【Aim】 To investigate the insecticidal effect of four nicotine receptor agonists against pine wood nematode, Bursapherenchus xylophilus. 【Method】The nematicidal activity was measured on pine branches of Pinus massoniana grown in hydroponics. The effects of nicotinic receptor agonists in aqueous solution were examined on the activities of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), catalase (CAT), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in B. xylophilus. 【Result】 Levamisole hydrochloride (LH), tetraimidazole hydrochloride (TH), nicotine (N), and thiophene pyrimidine tartrate (TPT) had significant toxic activity against B. xylophilus. The LC₅₀ values of the four drugs were 0.09, 0.31, 0.08, and 0.14 mg·mL^-1, respectively, when immersed in water for 48 h. The results of the hydroponic experiments after 12 d showed that the pine branches in the LH, TH, N, and CK treatment groups did not suffer from the disease (index-0). Some branches and leaves in the TPT treatment group turned yellow, with a disease index of 31%. The branches and leaves of "CK+nematode" pine completely turned yellow and wilted, with a disease index of 100%. ATP, CAT, AChE, and SOD activities in B. xylophilus treated with nicotinic receptor agonists (LH, TH, N, and TPT) for 48 h were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 In conclusion, nicotinic receptor agonists (LH, TH, N, and TPT) have potential as good biological controls against B. xylophilus, and have the prospect of further in-depth research, development, and utilization.