A Comparative Analysis of Natural Scorpion Repellents
Dr Adimuthu Ramasamy IdemiliOnyeka
Abstract
The population of arthropods increases with time due to their rate of reproduction and this havetremendously amplified the susceptibility of human or plant attack. Under normal circumstances, this couldbe easily controlled. However, existing methodologies are gradually becoming unsuitable for pest control.Methods such as chemical control are usually designed to kill certain species of pest and could be potentiallydetrimental to human health in the long run through ingestion of these substances. Although most of thebiological control strategy usually involves the introduction of natural enemies periodically, the mostcommon method involves the use of predators, parasitoid and microbial antagonists which are unfortunatelydeterred by effectiveness, and cost of implementation.Presently, scientists adopt the use of extract of plants (such as artemisia, rosemary, cinnamon, ginger etc.)asscorpion repellents.However, this study focuses on the adaptation of biological and environmentallysustainable methodologies by using Fresh leaves from parent plants and an examination to know if therepellence activities of the plants are time dependent. A statistical evaluation of the conducted experimentwhich was based on the use of natural plant-based repellents like Citrus spp (Citrus sinensis and Citrusmaxima) and mint leaves (Mentha piperata) for the repellent of scorpion proved to be time independent andan effective method as opposed to the existing methodologies which are not environmentally friendly andrequires technical expertise. The results showed that the