Why study entomology?
Insects outnumber all other life forms combined, affecting all aspects of our lives.
We discover, teach and share science-based solutions about insects to support agriculture, ecosystems and human health in Ohio and beyond.
The Department of Entomology develops and implements research, teaching and outreach programs focused on the role and significance of insects in managed and natural ecosystems, including their negative impacts as pests that destroy crops and transmit diseases to humans and animals, and positive impacts as providers of ecosystem services.
- 14 research labs spanning two campuses
- 2-1 ratio of students to faculty & support staff as a small department
- 1 of 15 programs offering an undergraduate entomology degree in the US
Our people
Our research
Our resources
We are the only department in Ohio focused on the study of insects through both a major and a minor. We address the land grant mission of teaching, research and outreach with programs focused on:
- Management of insect pests of crops (agronomic, fruit, vegetables) and gardens
- Beneficial roles of insects as biocontrol agents and pollinators, including honey bee health
- Pest population dynamics
- Urban agriculture, local food systems and energy networks
- Toxicology
- Invasive pests including structural pests such as termites
- Impacts of insects on human and animal health (disease-vectoring mosquitos, bed bugs)
We use insects as important model systems to further fundamental understanding of molecular biology, physiology, genetics, ecology and evolution. We provide instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Our Extension programs provide non-biased, research-based information for stakeholders to help protect crops, natural resources, structures, and human and animal health. Our programs are highly relevant to university Discovery Themes of Health and Wellness, Food Production and Security, and Energy and Environment; and to the four Grand Challenge themes of the College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES): One Health, Sustainability, Urban-Rural Interface, and Preparing the Next Generation of Scientists and Leaders.
Entomology@osu.edu | 614-688-0218
Insect ID and pest questions
Ohio State resources
- The Ohio State Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic provides diagnostic ID services for a fee. Instructions on how to submit a physical or digital insect ID request are available on the website. Do not send physical insect samples directly to the Entomology Department. The clinic does not accept samples that originate from a person or animal's body.
- Buckeye Tick Test is an Ohio State resource for identification of ticks that impact public health. Tick testing panels are specific to the germs transmitted by different species of ticks and include all the most common tick-borne diseases of humans and animals, like Lyme disease, for $49.99 PER TICK.
Free digital insect ID
Online community science resources are listed below. Your images will be identified and may be used in projects tracking invasive species, insect biodiversity and other scientific endeavors.
- iNaturalist Insect, spider or other organism
- Seek by iNaturalist Animal, plants
- BugFinder Insects, spiders, related organisms
- BugGuide Insect, spider, related organisms
- Entomology Today from the Entomological Society of America lists other resources for insect ID
Local Ohio State Extension offices have Agriculture and Natural Resource Educators able to answer farm, garden, home and business questions.
As a public institution, we can not promote a single company. A reputable company can be found by referring to the Ohio Pest Management Association membership directory. OPMA has a code of conduct for members and is generally comprised of responsible pest management specialists.
Report endangered species to the Ohio Fish and Wildlife Services Conservation Office.
- Include digital images in emails to ohio@fws.gov
Phone: 614-416-8993
Address: 359 Main Rd, Delaware, OH 43015