The antibiofilm activity of 10 terpenes was tested in vitro against three Candida species by 24-h treatment of biofilms aged 1-5 days. Treatment of 24-h-old Candida albicans biofilms with carvacrol, geraniol or thymol (0.06%) resulted in >80% inhibition. Carvacrol (0.03%) inhibition was > or =75% independent of the age of the C. albicans biofilm. Carvacrol (0.125%) inhibition was >75% against Candida glabrata and Candida parapsilosis biofilms. Geraniol (> or =0.125%) and thymol (0.06% or 0.125%) inhibition was >75% against C. parapsilosis biofilms whatever their age. This study demonstrates the antibiofilm activity of terpenes and points out the exceptional efficiency of carvacrol, geraniol and thymol, which could represent candidates in the treatment of candidiasis associated with medical devices.