Request insect identification
Please note we do not do any of the following
- Spray to control the insects or arthropods
- Conduct inspections
- Provide recommendations regarding which private pest control company to hire
Please research and contact a private pest control for those services.
Free insect identification services are available for the County of Santa Clara residents and businesses. To ensure proper identification within three (3) business days, please follow these guidelines:
What we accept
- Actual insects are preferred to allow us to manipulate them under the microscope.
- Please do not use tape to catch the insects. Tape can cause the insect to break when removing it. We can provide you with free sticky traps upon request.
- Fresh insects are preferred over old insects. We also accept live insects.
- Pictures of insects are also accepted. Please note, that depending on the quality of the images, it could be difficult to identify some insects and a physical insect may be requested.
- We do not go through human substances, like ear wax, or go through vacuumed-up dust, clothing, curtains, etc. to look for the insects/specimens.
How can I submit an insect?
In person
- You can drop off insects at our front counter at any time during our business hours. We are located at 1580 Berger Drive, San Jose, CA 95112. Our office is open Monday through Friday from 7:30am – 3:00pm, except for County holidays.
You can mail insects to us. Please make sure to place insects in a box. Insects can be crushed in the mail if mailed in an envelope. Please address to:
Vector Control District
Attn: Vector Ecologists
1580 Berger Drive
San Jose, CA 95112
- You may email picture’s to [email protected]. Please add Insect ID in the subject line. In your email, please add a brief description of where the insect was collected.
Insect preparation
- Place the insect/sticky trap in a clear Ziplock bag and make sure the insect does not get crushed.
- Write your name, address, phone number, or email on the Ziplock bag or a piece of paper and place it inside or attached to the Ziplock bag.
- If you are mailing the specimen, place the insect inside a box instead of an envelope so the specimen does not get crushed.
After we process your insect, a staff member will contact you within 3 business days with the result and recommendations on how to manage the insect. Upon request, we can also provide an official letter confirming the insect identification that you can provide to code enforcement or other agencies.