Background of The Study

The demand for termite control is rising, especially in communities having numerous

houses made of wood. However, termite control produced commercially, are made of

chemicals. Since chemical termite control has negative side effects on the environment, and

the buyer, an organic alternative is needed. According to Studymode

(https://www.studymode.com), lemongrass and garlic pesticide is a great organic alternative

pesticide.

Since the beginning of time, pest control for commercial. property owners has been

vital to the health and longevity of businesses. Records of natural pest control date back to

2500 BC, thousands of years after the beginning of agriculture. The history of pest control

spans millennia, from early agricultural practices in 18000 BC to the development of modern

technologies in recent years.

Individuals initially relied on cultural and botanical methods, such as manipulating

planting dates and using botanical insecticides. Over time, various techniques emerged,

including the use of predatory mites and chemical compounds like arsenic and pyrethrum.

Major milestones include the French use of imported insects to combat grape prophylaxes in

1848 and the invention of the first commercial spraying machine in 1880. Biological control

agents from Australia saw success in American citrus crops in 1888, while lead arsenic

became popular for insect control in 1890.

However, concerns about the dangers of chemical pesticides began to surface, leading

to regulations such as Canada's law against spraying blooming trees in 1892. The concept of

integrated pest management (IPM) emerged in the mid-20th century, formalized by the U.S.
passing the Federal Environmental Pesticides Control Act in 1972 and the introduction of

genetically modified crops in 1996. Despite advancements, concerns about the environmental

impact of transgenic crops have slowed the adoption of some IPM technologies. In recent

years, new technologies continue to be developed to improve pest control method.

In 1927, a concerted effort to organize researchers working on termite control In the

U.S led to the formation of the Termite Investigation Committee. The formation of the

committee was in response to the “ravages of termites which (were) becoming increasingly

destructive...” The efforts of the committee and the pest control industry are summarized in

the classic home Termites and Termite Control, first published in 1934 with a second edition

in 1946.

In recent years, there has been a large increase in the scientific literature concerning

termites which reflects their economic importance and the availability of funding to support

termite research. Various preventative and remedial strategies are currently used against pest

species in the termite control industry. Concerning subterranean termites in particular, it has

been estimated that 77% of the pest control market share is represented by soil termite

applications in the United States.

Today's pest control companies employ improved natural techniques to bring you

Integrated Pest Management (IPM), the most advanced and earth-friendly form of pest control

available.

Lemongrass is a herb commonly used in cooking which can be used as a natural pest

repellent. While it has not be scientifically proven kill termites, there is anecdotal evidence

suggesting it can help repell them. It is believed that the citronella oil in lemon grass is what

helps deter the termites at bay. Lemon grass specifics the characteristics lemon-like odor,

which is due to the availability of critical content (mixture of two isoremic aldehydes,
geranial and neral). Lemongrass is the various secondary metabolities, such as bioactive

cyclic and acyclic terpenes, which disrupt the neoutransmitten in insects (Matt, 2023). If

termites are not controlled, you run the risk of your home being destroyed. What about garlic?

Can garlic, alone, kill termites too? Yes, since Garlic contains a powerful compound called

allicin, which has potent antifungal and antimicrobial properties. (Jilm Wilner, 2023).

Surprisingly solving the problems of each house that needs an alternative for commercially

produced where garlic is also one of it. By the characteristics of lemongrass and garlic this

may have an impact on termites. Termites obtain nutrients from wood and plant materials, but

they cannot diggest their food on their own. Instead they have symbiotic protozoa and

bacteria in their guts to break down the tough plant fibers. (Reller, 1998).

The Philippines is a tropical country that is name to many different species of termites.

Subterranean termites are the most common type found in the Philippines and are responsible

for most of the termite damage in buildings. They are particularly prevalent in areas with high

humidity, such as manila and other coastal cities. Termites can cause a variety of problems,

especially when they infest homes or buildings. The common problems that termites can

cause is structural damage and health hazards. Structural damage since termites feed on wood

and other cullulose materials, which can weaken the structural integrity of a building. Over

time, this can lead to sagging floors, warped walls, and ever collaps in serve cases. Another

problem is health hazards, while termites themselves do not pose a direct threat to human

health, their presence can create conditions that favorable for mold growth. Mold can cause

respiratory issues and allergic reactions in some individual.

Given the history of termites attack, the researchers came up with the idea of using the

extracts of lemongrass and garlic as an alternative termite eliminator. The researchers sought

to make a solution with just two ingredients that can be found in the kitchen or garden. Thus

researchers set out to evaluate the effectiveness of this study.