Resources for the Public
Insect Identification
- The Ohio State Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic provides diagnostic ID services for a fee, typically $30. 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 may be found from the online community science resources 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
Ohio State Extension
Local Ohio State Extension offices have Agriculture and Natural Resource Educators able to answer farm, garden, home, and business questions.
Ohioline Factsheets | Ask an Expert
Pest Control Recommendations
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.
Endangered Species Reporting
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. Endangered species in Ohio including arthropods.