Screening of insecticidal activity of plant essential oils and extract-based formulations against four agricultural insect pests and their risk assessment

•Botanicals can be considered as good alternatives for conventional insecticides.•Formulations containing thyme white, basil, and rosemary showed insecticidal effect.•They also exhibited low phytotoxicity.•Low oral/dermal toxicity, skin/eye irritation, and fish toxicities were observed.