** AWARDS ISSUED PRIOR TO JANUARY 20, 2025, WERE FUNDED UNDER PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATIONS AND MAY NOT REFLECT THE PRIORITIES AND POLICIES OF THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION.** INSECTS REMAIN PLAGUES OF HUMANITY. BILLIONS ARE LOST IN AGRICULTURE TO INSECTS. INSECT INVASIONS REDUCE FOOD SECURITY. WE NEED SUSTAINABLE TOOLS TO CONTROL INSECT POPULATIONS. BIOCONTROL IS ONE OPTION. LITTER BEETLES ARE UBIQUITOUS PESTS OF POULTRY FARMS THAT TRANSMIT DISEASES INCLUDING SALMONELLA, CAMPYLOBACTER, ENTERIC VIRUSES, HETERAKIS NEMATODES, AND HISTOMONAS (AMONG OTHERS). THE SPECIFIC GOAL OF THIS PROPOSAL IS TO DEVELOP REPRODUCTIVE BIOCONTROL FOR LITTER BEETLES. OUR LONG-TERM GOAL IS TO ERADICATE LITTER BEETLES FROM THE POULTRY INDUSTRY USING WOLBACHIA CI.