Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Mosquito Repellent Spray

Mosquitoes, particularly those of the Anopheles, Culex, and Aedes genera, pose a significant global health threat, transmitting diseases like malaria, dengue, and encephalitis. To combat these insects, humans have historically relied on plant-based repellents. This study explores the potential of herbal formulations to create safe and effective mosquito repellents. Due to its known mosquito-repellent properties, Citronella oil, extracted from lemongrass, has been a focus of attention. By combining citronella oil with other essential oils such as eucalyptus, clove bud, and sweet orange peel, this research aims to develop novel repellent formulations. These oils were extracted using methods like steam distillation and cold pressing. Previous studies have highlighted the efficacy of plant extracts and essential oils against malaria vectors. This research seeks to build upon this knowledge by investigating citronella oil’s impact on Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The goal is to develop environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic repellents, especially for regions with prevalent mosquito-borne diseases.