Abstract Bioactivity of nine essential oils (EOs) was studied on Anagasta kuehniella eggs in relation to the longevity of females, parasitism and emergence rates and sex ratio in the generations parental, F1 and F2 of Trichogramma galloi in comparison to a trade formulation of Azadirachta indica. There was no F1 and F2 progeny with Zingiber officinale being the most harmful. The greatest reductions in the parasitism rates (57, 43 and 28%) in the parental generation was caused by Allium sativum, Carapa guianensis and A. indica, respectively. In addition, A. sativum reduced the longevity (4.7 days) in the parental generation and emergence (33%) of F1. Tested EOs did not affect the sex ratio in the generations F1 and F2 and emergence in the F2. Allium sativum and Z. officinale were non-selective to T. galloi; while A. indica, C. guianensis and P. nigrum oils may compromise the progeny; therefore, their use must be avoided. Citrus sinensis, Mentha piperita, Origanum vulgare, Syzygium aromaticum and Thymus vulgare were selective to T. galloi, and these EOs are promising for IPM programs.