1.
Collection and Preparation of Materials:
- Collect fresh neem leaves and mint leaves from a reliable source.
- Clean the leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities.
- Dry the leaves in a well-ventilated area until they become crisp.
- Grind the dried neem leaves and mint leaves separately to obtain a fine powder.
2. Extraction of Active Compounds:
- You can use either maceration or solvent extraction method to extract the active compounds from
neem and mint leaves. Here's how to do it:
- Maceration: Place the powdered neem leaves in a container and cover them with a suitable solvent
like ethanol or water. Repeat the same process for the mint leaves. Allow the mixtures to sit for a specific
period, occasionally shaking or stirring them. Filter the mixtures to obtain the extracts.
- Solvent Extraction: If you prefer solvent extraction, you can use a Soxhlet extractor or a similar
apparatus. Fill the extraction chamber with the powdered neem leaves and mint leaves separately. Pass
a suitable solvent, such as ethanol or water, through the chamber to extract the active compounds.
Collect the extracts in a separate container.
3. Preparation of Candle:
- Melt a sufficient amount of candle wax in a double boiler until it becomes liquid.
- Divide the melted wax into two separate containers.
- Add the desired amount of neem extract to one container and mint extract to the other. Stir well to
ensure proper mixing of the extracts with the wax.
4. Candle Mold Preparation:
- Set up candle molds according to your preferred size and shape.
- Place a wick in the center of each mold. You can use a wick holder or tie it to a stick to keep it upright.
5. Pouring the Wax:
- Carefully pour the wax with neem extract into some molds and the wax with mint extract into others.
- Leave a control group by pouring plain wax into additional molds.
- Allow the candles to cool and solidify completely.
6. Mosquito Repellent Testing:
- Set up a controlled environment for mosquito repellent testing, such as a test chamber or a mosquito-
infested area.
- Place the neem extract candles in one area, mint extract candles in another area, and control candles
in a separate area.
- Ensure that each area has an equal number of candles and is of the same distance from the
mosquitoes.
7. Observation and Data Collection:
- Observe and record mosquito behavior in each area.
- Monitor parameters such as mosquito attraction, landing, and biting rates.
- Note the time taken for mosquitoes to show discomfort or avoidance in the presence of the candles.
- Repeat the observations multiple times to ensure accuracy.
8. Data Analysis:
- Analyze the collected data using appropriate statistical methods.
- Compare the mosquito behavior in the presence of neem and mint extract candles with the control
group.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the extracts as mosquito repellents based on the observed data.
9. Conclusion and Discussion:
- Draw conclusions based on the results obtained from the experiment.
- Discuss the effectiveness of neem and mint extracts as alternative candle mosquito repellents.
- Consider any limitations of the study and suggest further research or improvements.
