AbstractBACKGROUNDFrequent application of chemical fumigants has contributed to the development of resistance in stored‐product pests. Essential oils provide a novel and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional chemical pesticides. In this work, the fumigant activity of Taxodium ‘zhongshansha’ essential oil (TZEO) and main active components against Sitophilus zeamais were evaluated. In addition, the molecular mechanisms mediating the fumigant activity of limonene were assessed.RESULTSTZEO showed strong fumigant activity against Sitophilus zeamais, with a 50% lethal concentration (LC50) of 22.90 μL L−1 air in 24 h. The main components of TZEO were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, the main active ingredient (limonene) showed an LC50 of 9.93 μL L−1 air in 24 h which had a serious dose‐time‐effect. The LC50 value of the positive control (aluminum phosphide) was 1.91 μL L−1. In total, 3982 up‐regulated and 3067 down‐regulated genes were sequenced in limonene‐fumigated Sitophilus zeamais, the genes related to metabolic detoxification were significantly enriched. The mortality rate of 7 day‐old Sitophilus zeamais adult mediated with knockdown of SzCYP6MS5 and SzCYP6MS6 raised up to 65.67% and 67.65% after fumigation with limonene in 24 h, respectively. The results showed that SzCYP6MS5 and SzCYP6MS6 are closely involved to the detoxification of limonene.CONCLUSIONIn this study, candidate genes affected by limonene treatment in Sitophilus zeamais were identified. These findings provided insights into the systemic metabolic response of Sitophilus zeamais to limonene and established a basis for the development of limonene as a botanical pesticide for the control of stored‐product pests. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.