Evaluation of Fumigant Toxicity of Eucalyptus globulus Essential oil (Family: Myrtaceae) against the Mechanical Vector, American Cockroach, Periplaneta Americana (Linnaeus, 1758) (Blattodea: Blattidae)

The American cockroach, Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus, 1758), one of the largest and most resilient cockroach species, possess significant threats to public health and food safety due to its ability to transmit diseases and contaminate food. The widespread application of chemical pesticides to control cockroach infestations raises significant public health concerns due to its residual toxicity. The continued use of insecticides results in resistance development in cockroach populations which demands alternative pest management strategies wherein the chemical insecticides were completely restricted in human dwelling areas such as apartments, hospitals, restaurants and food preparation areas. The plant’s diverse profile of bioactive compounds and secondary metabolites, coupled with its complex nature, renders it a promising natural resource for the development of safe alternative against cockroach management. The median lethal dosage LD50 of E. globulus essential oil was found to be 16.74784 µL against the male American Cockroach, P. americana analysed using probit analysis. The present study was conducted to evaluate the fumigant toxicity of eucalyptus essential oil (Eucalyptus globulus) against the male American Cockroach, Periplaneta americana in a laboratory experiment. Five different doses of E. globulus essential oil 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 µL against male American Cockroach, P. americana were evaluated and compared to the untreated control (negative control). Results, indicated a dose dependent response with 100 per cent mortality achieved at 50 µL of eucalyptus essential oil followed by 40 (80%), 30 (60%), 20 (46.67%) and 5 (26.67) µL. The Eucalyptus globulus essential oil can be used as a potent fumigant against the male American Cockroach, P. americana which is an ecofriendly management of cockroach infestation.