Larvicidal activity of Eucalyptus globulus L., Lavandula angustifolia L., Cymbopogon citratus L. and Citrus sinensis L. + Illicium verum L. essential oils against an invasive drain fly Clogmia albipunctata (Williston, 1893)
Larvicidal activity of Eucalyptus globulus L., Lavandula angustifolia L., Cymbopogon citratus L. and Citrus sinensis L. + Illicium verum L. essential oils against an invasive drain fly Clogmia albipunctata (Williston, 1893)
- Author(s) Beáta Baranová and Jozef Obona
- Year: 2024
- Month: March
- Volume: 61
- Pages: 153-164
Larvae of an invasive drain fly Clogmia albipunctata can survive in the drains of sinks in households and poses a risk to human health through the mechanical transmission of various multidrug-resistant bacteria and pathogens. We studied if the commercially available essential oils used for household cleaning could limit their survival in homes. We exposed third instar larvae from our own lab colony to 4 essential oils [Eucalyptus globulus L., Lavandula angustifolia L., Cymbopogon citratus L. and Citrus sinensis L. + Illicium verum L.] in 2.85, 5.7 and 8.55 µL/mL concentrations in mixture with water, 8 % acetic acid (vinegar) diluted in water (1:6) and 2 % DMSO. The lemongrass essential oil was most effective followed by eucalyptus, lavender and orange + badian essential oils. The efficacy of essential oils depended on the concentration, time of exposure and the carrier type. Drain fly larvae were very sensitive to even short time exposure to these essential oils which can help reduce their numbers in homes.
