Can Oregano Kill Insects

Known as a culinary herb that’s often used in pizzas, soups, salads, casseroles and sauces, oregano (Origanum vulgare) can double as an insect repellent to protect your plants. It’s believed that insects dislike the herb’s aromatic oils.

What insects does oregano repel?

Oregano oil is considered as an excellent antiseptic and insect repellent. It has some active ingredients such as carvacrol, thymol and α-terpinene reported being highly effective in repelling mosquitoes (32, 33).

Is oregano a natural pesticide?

Oregano, a member of the Lamiaceae family of plants, has long been renowned as a natural insecticide. It appears to work by inhibiting egg laying and larval development but this is the first time it has been looked at as a viable alternative for synthetic insecticides.