To obtain an insecticide which is used for grains / dry foods, has sufficient insecticidal potencies against grain insect pests / dry food insect pests, has high safety for human bodies, and can easily be used even in ordinary homes.

The insecticide for the grains / dry foods comprises one or more compounds selected from caryophyllene, eugenol, methyl chabicol, methyl cinnamate, and p-cymene. The method for controlling the insect pests of the grains / dry foods is characterized by applying the insecticide for the grains / dry foods to a place for preserving or storing the grains / dry foods.