Oregano is the common name for Origanum vulgare, which is in the family Lamiaceae, also known as the mint family. There are several related species in the genus Origanum, including Origanum majorana, sweet marjoram. The flavors of oregano are prized around the world.

Oregano is rich in fragrant oils, which provide its distinct smell and flavor. The primary components of oregano essential oils are carvacrol and thymol. While we mostly appreciate these oils when we’re cooking, the plants evolved to produce these compounds for a very different purpose. Like many other fragrant, oil-rich plants, oregano uses these oils to defend itself and deter herbivores. By extracting the essential oil of these plants, we can harness the power of these natural compounds. The essential oil of oregano is effective against numerous pests and pathogens. The components of oregano oil disrupt the pest’s cell membrane, increasing membrane permeability. This leads to a reduction in protein synthesis and other widespread physiological changes, inhibiting the pest’s normal development.

Pest species which can be treated effectively with oregano oil:

• Nezara viridula, the Southern green stink bug

• Camptomyia corticalis

• Spodoptera littoralis, the Egyptian cotton leafworm

• Tetranychus cinnabarinus, the carmine spider mite

• Tenebrio molitor, the yellow mealworm beetle

• Rhizopertha dominica, the lesser grain borer

• Alphitobius diaperinus, the lesser mealworm beetle

• Drosophila melanogaster, the common fruit fly

• Callosobruchus maculatus, the cowpea weevil

• Ceratitis capitata, the Mediterranean fruit fly

• Tetranychus urticae, the red spider mite

• Sitophilus granarius, the wheat weevil

• Tribolium confusum, the confused flour beetle