Assessment of the insecticidal activity of five essential oils used against the subterranean termite Reticulitermes lucifugus (Rossi) (Blattodea, Rhinotermitidae) in laboratory

Among Reticulitermes genus the most abundant species living in Italy is Reticulitermes lucifugus Rossi. This termite is very dangerous to wooden structures of artistic heritage and buildings. The traditional control of R. lucifugus is very difficult resulting in negatively impact on the environment, therefore the use of phytochemical, such as essential oils (EOs), could lead to an alternative to synthetic insecticides, with advantages in reducing environmental risks. In this work we investigated the insecticidal activity of EOs of Citrus bergamia Risso, Syzygium aromaticum L., Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Pelargonium odoratissimum L., and Origanum vulgare L. by inhalation against R. lucifugus …