Evaluating the Efficacy of Thyme, Camphor, and Eucalyptus Essential Oils as Larvicides Against Aedes Aegypti Mosquitoes

Dengue fever is a significant public health issue in India, affecting millions of people annually. The virus is transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes, and India is among the countries most affected by dengue fever, with an estimated 100 million new cases each year worldwide. Plant essential oils (EOs) are the most preferred phytochemicals to control mosquito larvae. In the present study, the larvicidal efficacy of Thyme, Camphor, and Eucalyptus EOs was investigated against the 4th instar larva of Aedes aegypti. Thyme, Eucalyptus, and Camphor EOs were procured from a local organic shop in Hyderabad. 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 3% oils were prepared using Tween 80 as an emulsifier. A control solution was prepared excluding essential oils. All three tested EOs were proved to be efficient against the 4th instar larvae of Ae. aegypti. However, thyme EO showed better larvicidal efficacy than the remaining two EOs. Thyme, Eucalyptus, and Camphor EOs have the potential to be used as effective larvicides against Ae. aegypti.