Plant essential oils (EOs) are produced commercially from several botanical sources, mainly from members of the mint family. Some EOs have been recognized as a natural source of pesticides as they have many compounds that adversely affect growth and development and alter feeding, mating and oviposition behaviors. EO- based pesticides find their way to the market and their stability can be influenced through microencapsulation or nanoencapsulation. EOs are advantageous due to their low mammalian toxicity, eco-safety, no development of resistance, low cost of the active ingredients, reduced number of applications, higher popularity with organic growers and environmentally conscious consumers, and suitability for urban areas, homes and other sensitive areas such as schools, restaurants, and hospitals. EOs can be used as an alternative to synthetic insecticides or along with other insecticides under integrated pest control management for pests of medical, veterinary and agriculture importance. Thus, essential oils could make their way from the traditional into the modern insecticidal domain.