If you are unable to identify a particular insect or would like a second opinion, insect identification 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 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. 

Once you’ve collected your sample, bring a completed copy of the Insect Submittal Report and submit your sample to:
Public Health Laboratory - Chico
695 Oleander

Butte County Public Health Clinics, in both Oroville and Chico, may serve as secondary submission sites.