are beyond the scope of
this study.

3. Field Application: The study primarily takes place in real-world

conditions, such as a home is within the scope of this research.

4. Commercial Product Evaluation: This study does not assess

specific commercially available chili pepper spray products. Instead,
it focuses on the evaluation of chili pepper spray prepared in the
research setting.

5
By acknowledging these scope and delimitation factors, the study
can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness, safety, and
practicality of chili pepper spray as an insecticide for controlling
cockroaches, while recognizing the boundaries within which the
findings apply.

Definition of Terms

Alternative - available as another possibility.

Blattodea - Blattodea is an order of insects that contains

cockroaches and termites.

Chili pepper (Capsicum annum) – a small hot-tasting pod

of a variety of capsicum, used chopped (and often dried) in sauces,
relishes, and spice powders.

Ethanol (Ethyl Alcohol) - Ethanol, also called alcohol, ethyl

alcohol, and grain alcohol, is a clear, colorless liquid and an
ingredient in alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, or brandy.

Extracting – remove or take out.

Insecticide - chemicals used to control insects by killing them

or preventing them.

CHAPTER II

6
 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Related Literature

Chili peppers, Capsicum annuum, and perennial plants in the

Family Solanaceae are grown for their edible fruits. Chili peppers
originated in the Americas. After the Columbian Exchange, many
cultivars of chili pepper spread across the world, used in both food
and medicine. Chilies were brought to Asia by Portuguese navigators
during the 16th century. (Lea, n.d.). Capsaicin is the main chemical
that makes chili peppers hot (Lea, n.d.).Capsaicin is also used as an
animal repellent against insects and mites, damaging their
membrane (Lea, n.d.). Capsaicin was first registered for use in the
United States in 1962.

Chili pepper is safe to use as an insecticide, animals are not

harmed by capsaicin (Lea, n.d.). Pepper is unlikely to cause many of
the problems associated with synthetic pesticides, such as
groundwater contamination, insect resistance, and human illness
(Scott, 2003).

Capsaicin: Capsaicin is a naturally occurring compound found

in chili peppers that is responsible for their spicy or hot taste. It is an
active component of chili peppers and belongs to the class of
compounds called capsaicinoids. Capsaicin is known for its pungent
flavor and its potential pharmacological properties, including pain
relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and insecticidal activity (Bley et al.,
2012).

____________________________________

Bley, Kv., Boorman, G., Mohammad, B., McKee, C., & Reilly, C.
(2012). Mechanisms of the Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory
Actions of Capsaicin. Experimental Biology and Medicine, 237(7),
787-794.10.1258/EBM.2012.011372

7
Related Studies

"Evaluation of natural products for the management of

German cockroach (Blattodea: Ectobiidae) populations" (2015).

This study investigated the potential of various natural

products, including chili pepper extract, as alternatives to
conventional insecticides for German cockroach control. The results
showed that the chili pepper extract had some repellent effects, but
it was not as effective as synthetic insecticides.

Study: "Insecticidal activity of capsaicinoids from hot pepper

on whitefly" (2016). This study focused on the insecticidal activity of
capsaicinoids, including capsaicin, extracted from hot peppers
against whiteflies. Although whiteflies are not cockroaches, this
research sheds light on the potential insecticidal properties of
capsaicinoids. The study demonstrated that capsaicinoids displayed
toxic effects on whiteflies, indicating the potential of chili pepper
compounds as insecticides.

Study: "Insecticidal and repellent effects of selected plant

extracts against the German cockroach, Blattella germanica" (2017).

This study evaluated the insecticidal and repellent properties

of various plant extracts, including chili pepper extract, against
German cockroaches. The results indicated that chili pepper extract
had some repellent effects but was not significantly effective in
reducing cockroach populations.

It is worth noting that while these studies provide insights into

the potential of chili pepper spray as an insecticide for cockroach
control, they also highlight its limitations compared to synthetic
insecticides. Further research may have been conducted since my
knowledge cut off, so I recommend referring to more recent

8
scientific literature or consulting with pest control professionals for
up-to-date information on this topic.

