The Biological Control of Pests Research Unit is engaged in basic and applied research for mass-production and delivery of biological agents to control agricultural and urban insects, plant diseases, and invasive weeds. We advance the science and technology of mass production methods and technologies, including technologies for harvest, processing, stabilization, formulation, packaging, storage, and delivery of quality-assured biological control agents. Our goal is to reduce the use of chemicals and deliver safer agricultural products through applying our discoveries in integrated pest management programs. Our research also contributes to the management of specific pests for the improvement and implementation of regional fire ant management programs, including the development and delivery of new management tools for the sustainable reduction of imported fire ant populations.