Tick & Insect Identification

If you are unable to identify a particular insect or would like a second opinion, insect identification and testing is offered through our Public Health Laboratory for a fee. Insects are identified on a case-by-case basis on a fee basis. Because there are over 900,000 different kinds of living insects that are known, the Laboratory may not always be able to identify your insect.

Insect Submittal

Please fill out the Insect submittal form and submit your insect in a plastic baggie, such as a "Zip- Lock". Also include a cotton ball or small piece of paper towel (about 1" square) which has been soaked in drinking water. Squeeze the cotton or paper towel to remove excess water and place it in the baggie to keep the insect from drying out. If the insect is dead there is no need to add the cotton or paper towel.

Of the many different tick species found throughout the world, only a select few transmit disease to humans when they bite. Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Deer ticks. Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings such as a rash and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks. Laboratory testing is helpful to identify the species of tick and, if the correct species of tick, to determine if it is infected with an organism that causes Lyme disease.

Tick Collection & Submittal

Of the many different tick species found throughout the world, only a select few transmit disease to humans when they bite. Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Deer ticks. Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings such as a rash and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks. Laboratory testing is helpful to identify the species of tick and, if the correct species of tick, to determine if it is infected with an organism that causes Lyme disease.

It is important that your tick is correctly collected and submitted in order to get accurate results. Please review the Tick Specimen Collection and Submittal Procedure Guide (PDF) to learn more about submitting your tick.

Once you've collected your sample, bring a completed copy of the Tick Submittal Report (PDF) and submit your sample to:

Public Health Laboratory
695 Oleander Avenue, Chico CA