Request help to identify insects and pests

Our office can assist with the identification of insects, plants, or plant diseases if you are not able to identify them using the internet or other resources. Contact our office prior to bringing any samples for identification.

Disclaimer For Pest Control Businesses: We can assist with the identification of pests, but there are costs associated with identification. See CDFA Price List for Submitting Service Samples.

Exotic pests

The state office of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) deploys detection traps for exotic pests throughout Santa Clara County. These traps are deployed to monitor destructive pests such as the Mediterranean fruit fly, Oriental fruit fly, and Japanese beetle.

For more details about Exotic Pest Detection within California, visit CDFA's website on pest detection and emergency projects.

Pest detection traps are often deployed in residential yards and gardens. If you should have questions regarding one of these traps, or questions about the trapping program, please call the local CDFA office at: (408) 254-8573.

Common pests around the home and garden

Our office frequently receives calls from the public concerning pests in or around their home. The most common calls are about bed bugs, termites, and ants. Below, you will find information about these pests and others as well as some of the control measures available. If you need help identifying an insect, you can bring the pest to our office for identification services.

The Vector Control District of the County of Santa Clara also provides information on these common pests.

Related links

• Beneficial Insect Gallery - UC IPM website
• Identify and Manage Pests - UC IPM website
• IPM Methods To Control Pests - Sacramento Storm Water Website
• Keeping Your Lawn Healthy and Pest Free - UC IPM Website

Common pests in California

• Bed Bugs
• Termites
• Ants
• Olive Fruit Fly
• Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
  New pest to Santa Clara County
• Bagrada Bug
  New pest to Santa Clara County
• Cockroaches
• Africanized Honeybee
• Mosquitos

Learn about animals and insects of medical importance

Pests of concern to the County of Santa Clara

• Asian Citrus Psyllid and Huanglongbing Disease
  This pest can spread a plant disease that is destructive to all citrus plants alike.
• Glassy Winged Sharpshooter (GWSS) and Pierce’s Disease
  This pest can spread a plant disease that is destructive to grapevines and other plants.
• European Grapevine Moth (EGVM)
• Sudden Oak Death