Article

Mosquitoes, as primary vectors of numerous life-threatening diseases, have shown increasing resistance to conventional chemical pesticides, necessitating the development of alternative, eco-friendly control strategies. This study investigates the larvicidal efficacy of a natural essential oil (EOs) blend comprising citronella, clove, eucalyptus, garlic, and neem oils against Aedes aegypti larvae. The essential oil mixture was assessed through bioassays using treatment concentrations of 25, 50, 75, and 100 parts per million (ppm), with 20 Aedes aegypti larvae introduced into each test solution. Mortality rates were recorded after 24 hours, and the lethal concentration (LC₅₀) values were calculated using probit analysis. Results indicated that the EOs mixture exhibited significant larvicidal activity, with the most effective concentration being 50 ppm, corresponding to an LC₅₀ value of 53.41. This study not only underscores the potential of essential oil-based larvicides as effective, non-toxic, and environmentally sustainable alternatives but also demonstrates their practical application in the formulation of mosquito repellent sticks. These findings contribute to the growing body of research promoting natural vector control methods that are both economical and ozone-friendly.