Seaweed and Orange Peel Spray Shows Promise as Eco-Friendly Cockroach Repellent
A team of Indonesian researchers has developed a natural room freshener that not only improves indoor air quality but also repels cockroaches. The study, led by Fifi Arfini alongside Andi Santi, Rahmawati Saleh, Mita Gebriella Inthe, and Dian Munawarah from the Department of Agricultural Technology at Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Pangkajene Kepulauan, South Sulawesi, was published in 2026 in the International Journal of Contemporary Sciences. Their findings highlight a practical, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic air fresheners and chemical insecticides commonly used in households.
The research addresses a widespread problem in tropical regions: the coexistence of unpleasant indoor odors and cockroach infestations. Both issues affect hygiene, comfort, and health. Conventional solutions often rely on chemical sprays and artificial fragrances, which may leave harmful residues and trigger respiratory irritation. The Indonesian research team explored whether natural materials—specifically seaweed and orange peel—could offer a safer, multifunctional solution.
Background: Rising Demand for Safer Household Products
Indoor air quality has become a growing concern as people spend more time in enclosed environments. Many commercial air fresheners release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can negatively affect health, particularly for children and individuals with respiratory conditions. At the same time, cockroaches remain a persistent urban pest known to carry pathogens and contaminate food and surfaces.
The researchers focused on two locally abundant resources. Seaweed (Eucheuma cottonii) is widely cultivated in Indonesia and contains bioactive compounds with antimicrobial potential. Orange peel, often discarded as waste, is rich in limonene—a natural compound known for its fresh citrus scent and insect-repelling properties. Combining these materials offers both environmental and economic advantages, including waste valorization and reduced reliance on synthetic chemicals.
Methodology: Simple Formulation with Scientific Testing
The study was conducted between April and June 2025 in a chemistry laboratory at Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Pangkajene Kepulauan. Researchers used an experimental design to create three spray formulations with different ratios of seaweed and orange peel extracts:
- F1: 25% seaweed, 75% orange peel
- F2: 50% seaweed, 50% orange peel
- F3: 75% seaweed, 25% orange peel
The extracts were produced through ethanol-based maceration, then mixed and packaged into spray bottles. Each formulation was evaluated using sensory (organoleptic) testing, where panelists rated aroma, texture, and color. The products were also tested for their ability to reduce cockroach presence in a controlled setting.
Key Findings: Higher Seaweed Content Delivers Better Results
The results showed a clear and consistent trend across all tests. The formulation with the highest seaweed content (F3) outperformed the others in both user preference and effectiveness.
Sensory Evaluation Scores:
- F3: Aroma (4.40), Texture (4.24), Color (4.28)
- F2: Moderate scores across all categories
- F1: Lowest scores in all categories
Cockroach Repellent Effectiveness:
- F3: ~75% reduction in cockroach presence
- F2: ~60% reduction
- F1: ~40% reduction
Panelists preferred F3 for its stronger, longer-lasting aroma and thicker texture, which was associated with better performance. Although darker in color, F3 was still rated highest overall, suggesting that users associated its appearance with effectiveness.
Real-World Impact: A Dual-Function Household Solution
The findings demonstrate that a single natural product can address two common household problems: odor and pests. This dual-function approach offers several benefits:
- Health and Safety: Reduces exposure to synthetic chemicals and indoor pollutants
- Environmental Sustainability: Utilizes renewable marine resources and agricultural waste
- Cost Efficiency: Combines two functions—air freshening and pest control—into one product
- Local Economic Value: Supports the use of Indonesian seaweed and citrus by-products
The study also aligns with global trends toward eco-friendly consumer goods and circular resource use. By transforming waste materials into functional products, the research contributes to sustainable innovation in household technology.
Academic Insight
Rahmawati Saleh, the corresponding author from Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Pangkajene Kepulauan, emphasized that the balance of ingredients is critical. The research demonstrates that “the formulation with higher seaweed extract not only improved repellency performance but also achieved the highest level of user acceptance,” highlighting the importance of integrating function and sensory quality in product design.
Author Profiles
- Fifi Arfini – Researcher, Fish Processing and Preservation, Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Pangkajene Kepulauan
- Andi Santi – Lecturer, Agricultural Technology, Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Pangkajene Kepulauan
- Rahmawati Saleh – Corresponding Author, Agricultural Technology, expert in food and natural product processing
- Mita Gebriella Inthe – Researcher, Agricultural Technology
- Dian Munawarah – Researcher, Agricultural Technology
All authors are affiliated with the Department of Agricultural Technology, Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Pangkajene Kepulauan, South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
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