Insecticidal activity of Citrus aurantium and Eucalyptus globulus essential oils and their major constituents against nymphs and adults of Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer

Abstract

The results showed that every tested EO and its constituents exhibited a higher pediculocidal activity against nymphs and adults of P. humanus capitis than 25% (w/v) benzyl benzoate did. In particular, 5% 1,8-cineole exhibited the highest insecticidal effects against P. humanus capitis nymphs and adults with 100% mortality rate at 1 min with an LT50 of 0.2 min and an LC50 of 0.7%. The other EO formulations provided a mortality rate ranging from 0-96.0% and an LT50 ranging 0.3-315.9 min against nymphs. Against the adults, the mortality rate ranged from 12.0-96.0% with an LT50 ranging from 1.2-314.5 min. Our data showed that 1,8-cineole has a great potential to control head lice populations and should be further developed into a safe and effective pediculicide.