Insect Identification

Common insects we are seeing now

The Napa County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office welcomes submissions of insects for identification that are associated with commercial agriculture or from home and garden settings. To a limited extent, we will also assist pest control industry representatives with insect identification.

Samples we do not take: vacuum cleaner debris, skin, hair, clothing, or animal waste.  If you have any concerns about your skin or human health as it relates to insects, please visit your doctor.

Insect Collection & Sample Submission

Please bring samples that are fresh and intact for identification.

  • Please complete a submission form, print and bring it to the office.
  • All samples must arrive in a sealed container: sealed bag, jar or plastic container. Avoid submitting samples on tape, or samples which have been damaged.
  • Insect samples must be dead unless they are in the larval (caterpillar) or pupal (cocoon) stages. Place the sample in the freezer overnight before bringing it to the office.
  • We do not guarantee insect identification from photographs.
  • We will contact you within two weeks of the submission with information on the insect.

Napa County Mosquito Abatement District

The Napa County Mosquito Abatement District is an additional resource for insect identification. The District has three entomologists on staff and has expertise in identifying mosquitoes, wasps, flies, ticks, bedbugs, roaches, and other insects. The District can be contacted at 707-553-9610 and samples can be brought to their office at 15 Melvin Road, American Canyon. Insect sample submissions must follow the same basic protocols as outlined above