Insect Diagnostic Lab

Factsheets

To have the laboratory identify a pest

• Download, print, and fill out a Diagnostic Lab Information Sheet available in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. FOR FASTER REPLY, PLEASE WRITE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS ON THE FORM.
• Collect and package a few of the insects following the guidelines listed below.
• Send the sample, information sheet, and check or money order for $25.00 payable to Cornell University to the address listed at the bottom of this web page. We also accept Mastercard, Visa, and Discover credit cards. If you're paying by credit card, we need your card number, expiration date, and the name on the card.

Guidelines for sending specimens

• Collect and send 10 or more insects, if possible, and all life stages present.
• HOUSEHOLD/STRUCTURAL PESTS:  Describe the problem: where found, in what room, approximately how many, extent and type of damage or concern, and history of past infestation.
• PLANT PESTS: Collect progression of symptoms and pests.  Include or identify the plant material on which the insects were found -- this is useful and sometimes necessary for pest identification.
• For plant material -- collect a fresh sample, wrap it in several paper towels, and then in a plastic bag with a few holes.  Place in a padded envelope or box to ship. Send early in the week to avoid weekend delays.
• For small plants, you may want to ship the entire plant. Package it so the soil doesn't spill out -- wrap pot with soil in a plastic bag tied about the base of the stem.
• Dead, HARD-BODIED INSECTS such as beetles, wasps, flies, moths, and butterflies should be placed in layers of tissue paper and packaged in a sturdy container for shipping.
• SOFT BODIED INSECTS (Aphids, spiders, mites, grubs, and caterpillars) will break down quickly, so should be prepared and mailed as quickly as possible. It would be best to choose next day delivery if shipping these insects. To kill the insects, small insects such as aphids can be placed directly in a freezer in a bag with a bit of tissue paper to absorb moisture when they defrost. Larger ones such as grubs or caterpillars require preparation to prevent discoloration. They should be dropped into gently boiling water for about 30 seconds; then they may be wrapped in tissue paper and sent. Please indicate original color of specimen.
• Securely wrap the sample to prevent breakage in the mail.  Package in a container acceptable to the post office.
• Provide complete collection data: When collected, where collected (town or city or nearest post office), and by whom.
• Send sample early in the week to avoid weekend delays.

Contact Information