Identifying Insects

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Extension Service Fayette Co Extension in Action Our Staff Publications Georgia Extension Service Family & Consumer Science Agriculture & Horticulture Plant Identification Insect Identification Resources for Homeowners Resources for Professionals Junior Master Gardener Program Therapy Garden Project Plant a Row Project Master Gardner Program 4-H Youth Development 4-H Activity Calendar Junior/Senior 4-H News 4-H S.A.F.E. Program Horse Club 4-H Forms for download Lab Services Soil Testing Soil Testing for Nematodes Price List for Soil Testing Water Testing Plant Nutritional Testing Plant Identification Plant Disease Identification Insect Identification Feed and Forage Testing Recycling Recycling Tips Recycling Trivia Facts/Links Georgia Solid Waste Management Act Rainwater Harvesting Low-Effort Composting	University of Georgia Insect Identification Proper diagnosis is critical to effectively manage pest problems on agronomic crops or ornamentals and turf. It's important to remember that only a small percentage of insects that occur on plants are pests. The ability to identify both pests and beneficial insects is necessary to achieve good pest management. The Fayette County Extension Service and The University of Georgia Extension Service Entomology Department can assist homeowners, professional green industry personnel and farmers with insect identification. Insect specimens can be submitted to the Fayette County Extension Office for identification .Results in most cases will return in approximately 24-48 hours along with applicable recommendations. There is no fee for this service. Submitting Insects for Identification Tips for Submitting Insect Specimens Resources for Insect Identification and Control Submitting Insects for Identification In order to obtain a correct identification of an insect, the county agent must receive properly preserved specimens. When possible, it would be helpful to collect two or three specimens from the same location. Insects may not be identifiable beyond family or even order level after being crushed or decayed. Most specimens you encounter are small enough to be placed in a jar or other protective container. Large insects such as butterflies, wasps and beetles, should be placed in a large jar and or a small crushproof container. Never mix moths and butterflies with other insects or put other insects into a killing jar that has contained them. Their dust-like scales quickly cover other insects and greatly complicate proper identification. Mites, thrips and scale insects should be brought in with the host plant because they are easily damaged by removal and their characteristic appearance on the plant is often crucial to identification. If possible, small caterpillars, grubs and maggots should be brought in live in a plastic bag with some of the host material. Sometimes they cannot be identified until they are reared to the adult stage. Top Tips for Submitting Insect Specimens To obtain rapid, accurate identification of insect specimens, be sure to include the following information:: Where specimen was collected. Your name and address. Date it was collected. Host plant(s) or whatever the insects were feeding on, if applicable. Stage of growth: seedling, blooming, fruiting, one week before harvest, young animal (less than three months old), mature animal. Degree of infestation. What, if any, chemicals have been applied. Top Resources for Insect Identification The following web sites have more information on insect identification and control: Public Health Insects Household Insects Ornamental, Lawn and Turf Insects Pasture and Forage Insects Forestry Insects Vegetable Insects Fruit Insects Top For more information please contact the Fayette County Extension Office.