Insecticidal activity of Ocimum basilicum essential oils against a species of mosquitoes Culiseta longiareolata (Diptera: Culicidae)

The objective was to evaluate the pupicidal and adulticidal activities of Ocimum basilicum (Lamiaceae) essential oil against a species of mosquito, Culiseta longiareolata (Diptera: Culicidae). During laboratory experiments according to World Health Organization protocols 100% mortality rate was reached after 1 h with concentrations of 150 µL/L air. Regarding the adulticidal activity, the LC₅₀ equal to 44.72 µL/L air. In addition, an increase in catalase and decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity was recorded after treatment of the pupae with essential oil of O. basilicum.