The essential oils extracted from six plants from Kabylia (Algeria), namely Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus radiata, Myrtus communis, Salvia officinalis, Laurus nobilis and Pistacia lentiscus, were analysed by gas chromatography (GC/MS). Their biological activity was assessed on a pest destructive of stored products, Callosobruchus maculatus on cowpea (Vigna unguicultata). The results showed that these oils have two monoterpene compounds in common: alpha-pinene and beta-pinene in different proportions. The bio-tests were conducted through contact, fumigation and repellency, under laboratory conditions. All the oils tested proved to be active, and the most significant action was the inhibition of oviposition during the tests through contact at a dose of 12 mu l/50 g of bean seed. The essential oil of E. globulus caused 50% mortality in adult C. maculatus at 24 hours at a dose of 4 mu l/l of air in fumigation tests. In addition, the essential oils tested were highly repellent towards adult C. maculatus at a dose of 16 mu l.