Essential and Fixed Oils from Plants: A Natural Approach to Mosquito Management

Vector-borne diseases account for more than 17% of global infectious diseases and are responsible for approximately 700,000 deaths annually, as reported by the World Health Organization. Mosquitoes serve as major vectors for diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and malaria. Continuous exposure to synthetic mosquito repellents has raised serious concerns regarding their toxic effects on human health and the environment. This has encouraged the exploration of herbal alternatives with effective repellent and Larvicidal properties. The present review focuses on medicinal plants containing essential and fixed oils with proven mosquito control activity. A systematic literature survey was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Research Gate, and Science Direct. Essential oils from catmint, sandalwood, thyme, marigold, rosemary, basil, cinnamon, clove, lemongrass, and peppermint showed strong mosquito repellent and Larvicidal effects. Additionally, fixed oils such as neem oil and karanj oil also demonstrated significant repellency. Most studies were performed against Aedes aegypti, Anopheles Stephens, and Culex quinquefasciatus. Phytochemical investigations revealed the presence of bioactive compounds including camphor, pinene, 1,8-cineole, camphene, and borneol, which are responsible for mosquito control activity. The review highlights the potential of developing synergistic formulations using essential oils incorporated into fixed oils as safe, effective, and eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic mosquito repellents.