Efficacy of Mentha piperita (Peppermint), Azadirachta indica (Neem), Syzygium aromaticum (Clove), Brassica nigra (Mustard) oils on termites

Termites are detritophagous insects feeding on plant parts and wood component of building causing great loss thus, they are important to be managed. The use of pesticides of plant origin in pest management is considered to be environment friendly unlike synthetic pesticides that poses great threat to the environment. In this research, efficacy comparison of different Botanical oils (Mentha piperita, Azadirachta indica, Syzygium aromaticum, Brassica nigra) regarding their anti-termite activity was calculated. The Botanical oils were tested for their insecticidal activity by exposing termites to oil. The study involves four treatment groups with varying concentration of oils (0.5 ml, 1 ml), each group consisted of 15 termites. The number of mortalities (mean± S.E.) after treatment was calculated and analyzed. The Botanical oils were effective in killing termites. 1 ml Botanical oil of Mentha piperita shows highest average mortality. The results suggested that these essential oils had beneficial activities of economic value for the development of new or latest and safe termite control product.