The analysis, by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, of the essential oils extracted from six conifers showed that the monoterpene family is predominant and that the major component was pinene. In contact tests, at a dose of 50 µl essential oil/50 g of seed, all essential oils affected very significantly the longevity, fecundity and emergence of Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). In inhalation tests, after 24 h of exposure at a dose of 37.5 µl essential oil, Cupressus sempervirens originating from Algeria and Tunisia caused 100 % mortality in adults of C. maculatus. In repulsivity tests, Tetraclinis articulata of Tunisian origin was very efficient at a rate of 94 %. There was no secondary effect on Vigna unguiculata seeds treated with the highest doses (50 and 75 µl of essential oils), as evidenced by weight and germination capacity.