Abstract
INTRODUCTION: In Brazil, the Aedes aegypti mosquito is considered the primary vector of arboviral diseases, such as Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya. Effective mosquito population control is crucial for reducing the transmission of these diseases. In this study, we investigated the toxicity of Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) peel essential oil (EO) on A. aegypti larvae under laboratory conditions. METHODS: Ten larvae, in duplicate, at L3 and L4 stages were exposed to different concentrations of the EO (0.2 mg mL-1, 0.5 mg mL-1, and 1 mg mL-1), and the survival rate was assessed at predetermined time intervals (1h, 2h, 4h, 24h, and 48h). RESULTS: The results demonstrated that the EO of C. sinensis was toxic to mosquito larvae at all tested concentrations, with a decrease in survival rate observed as the EO concentration increased. CONCLUSIONS: The EO of C. sinensis showed promising potential as an alternative for larval control of A. aegypti. However, further studies on its bioavailability, stability, and formulation optimization are needed to confirm its viability and to develop sustainable delivery systems.