The effect of host resistance and plant-derived insecticides on the mortality of adults of the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais, in maize was determined at ambient temperature (30.7 °C) and relative humidity (70.4%) using a 2-factor factorial arrangement in a Randomized Complete Block Design. Powders of pepper fruit (Dennettia tripetala) seeds, mistletoe (Viscum album) leaf, garlic (Allium sativum) bulbs, and clove (Syzygium aromaticum) inflorescence were applied separately to 2000SYNEE-WSTR (highly resistant to S. zeamais), TZBRCOMP.2C1F1 (resistant), ART/98/SW4-OB (moderately resistant), and PVASYN-3F2 (susceptible) maize varieties at the rates of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g per 20 g of grains. The same rate of permethrin (BEST 0.6% D) and an untreated control were included. A similar experiment was conducted using extracts applied at the rate of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 ml per 20 g of grains with permethrin (BEST 10% EC) and acetone serving as the control treatments. Denettia tripetala and S. aromaticum at 1.0 and 1.5 g or ml per 20 g grains matched the efficacy of permethrin by the 3rd and 4th day post-exposure, irrespective of maize resistance rating. Across test plants and rates of application, the use of botanicals added value significantly in a progressive way to host resistance. There were no variety or variety x protectant interaction effects on mortality of adult S. zeamais observed for four days at concentrations of 0.5–1.5% w/w or ml/ 20 g grains. There is need for further evaluation of the complementary action of varietal resistance and D. tripetala and S. aromaticum under long-duration storage conditions.