To effectively control a pest, it is important to accurately identify it. Pests can look different as they go through their life cycles. For example an immature beetle may look like a caterpillar or worm. Because of this, pests can easily be mistaken for non-pests, and vice versa. You may find out that your "pest" is actually a beneficial organism, harmless, or only a temporary problem.

There are many identification guides online; however, information posted on the web is not always reliable. You may consider looking for information from universities or government agencies. Field guides and other printed references may be available at your library or Cooperative Extension Office.

A scientist who specializes in plants, plant diseases, insects, microbes, or other organisms may be needed to identify a pest. You may be able to contact an expert through your Cooperative Extension Office. There may be a fee for identification services.

The links below can help you identify and learn about your pest. Once you think you have identified your pest, learn about your pest so you can develop an effective control plan.

Additional Resources:

• Wildlife Pest Identification Tool - Western IPM Center, UC Davis
• Plant Pests and Diseases - U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Bug Guide
• Identify US
• Pest Fact Sheets - Clemson University
• Home, garden, turf, and landscape pests - University of California Statewide IPM Program
• Plant Pest Identification Aid - Texas A&M
• Plant Disease and Insect Identification Pests Leaflet Series - University of Washington
• Home Vegetable Garden Insect Pest Control - Oklahoma State University Extension

If you have questions about this, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at 800-858-7378 (8:00am - 12:00pm PST), or email us at npic@ace.orst.edu.