Pesticide compositions are provided that comprise microcapsules that contain pirimiphos-methyl and (1) at least one plant essential oil selected from citronella, peppermint oil, d-limonene and abies sibirica or (2) at least one aromatic hydrocarbon solvent, wherein the pirimiphos-methyl is present in said composition in a pesticidally effective amount. The present invention also provides a method for controlling pests (such as mosquitoes and other disease vectors) which comprises applying the compositions of the invention to the target pests, to their locus or to a surface or substrate by brushing, rolling, spraying, spreading or dipping. By way of example, an IRS application of a surface such as a wall, ceiling or floor surface or the treatment of a substrate such as a bed net are contemplated by the method of the invention.