Abstract: An experiment was conducted in 2011 to assess key insect pests associated with stored maize, the damage and loss they cause, efficacy of selected botanicals on the key insect pest (weevil) and the health of maize seeds. More than 50 representative farm stores were assessed in Jimma zone of Oromia National State to collect maize seeds. From the survey, seventeen arthropods (thirteen from Coleopteran, three from Lepidoptera and one from Acarina) were documented. Among all pests the challenge caused by a cosmopolitan storage insect pest, the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky) was economically very important. Despite differences in storage practices (indoor and outdoor storages) and the use of different containers for seed storage, the insect pest “Weevil” heavily infested seeds stored under both major storage practices. Also none of the storage practices and containers used by the farmers prevents weevil infestation. Maximum numbers (mean of 70.45) of maize weevils per 100 g of maize seeds were recorded followed by grain moth (11.26) and rice weevil (9.06). Quantitative weight losses ranging from 35.33-91.67% were common and the rate of loss reaches its maximum within six months (80.16% on average) after initial storage. This devastating damage and loss, mainly caused by weevils, prompted to screen some locally available botanicals known to have potential insecticidal properties. The results of the efficacy study showed that the three plant products (Chenopodium sp. whole plant powder, Nicotiana sp. leaf powder and Maesa lanceolata leaf powder) of screened botanicals have high efficacy in controlling weevil by causing adult weevil mortality (22.22-66.67%) and reducing emergence of new progeny from 80% to 28% (Chenopodium), 36% (Nicotiana) and 40% (M. lanceolata). It is recommended that integrated method of weevil management should receive high priority to prevent damage and losses incurred. The management practices should focus on further developing these botanicals and integrating weevil tolerant traits in maize breeding. There is strong need for training of farmers in all aspects of insect pest management.