A liquid composition for controlling a target pest by aerosol application to a space in need thereof is disclosed. The composition comprises a solid insecticide dissolved in a solvent comprising an essential oil or oils, wherein the solid insecticide is selected from the group consisting of pyrethroid, neonicotinoid and halogenated pyrrole insecticides, and wherein the solid insecticide is present at a concentration sufficient to control the target pest. Methods for controlling a target pest by aerosol application to a space in need thereof are also disclosed, such methods comprising the step of aerosolizing the liquid composition, thereby contacting the space with an insecticidally effective amount of the liquid composition.
