Sending Insects for Identification

1. Complete a PPDC specimen form (available from your OSU Extension office or at http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~plantdoc/cweppdc/cweppdc.html, or send a letter with inquirer's name, address, telephone, and information about the sample. Include the location of the insect- if in or on a plant, name the plant, if in a building, state the location within the building. Write the number of the pests seen, and type of damage observed.

2. Soft bodied specimens, such as caterpillars,aphids, thrips, maggots and grubs are best preserved by placing them in a small bottle of alcohol, either 70% ethyl or isopropyl, or clear 100 proof liquor. Please do not send in water or formaldehyde.

3. Moths, butterflies, and large, fragile insects should be packed with cotton or soft tissue in a box so the scales and other fragile parts aren't destroyed. Beetles, wasps, flies, and true bugs can be preserved in alcohol or wrapped carefully in a box. Make sure that the insects won't crush.

4. Do not ship live insects, tape insects to paper, or place them loose in a box or envelope.

Sending Damaged Object for ID of Pest

1. Pack grain, pieces of wood, or other material in box. Be generous with size of sample. If a plant is affected, pack the leaves or branches in newspaper or foil and pack tightly. If the root has been bored, dig the plant and place the roots and attached soil in plastic. Do not put leaves or soft tissue in plastic, as they rot quickly.

FEES: The PPDC charges a fee for specimen identification. Contact your OSU Extension Agent or the Clinic for current charges. Mail Sample to:

Plant & Pest Diagnostic Clinic
110 Kottman Hall
2021 Coffey Road
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH 43210

Phone: (614) 292-5006
Fax: (614) 292-7162
E-mail: ppdc@postoffice.ag.ohio-state.edu