The increasing concerns associated with the excessive use of synthetic pesticides, including environmental contamination, pest resistance and adverse effects on non-target organisms, have intensified the search for sustainable alternatives for insect pest management. Botanical oils derived from tree-borne oilseed species possess a wide range of bioactive compounds with insecticidal, antifeedant, repellent and growth-regulating properties, making them promising candidates for eco-friendly pest control. The present study evaluated the efficacy of oil-based preformulations of Mahua oil (Madhuca longifolia) and Jatropha oil (Jatropha curcas) against Patialus tecomella, an important defoliating insect associated with Tecomella undulata plantations in arid and semi-arid regions of India. Laboratory bioassays were conducted to assess the effects of different concentrations of the formulations on larval mortality and feeding behaviour. The results demonstrated varying levels of insecticidal activity among the tested formulations, indicating the potential of botanical oils as effective biopesticidal agents. The observed bioactivity may be attributed to the presence of secondary metabolites, fatty acids and other bioactive constituents known to interfere with insect physiology and metabolism. The findings highlight the potential integration of Mahua and Jatropha oil pre-formulations into environmentally sustainable pest management programs.