Popular Pests
Prevent and Control Insects
Identifying a pest is the first step to preventing and controlling it. Once you know what it is you can learn about it so you can develop a control plan.
Look It Up
Use an illustrated pest guide from your cooperative extension service, or university and government websites to identify the pest. You can also find printed guides at your library or cooperative extension office.
Ask an Expert
Consult a pest expert through a cooperative extension office, such as the OSU Insect ID Clinic. A pest professional, farm advisor, agricultural commissioner, or USDA biologist can also help.
If You Still Need Help
We can help identify pests using one of these options:
- Email a picture to vector.nuisance@multco.us
- Contact our office to set up an appointment
- Mail a sample into our office:
- Place the insect(s) in the freezer overnight to ensure that they are dead.
- Place the insect(s) in a ziploc bag, pill bottle, or other small container and use a paper towel for padding to protect it while shipping.
- Send the sample and your contact information in a padded envelope or other sturdy packaging to the address below c/o Ecologist.
Please note
- We accept insect samples for identification only
- We do not accept any samples collected from the human body or items such as vacuum bags, dustpan collections, clothing, etc.
- We are not able to diagnose or identify insect bites or provide recommendations for pest control operators.
Get professional help with a pest problem»
Contact Us
Multnomah County Vector Control
5235 N Columbia Blvd
Portland, OR
503-988-3464