The Entomology Unit carries out entomological studies focusing in particular on testing of insecticides and insecticidal products for mosquito vector control. The unit has an insectary that is used for rearing mosquitoes. Strains reared are:

1. Anopheles gambiae s.s. - susceptible to all insecticides.
2. An. gambiae s.s. - pyrethroid resistant.
3. An. arabiensis - partially resistant pyrethroids that is maintained in the laboratory as F1 generation from daily wild collections.
4. Culex quinquefasciatus - pyrethroid susceptible.
5. Cx. quinquefasciatus pyrethroid resistant.
6. Aedes aegypti - susceptible to all insecticides.

The unit is involved in laboratory (WHO Phase 1) and field (WHO Phase 2) evaluation of new insecticides and formulations for bed net treatment and indoor residual spraying and long-lasting treatment kits for nets, and other materials e.g. treated blankets and sheets for emergencies and disasters. The unit uses field sites about 15 km from Moshi town to test the performance of insecticides. Additionally the unit also carries biochemical studies of insecticide resistance mechanisms in Anopheles and Culex mosquitoes.

The Entomology Unit currently offers laboratory and experimental hut evaluation of vector control products as sub-contractual activities