Coptotermes Vastator’s (Philippine Milk Termites) nest insecticide

By BRYAN MENDOZA LUZON
Teacher III
Ampayon Central Elementary School
East Butuan District I

Aedes aegypti mosquito is the main vector that transmits the viruses that cause dengue. The viruses are passed on to humans through the bites of an infective female Aedes mosquito, which mainly acquires the virus while feeding on the blood of an infected person.

Dengue infection rates are higher outdoors and during daytime, when these mosquitoes bite most frequently. However, Aedes aegypti breed indoors and are capable of biting anyone throughout the day.

Nowadays a lot of commercialized mosquito repellant exists from groceries store considering the most popular from it is the mosquito coils (espirales) just to keep insects away at night.

Study shows that the organic pesticides are structured on a carbon-hydrogen framework and may include elements like oxygen, sulfur, phosphorus, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, and nitrogen. These elements are ruined, at varying rates, with some materials and by organisms into smaller and usually less harmful, molecules, compared to the metals that tend to be hazardous.

During the analysis from the termites nest the following elements were identified: Calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer, while potassium (K) was determined by flame photometry. Total carbon content was determined by dry combustion using an Eltra CS500-apparatus. Total nitrogen (N) was determined by the Kjeldahl method.

Total phosphorus (P) was determined spectrophotometrically. The other properties were subjected for the estimation of Cupper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn) and Iron (Fe) through atomic absorption spectrum. The sulfur content was present in mound soil. The availability of sulfur to plants is dependent on the release from soil organic matter.

Several workers have shown that net mineralization of soil sulfur is affected by organic matter additions, plant growth, in addition to temperature, moisture and nutrient supply.

Termites are probably the most efficient natural mosquito repellant fund in nature. Local people snatch termites from their nest with their bare hands, and rub the little creatures over their skin. In the process, the termites emanate a fragrance containing formic acid that works exceptionally well to keep the mosquitoes away.

The termites and its nest are an effective alternative exterminator for wrigglers. And has the potential of natural pesticides that could possibly eliminate mosquito infestations which could control the rampant mosquito bites presently face by our community. ###