Green Management Strategies for Cochliomyia hominivorax Myiasis: Potential of Essential Oils and Nanodelivery Systems

Abstract

Simple Summary Myiasis is a disease caused by fly larvae that feed on the living tissue of animals and, occasionally, humans, causing severe wounds, reduced animal welfare, and significant economic losses. Current control relies mainly on chemical insecticides, whose extensive use has promoted insecticide resistance and environmental concerns. Plant essential oils (EOs) are promising natural alternatives because of their insecticidal and repellent properties, but their instability limits practical application. Nanotechnology-based delivery systems can protect these compounds, improving their stability, prolonging their activity, and enhancing their biological efficacy. This review summarizes current knowledge on essential oils and nanocarrier systems for the control of myiasis-causing flies, with emphasis on the New World screwworm. Although further studies are needed to validate these approaches under field conditions, they represent a promising and more sustainable strategy for myiasis prevention and management in veterinary and human health.