Abstract: Applicant's invention relates to a new class of ‘green’ insecticides for controlling agricultural, medical and veterinary pests. Applicants have identified and optimized natural compounds derived from Madagascan plants that exhibit insecticidal activity on important insect vectors (e.g., mosquitoes) and agricultural pests (e.g., soybean aphids). Plants of the genera Canellaceae, more specifically Cinnamosma, are shown herein to possess sesquiterpene compounds useful for compositions herein. The invention includes novel pesticide compositions, optimized components and methods of use.