The utility of Ocimum basilicum, Perilla frutescens, and Mentha spicata essential oils to control larvae and engorged female Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks on dogs.

Abstract

The study evaluated the larvicidal and reproductive effects of essential oils from Ocimum basilicum, Perilla frutescens, and Mentha spicata on engorged female Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks. Adult immersion and larval packet assays were used to evaluate their larvicidal efficacy and impact on tick reproductive abilities. For tick larvae, Perilla frutescens essential oil had the highest 50% lethal dose of 1.89 mg/mL, followed by Ocimum basilicum at 1.58 mg/mL, and Mentha spicata at 1.07 mg/mL. Regarding adult ticks, although Mentha spicata essential oil had the lowest reduced oviposition value, it showed the highest product efficacy. Overall, all tested essential oils effectively killed tick larvae and influenced the reproductive capacity of engorged female ticks, with Mentha spicata essential oil being the most potent.