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Mission

Our mission is to import, quarantine, test, ship, release and establish exotic natural enemies (parasites and predators) of insect pests, using classical biological control approaches, and to investigate, model, and predict the interactions of pest and beneficial species. The Laboratory houses a quarantine facility where beneficial insects from abroad are received and processed to detect and eliminate undesirable secondary parasites. The laboratory's efforts have traditionally been directed against insect pests of foreign origin. After receiving natural enemies from the native home of the invading species, the beneficial insects are colonized in the United States to control the pest. Once established, these natural enemies are self-perpetuating and control the invasive host without further cost.
The Beneficial Insects Introduction Research Unit is located in Newark, DE and is part of the Northeast Area.
The Acting Research Leader is Jo Anne Crouch.
Email: joanne.crouch@usda.gov
Phone: (240) 405-6225
Fax: (240)-405-6225
BENEFICIAL INSECTS INTRODUCTION RESEARCH UNIT
501 SOUTH CHAPEL STREET
Newark, DE 19713