Lemon peel oil extract as mosquito larvicide.

Tests on lemon peel oil extract as a mosquito larvicide were carried out. The oil was found to be toxic on larvae, pupae and eggs of Culex quinquefasciatus. The oil also fulfilled other required specifications like suitable specific gravity, spreading pressure and viscosity. It was also toxic at a wide pH range, stable to heat and light in terms of chemical change which could alter larvicidal action. However, it was volatile and did not form a permanent film on water surfaces for long periods. This affected the larvicidal action.