To conduct foreign exploration and importation of natural enemies efficiently, we propose a protocol that we call “information assimilation.” This process systematically assesses and compares natural enemies throughout the pest’s geographic distribution during foreign exploration, and during and after colonization. We also identify economic, environmental and social costs of intensive preintroduction evaluations, and the inability of the evaluations to predict correctly a “best species” for control of the target pest. As an alternative, we propose that greater emphasis be placed on studies of natural enemies after they are colonized. We contend that this approach will advance our understanding of the ecology of natural enemy impact, and thus improve biological control.