The present invention utilizes the pre-sporulation (preconidial) mycelial
stage of entomopathogenic fungi as insect attractants and/or pathogens.
The fungus can be cultivated on grain, wood, agricultural wastes or other
cellulosic material, attracting the insect and optionally introducing
insect-specific pathogenic fungi. More than one fungus and substrate can
be used in combination. The matrix of preconidial fungi can optionally be
dried, freeze-dried, cooled and/or pelletized and packaged and
reactivated for use as an effective insect attractant and/or
biopesticide. Attractant extracts of the preconidial entomopathogenic
mycelium are disclosed.