Effectiveness of Zodia (Evodia suaveolens) leaf ethanol extract spray as a repellent against Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are the primary vector of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF), which can cause death if not properly treated. Synthetic insecticides have been used to control this vector; however, they may cause negative effects such as resistance, environmental pollution, and health problems. Therefore, safer alternatives are needed, such as natural insecticides derived from zodia leaves (Evodia suaveolens). This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a spray formulation containing the ethanol extract of zodia leaves as a repellent against Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. This research employed an experimental method using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four extract concentrations: 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%. The observed parameters included phytochemical content, spray formulation stability, and mosquito repellency. The data were analyzed using ANOVA, followed by the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test and probit analysis. The results showed that the ethanol extract of zodia leaves contains alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, fenols, terpenoids, and steroids. The spray formulation had a pH of 5, was non-homogeneous, and exhibited increased turbidity with higher extract concentrations. An increase in extract concentration was directly proportional to mosquito repellency. The repellency at concentrations of 5% (13,63%); 10% (36,62%,), and 15% (74,64%), with the 15% concentration showing the highest repellency. Based on the probit analysis, the EC50 value of 11.55% showed that the ethanol extract spray formulation of zodia leaves is effective as a repellent against Ae. aegypti mosquitoes.