The Department operates Entomology and Plant Pathology Laboratories, which seek to protect consumers by identifying exotic insects (and other invertebrates), invasive weeds and plant pathogens entering Los Angeles County through truck, ship, airfreight, and parcel delivery operations. The laboratories provide rapid and accurate identifications to support the Pest Detection and Pest Exclusion programs and offer identification and information services for Los Angeles County residents, schools, governmental agencies, growers, nursery and pest control operators. Overall, the laboratories process over 8,000 pest specimens submitted annually.

If you would like to submit samples for identification or analysis, please use the following forms:

1. Insect and other invertebrate specimen submission form
   
2. Plant disease diagnosis/Plant & mushroom specimen submission form

Requests for pest identification are accepted for specimens originating in Los Angeles County only.

CLICK ON PHOTOS FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE PESTS Click HERE for this poster in PDF format / (9.98 MB)

Click on the left side image to open our "Field Guide to Target Insects in Pest Detection Programs"

PLANT DISEASES

Pierce’s disease of grape and oleander leaf scorch

Sudden oak death

Additional links:

University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program
California Department of Food and Agriculture/The Entomology Laboratory