A monoterpenoid, benzylideneacetone (BZA), is synthesized by an entomopathogenic bacterium, Xenorhabdus nematophila K1, and known to suppress insect immune responses by inhibiting phospholipase A2(PLA2). This was designed to test its effect of insect digestion by oral administration. The beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua, was tested by treating its artificial diet with different doses of BZA. The second instar larval were treated with the diets and monitored in their pupation, pupal weight, and adult emergence. BZA gave significant adverse effects on the larval development and subsequent adult metamorphosis. Digestive lumen of the fifth instar larval of S. exigua possessed activity, which was significant inhibited by BZA. These results support that BZA can be developed as a novel feeding deterrent.