The present invention utilizes the pre-sporulation (preconidial) mycelial stage of entomopathogenic fungi and extracts of the preconidial mycelium as insect and arthropod attractants and/or pathogens. The preconidial preparations can be employed to limit the zoonotic and plant diseases they transmit. The fungus can be cultivated on grain, wood, agricultural wastes or other cellulosic material and extracts can be made thereof. More than one fungus and substrate can be used in combination with one or more antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, antiviral, or genetically modified agents that result in reduced spread of contagions and lessens the damage they inflict on animals and plants.