Carlina acaulis and Trachyspermum ammi essential oils formulated in protein baits are highly toxic and reduce aggressiveness in the medfly, Ceratitis capitata

•No information is available on the effects of essential oil (EO) exposure on insect aggressive traits.•Carlina acaulis and Trachyspermum ammi EOs were analysed by GC–MS, and formulated in protein baits for medfly control.•Both EO-based protein baits were toxic to medflies (LC50=1094 and 3963 ppm, respectively).•Medflies fed on protein baits containing EO LC10 and LC30 displayed shorter and less frequent aggressions.•Both EOs have a key potential for developing attract & kill tools, with major sublethal effects on medfly aggressiveness.