Insects are important transmitters of diseases increasingly occurring in peri-urban or urban areas due to the introduction or the reemergence of their respective vectors. Strategies to control diseases transmitted by biological vectors are difficult to implement, especially when associated with the existence of domestic and wild reservoirs and environmental aspects. The use of insecticides against adult forms of dipteran vectors has been frequent. However, the widespread use of synthetic insecticides since the discovery of DDT to control domestic and agricultural pests, as well as vectors that transmit diseases to humans, has led to greater concern for the toxicity and environmental impact of these agents. Moreover, resistance to insecticides has become an increasing concern in agriculture, economy and public health. A large number of different plant species representing different geographical areas around the world have been capable of causing lethal and sublethal effects on insects. This review addresses the use of potential plant extracts to control dipteran vectors of zoonosis.
Diptera; phytochemicals; terpenes; alkaloids; deterrent substance
