INSECTARY

INTRODUCTION
In accordance to the mandate of the University of Nairobi, The School of Biological Sciences Insectary
exists to offer academic and research support to students. This is achieved by the supply of insects for
teaching purposes during practical sessions. In addition, the Insectary also maintains the quality of
insects by continuously monitoring in-breeding and mitigating against it by conducting field collections
to strengthen the insect colonies.
CONTAINMENT
The Insectary is located behind the SBS Block I, which has very low traffic offering a secondary barrier to
easy access to the facility. The doors of the Insectary are also screened, to eliminate the risk of escape of
the insects. Some of the primary barriers used in the Insectary include the gloves and use of lab-coats
when working. In case of accidental escape of insects, they are killed if caught, or the Insectary personnel
should be notified as soon as possible.
INSECTS REARED
The Insectary is a rearing unit for Locust, Schistocerca gregaria, Cockroach Americana periplanata, and
Mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti. These are the basic and available through all season insects approved for
rearing for the purpose of teaching. However, the insectary has the capacity to rear other insects such as
Fall Army Worm, Cricket, Anopheles gambiae and Culex mosquitoes subject to research needs, human
resources, and budget allocation.