Behavioral responses of bed bug (Cimex lectularius L.) to the botanical insecticides eugenol and geraniol

Eugenol and Geraniol are the principal active compound in the most popular plant-derived insecticides. However, the effect on insects has not been widely studied. The objective of this investigation is to prove the repellency effects of Eugenol and Geraniol in Cimex lectularis and the duration of these botanical products through 24 h. The distance, frequency and duration of the insects that were exposed to 1ml of 1% diluted solution of Eugenol and Geraniol for 10 minutes was significantly lower than the parameters registered in control. There were no statistical differences detected between Eugenol and Geraniol. The effect of the fresh residue was compared with the 24 h aged residue. There is no significant difference between them. We demonstrated that bed bugs are repelled to these botanical insecticides and they still work after 24 h of the application.