The Insectary rears insects and arthropods for teaching and research in the College of Biological Sciences.The Insectary is managed by Mr. George Keeney, Research Associate in the Department of Entomology.

There are over 100 species in the collection, most of which are structural and household pests such as cockroaches, flour beetles, and grain moths. Current research areas include studies in stored products pests such as Indian meal moth found commonly in grain storage and a wide variety of stored processed products like candy and pet foods.

Another project studies integrated pest management using biological control agents like parasitic wasps which attack caterpillars eating stored products. Researchers examine the interactions of the parasitic wasps with each other in attaining a higher degree of pest control with the goal of reducing chemical pesticide usage on stored products. This field of research is important given the ultimate loss of many chemical pesticides, such as methyl bromide, currently used to protect our food supply.

The Insectary's living collection includes specimens of the giant Madagascar Hissing Cockroach, Australian Walking Sticks, scorpions and tarantulas. In addition to supplying insects and arthropods for laboratory exercises and research experimentation, the Insectary also supplies specimens to other insectaries around the country, to the Columbus Zoo, and to local allergy laboratories conducting research for the production of pharmaceuticals in the area of arthropod-induced allergies, such as dust mites, cockroaches, and flies.

The Insectary, in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has played a significant role in the recent reintroduction of the federally endangered American burying beetle, Nicrophorus americanus, to southeastern Ohio.