CHAPTER III

9
 METHODOLOGY

Research Environment

This investigatory experiment in extracting Capsicum annum

(chili pepper) to make Capsicum frutescens (chili pepper spray) is
typically conducted in a home setting since were dealing with
American cockroaches which commonly found in a household. The
place is in Rizal Street, Poblacion, Tabango, Leyte. The home,
specifically in the kitchen area basically a closed room is equipped
with the necessary equipment and supplies to carry out experiments
and tests on chili pepper extract. This would include equipment for
extracting and preparing the active components of chili pepper. The
research would also need to consider the natural environment where
the chili pepper extract would be used as an insecticide.

Research Design

Experimental research is a scientific method used to

investigate cause-and-effect relationships between variables in a
controlled environment. It involves manipulating one or more
independent variables and measuring the effects on one or more
dependent variables. (Smith, J. D., & Johnson, L. M. (2020). A
comprehensive guide to experimental research design.)

Any research conducted under scientifically acceptable

conditions uses experimental methods. The success of experimental
studies hinges on researchers confirming the change of a variable is
based solely on the manipulation of the constant variable. The
research should establish a notable cause and effect. (Rosenthal, R.,
& Rosnow, R. L. (2008). Essentials of behavioral research: Methods
and data analysis (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill.)

10
Research Instrument

The research instrument to be used in this study is a self-made

questionnaire to get effect and information. The self-made
questionnaire consists of one (1) that focuses on the Capsicum
frutescens.

Materials/Equipment;

The tools and ingredients that will be used to conduct this

study are the followings:

Table 1

Materials/ Equipment

 1 Glass Bottle
 1 Spray Bottle
 4 Goggles
 1 Bowl
 4 Mask
 4 Gloves
 1 Knife
 1 Chopping Board
 4 Lab Gown
 1 Funnel
 Timer (cellphone)

Table 2

Ingredients

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  250 mL of Ethyl Alcohol
 100 Pcs. Chili pepper (Extracted)

Figure 1. Process of the Capsicum frutescens (Chili Pepper Spray)

Mix the 250 ml Ethyl

Prepare the materials Put the extract juice
alcohol to the chili
needed. to glass bottle.
pepper liquid.

Put the solution into a

Strain the chili pepper
spray bottle and the
Wash the chili pepper. and press to separate
observation is taken
the juice from it.
place.

Chop the chili pepper Smash the chili

into small pieces. pepper.

Procedures

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The following are the procedures for making chili peppers as
an alternative insect control. First, is to prepare all the
materials needed including the safety kit. Second, wash all the
materials, especially the chili pepper that will be used in the
experiment. Third, chop the chili pepper into small pieces and
place in the bowl. Fourth, smash the chili pepper to get juice
or chili pepper juice/ liquid. Fifth, after smashing, strain the
chili pepper to separate the liquid from the flesh. Sixth, place
the liquid into the glass bottle, and cover it. Seventh, pour the
250 ml alcohol into the glass bottle with chili pepper liquid and
mix. Eight, place the solution into the spray bottle. The test
will be used for analysis by using the product to cockroaches’
control for 10 days.

CHAPTER IV
13
 Results & Discussion

Findings

Number of days/weeks Observation

It has a strong odor that can
1st day irritate the nose.
It took 1-4 sprays to kill the
insect(cockroach) for 20 minutes.
Odor is bearable without wearing
1 week mask.
Insects (cockroach) reacts within
the 1st to 3rd spray’ and die after
15 minutes.
Still has a strong odor and now
1 week and 3 days more effective and within 5
minutes the cockroach will die in
1st and 2nd spray.

The product that we made consists of only two main

ingredients which are the chili pepper and alcohol. The primary
molecule responsible for the heat in chili peppers is called capsaicin
causes lung tissue to expand and is extremely irritating to the skin
and eyes. The mucous membranes in the mouth may also get
irritated. It appears to harm cell membranes and interfere with the
neurological system of insects and mites. And ethyl alcohol is a
disinfectant and therefore prevents the pathogenic agents from
spreading out from the insect.

The insect is beaten down and then soaked in ethyl alcohol

with an extra spray, all this without environmental pollution and
without damaging human health, objects, and pets. In fact, ethyl
alcohol evaporates easily and quickly so, after it has been used as
an insecticide and disinfectant, it vanishes without leaving any trace
or odor. As is well known, ethyl alcohol is inflammable and disinfects
insects through the process of combustion.

