The use of botanical pesticides in pest management is considered to be environmentally safe compared to synthetic pesticides. The utilization of these botanical pesticides and their modes of application for effectiveness are of great importance to researchers and farmers. The focus of this study was to determine the anti-termitic efficacy of Neem seed oil, Jatropha seed oil and Palm kernel oil using two methods of application. Five aqueous concentrations, 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 percent of the oil were applied to soil and a food source in plastic cages. Thereafter, thirty adult worker castes of Macrotermes bellicosus were introduced.

The treatments were replicated five times and arranged in a Completely Randomized Design in a dark cupboard. Termite mortality was assessed at 2, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours
after treatment. Data were analysed using ANOVA, LSD at p<0.05 and Probit analysis was carried out to determine the LC50 and LT50 of the different oil. The results showed that termite mortality in both soil and feeding experiments increased with increase in oil concentration and period of exposure to oil.

The estimated values of LC50 and LT50 were lower in soil bioassay than in feeding bioassay. Application of the three plant oils as soil treatment gave a higher and faster termite mortality than when applied directly to food. Hence, soil application of neem seed oil, Jatropha seed oil or /and palm kernel oil could be included in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) component of termites.