Adulticidal activity against housefly (Musca domestica L.; Muscidae: Diptera) of eucalyptol, limonene, and their combined formulation

Abstract

The insecticidal potency of eucalyptol, limonene, and a combined formulation against housefly (Musca domestica) was evaluated and compared to that of cypermethrin, a common synthetic insecticide. The knockdown and mortality rates were determined by a standard susceptibility assay recommended by World Health Organization. The tested concentrations of eucalyptol and limonene were 1, 5, and 10%, while the combined formulation was 5% eucalyptol + 5% limonene. The highest efficacy (100% mortality rate) was provided by the combined formulation (5% eucalyptol + 5% limonene). Both individual essential oil constituents provided a mortality rate ranging from 10.7-82.0% and a knockdown rate ranging from 8.0-81.3%. Most importantly, the 5% eucalyptol + 5% limonene combined formulation provided as high a mortality and knockdown rate as that of 10% cypermethrin. Therefore, it has a good potential as a safer and equivalently effective, natural product alternative to cypermethrin.