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The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), is considered a major pest for crucifers in Malaysia. New control materials are constantly required as P. xylostella population develops resistance to most of the insecticides used against them. In this study, vinegar derived from Azadirachta excelsa (Jack) Jacobs was evaluated against the third-instar larvae of P. xylostella and an appropriate application dose required to control the pest was determined in the laboratory trial. Results indicated A. excelsa vinegar to be a useful control measure, significantly reducing P. xylostella leaf consumption and adult size of P. xylostella. Interestingly, mortality rate of larval, pupae and adult was significantly increased by the application of A. excelsa vinegar. An in-diet EC50 of 80× against larvae was achieved, whilst obvious defects in adult moth were also recorded. The results indicate that A. excelsa vinegar exhibits potential to be used against P. xylostella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]