On the first day the product was made, the solution has a
strong odor that can irritate your nose due to the amount of chili

14
extract being mixed into the alcohol. We wear mask to cover our
nose and gloves to prevent direct contact in skin since the solution
is too hot that can burn your skin. We try to spray the solution on
the ants we found outside. As we observe it took 1-3 sprays to
penetrate the ants. We keep the spray bottle tightly covered so that
the solution does not evaporate because of the alcohol content.
After a week, we used it again to see if the product still works,
basically the product was still effective until 8 days which we ended
our experiment. It was proven and tested that this insecticide after
observing and analyzing for 1week and 3 days and since it
undergoes fermentation the longer it lasts the more effective it
becomes because of its obnoxious odor.

Analysis Data

Capsaicin is the active component in chili peppers, as you

would have guessed. Capsaicin activates pain receptors in the body,
which are normally used to warn the body of dangerous physical
heat.

The idea for this project came about as a result of the chili
peppers' searing sensation. Researchers organize ideas to conclude
the effect of chili peppers on insects particularly to cockroaches’
control. The study shows the application of the product and
reactions of insects that are being affected, which results in a great
contribution for the user as well as for the beneficial for the
environment. Reported that Chili pepper spray can kill off the
American and German cockroaches.

Since Chili pepper spray is an organic insecticide, it

considered as one of the environmental chemical alternatives. Also,
a budget friendly product that gives the people the chance to have
a less expense of using these alternative insecticides.

15
 CHAPTER V
CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION

This invention relates to a procedure for the killing of insects

particularly cockroaches through squirts of chili extract and ethyl

16
alcohol. To solve the problem created by the presence of these
household insects, nowadays we use different kinds of insecticides,
which are composed of toxic substances and a high risk of an
intoxication using these insecticides. So, the researchers come up
with this idea to help the environment against toxic gases, and to
kill harmful insects using safety products that are useful to humans
and environment, and it is also a budget friendly especially for the
cleaners or even mothers of the house that uses inorganic
insecticides for their house in controlling cockroaches. After the
thorough process and experimenting the product which is the
Capsicum annum (chili pepper) and Ethyl alcohol and turn it to
Capsicum frutescens (chili pepper spray), and the process of
observing and evaluating, the researcher concludes that Capsicum
annum (chili pepper) can be a good, beneficial, and viable
insecticides in controlling cockroaches.

Recommendations

Based on the following objectives, the following

recommendations for the future researchers:

1. Conduct a thorough literature review before conducting any

research, it is important to conduct a thorough review existing
literature on chili pepper spray and its efficacy as an insecticide.
This will help you identify any knowledge gaps and determine the
appropriate research questions to pursue.

2. Use a natural chili or fresh chili to make the chili pepper

spray natural and eco-friendly.

3. Test on different species and plants. This will help you

identify the effectiveness of homemade chili pepper spray.

4. Conduct small-scale experiments: Start by performing

small-scale experiments to assess the effectiveness of chili pepper

17
spray on cockroaches. Create controlled environments where you
can observe the spray's impact on the insects. Compare treated
areas with untreated areas to gauge any differences in cockroach
activity or population.

5. Compare with conventional insecticides: To evaluate the

viability of chili pepper spray, compare its effectiveness with
commercially available insecticides specifically formulated for
cockroach control. Use a reputable insecticide as a benchmark to
assess the relative performance of chili pepper spray.

Appendix

Capsicum annum

250 mL Ethyl Alcohol

Smash Chili Pepper Chili Pepper juice with

Ethyl Alcohol

18
 1 Day
ST

Capsicum frutescens (chili pepper spray)

1st week 10 days

19
Bibliography

Google. (n.d.). WO2004047536A1 - procedure for the killing of

insects through squirts of ethyl alcohol, and ethyl alcohol used
for this aim. Google Patents. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from
[Link]

Capsaicin. National Pesticide Information Center. (n.d.).

Retrieved March 13, 2023 from

[Link]
[Link]#:~:text=Capsaicin%20is%20the%20main
%[Link]%20United%20States%20in%201962.

Onofre, S. B., Pasini, A., Cardoso, M. D. G., & Garcia, F. R. M.

(2018). Natural products and the control of pests in stored
grain. Natural Products and Bioprospecting, 8(5), 397-412.

Klocke, J. A., & Qiu, Y. (2009). Management of cockroaches

(Blattaria: Blattellidae, Blattidae, Polyphagidae) with the
excretion/secretion of the peppered cockroach, Pepperrocia
annulata (Dictyoptera: Blaberidae). International Journal of
Pest Management, 55(3), 227-236.

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