Insect Repellent Properties of Melaleuca alternifolia

Abstract

The aim of this study is to compare the use of plant-based insect repellents that are environment friendly with the use of insect repellents based on chemical substances which can be harmful to the environment and human health. The plant studied here is “tea tree”; its scientific name isMelaleuca alternifolia. Essential oil from this plant is extracted by steam distillation method. Based on the previous research, tea tree oil has antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and insect repellent properties. Some experiments were done on tea tree oil to determine its insect repellent properties and the suitable concentration that can be used to make sure its repelling effect is optimum. The purpose of this determination is to avoid its harmful effect on humans because it can be toxic if it is used at high concentration. The results showed that tea tree oil repelledTribolium castaneum. Furthermore, the toxicity assays also gave positive result where the tea tree oil has toxic properties againstSolenopsis invicta. The lethal dose (LD) of tea tree oil to kill 50% of a group ofS. invictais 23.52 μL/mL. This LD50 is determined by using the arithmetic method of Karber. Broadly, the results showed thatM. alternifoliahas insect repellent properties and shows toxicity against certain insects.