<p><i>Sitophilus oryzae</i>, also known as the rice weevil, is one of the most important insect pests, causing both qualitative and quantitative losses to rice. However, the use of chemical pesticides over the last five decades has not only controlled insect pests but also impacted non-target species. The use of biopesticides as an alternative to chemical pesticides is a promising approach. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the pesticidal potential of 1-octen-3-ol against <i>S. oryzae</i>. The results of the present study revealed that 1-octen-3-ol possessed strong pesticidal activity against adult <i>S. oryzae</i>, resulting in complete mortality at 60 µL/L air for 24&#xa0;h. The LC₂₀ and LC₅₀ values were found to be 16.77 and 30.29 µL/L air, respectively. Moreover, exposure to 1-octen-3-ol was associated with negative impacts on the reproductive and developmental parameters of <i>S. oryzae</i>. LC₅₀ treatment resulted in a significant reduction in the weight of pupa and adult as well as the percentage of pupation, emergence, and egg hatchability. A marked elevation in carbohydrate (15.13&#xa0;µg/mg) and lipid (36.2&#xa0;µg/mg) levels was noted in the surviving adults exposed to the LC₅₀ concentration of 1-octen-3-ol. Significant inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity was also recorded in treated <i>S. oryzae</i> exposed to 1-octen-3-ol. Additionally, treatment with 1-octen-3-ol at LC₂₀ and LC₅₀ concentrations influenced growth-regulating pathways, associated with downregulation of <i>Cyclin E</i> and InR and upregulation of 4EBP and FOXO genes. These results indicate that 1-octen-3-ol, a highly effective pesticide against <i>S. oryzae</i> and holds great potential for the management of stored-product pests.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>