Applied entomology meets
Integrated Pest Management
Who we are
Headquartered in Rho (MI), with a secondary location in Sona (VR), LEAA (Laboratory of Applied Agro-Food Entomology) is an independent Research and Development Testing Center dedicated to food safety, providing scientific and technical support in combating stored-product pests, and promoting best practices for prevention. A large team of highly qualified Biologists, Food Technologists, and Agronomists, led since 2012 by Professor Luciano Süss — former Director of the Institute of Entomology at the University of Milan — offers a comprehensive range of high-level services to ensure the safety and quality of food products throughout the entire supply chain, from raw materials to packaging, storage, and distribution of the finished product. The laboratory maintains breeding colonies of pest insects, parasitoids, and predators, which are used to conduct research on the resistance of materials to attacks by voracious and widespread pests, on the objective effectiveness of prevention measures, and on treatments performed using gas, heat, fogging, pressure in autoclaves, and in silos.
Mission
LEAA provides scientific and technical support for prevention against pest infestation and for food safety, combining methodological accuracy with specialized expertise. LEAA conducts alongside laboratory tests and customized solutions; it conducts Research in collaboration with Food Industries, Universities, Researchers, pest control Professionals and biocide Producers publishing improved investigation techniques and supplying data certainity. LEAA services meet international standards of Good Experimental Practice and contributes to achieve higher control standards by the food industry. Services are customized according to real operational needs, helping customers meet regulatory standards, reduce risks, and improve product quality. We believe in turning scientific knowledge into practical tools that protect processes, people, and the environment—because every effective strategy starts with understanding and knowledge
Vision
We imagine the food industries and the entire upstream and downstream supply chain as enormous reservoirs of Vital Energy from which all living beings draw to survive. Here the competition between microscopic beings, arthropods, rodents, birds, etc. is extremely high and constant monitoring based on the biological and ethological knowledge of all competing beings and the adoption of suitable behaviours are needed to ensure absolute food safety and effective management of parasites that contaminate our foods. LEAA aims to become a point of reference for operators in the Food, Packaging, Biocides and Pest control sectors as a bridge between the science of research and knowledge of industrial processes We are committed to driving innovation in monitoring parasites and validating the effectiveness of treatments, supporting the decisions of the customer who is more aware and responsible with us. Our goal is to spread the culture of applied entomology as a strategic resource in the productive economy to protect companies and consumers.
SERVICES
LABORATORY STANDARD SERVICES
our laboratory services deliver scientifically validated analyses designed to support the food industry and pest control professionals. From precise insect identification to filth testing and biocide efficacy evaluation, we provide reliable data essential for decision-making, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance
SPECIALITIES
Our specialities address emerging needs in food safety and pest management through advanced testing, innovative technologies, and strategic consulting. Whether you need to assess packaging resistance, resolve contamination complaints, implement bioindicators with LEAAFLOW®, or explore the use of parasitoids and new R&D tools, our team tailors each service to your operational and scientific challenges.
QUALITY SUPPORT
We support Integrated Pest Management programs with high-level consultancy focused on prevention and continuous improvement. Our services include on-site training, review of internal manuals, and technical audits designed to strengthen your pest management strategy, reduce risks, and meet the highest industry standards.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
LEAA supports your innovation with tailored research protocols in controlled atmospheres, thermal treatments, and sustainable pest control. We work alongside food producers and biocide manufacturers to turn ideas into data, combining scientific rigor with real-world applicability.
From design to validation, we give structure and credibility to your development projects.
BREEDING
Passionate, trained and experienced operators look after our breeds and ensure that the schedules are respected
Insect farms are the heart of LEAA. At their two Italian locations LEAA breeds stably over 25 species of insects in controlled conditions. 5 species of Cockroaches, 4 species of Flies, 1 species of Ants, 1 species of Termites, more than 15 species of Lepidoptera, foodstuffs Beetles and parasitoid species of the latter such as Xylochoris flavipes.
The need for insects at the right time and the right development stage for the research activities, for the preparation of the LEEAFLOW, for the biocides efficacy tests and for breeding our parasitoids and predators, requires a high accurate schedule for all the breeds.
