The present invention relates to a wick for volatile substance evaporators formed from a strip (1) of wood and characterized in that the strip (1) has a height comprised between 120 mm and 170 mm, a width between 40 and 80 mm, in the widest part thereof, and a thickness between 1.5 mm and 3 mm. A more constant rate of evaporation of a fragrance or insecticide and a more balanced diffusion of fragrance or insecticide together with a greater intensity of the fragrance or of the insecticide efficacy in the room to be freshened or protected are achieved.