Process of making larvicide

Abstract

This utility model relates to a larvicidal composition derived from commonly available household plants, specifically oregano (Origanum vulgare) and citronella (Cymbopogon nardus). The preparation process involves the following steps: freshly harvested oregano and citronella leaves are thoroughly washed with tap water and dried using absorbent paper. The dried leaves are then separately pounded using a mortar and pestle, after which the plant material is squeezed through a clean cloth to obtain the leaf extracts. The extracts are filtered through filter paper to separate the solid residues from the liquid component. The filtered extracts are subsequently subjected to distillation using a distillation apparatus to isolate the active compounds. In oregano, the primary active compound obtained is carvacrol, which is responsible for larvicidal activity. In citronella, the distillation process yields citronellal, geraniol, and citronellol, which act as mosquito repellents. When combined, the oregano and citronella extracts demonstrate synergistic properties that result in a higher mortality rate against mosquito larvae.