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Pest ID

As a service to NPMA members only, NPMA's Board Certified Entomologists on staff are available to assist you in identifying pests you may come across when providing services to customers.

Photo/Video Identification

Photos and/or videos can be sent in for identification. We will provide our expert opinions based on what we can observe from the submitted information. For the best chance to get a positive ID, please follow the below tips when choosing what to send us. We understand that these are not always possible, but please do your best and include as much information as possible.

  • Include a size reference for the pest such as a ruler, a coin, or other standard sized item. 
  • Show the entire specimen with photos of the back, front, and side if possible. 
  • Include information about the pest situation as described below:
    • Location where pest(s) were found
    • Number of pests present
    • Duration of infestation
    • Associated material damage
  • If you cannot see details in the photo, neither can we. Use a magnifying glass, good lighting, and the best quality camera you have available. 

Send email identification requests to: fieldguideid@pestworld.org

Email Pest ID

Mail-in Identification

  • Please enclose pest(s) or pest evidence in a durable container that will protect your contents from damage during shipment.
  • Please be as detailed as possible when providing information about your pest/evidence. 
  • We do not accept vertebrate pest submissions. For any vertebrate pest ID requests, please email high-resolution images of your pest to our entomologist.  

Download Pest ID Form

Send mail-in identification requests to:

ATTN: NPMA Entomologist
National Pest Management Association
10460 North Street
Fairfax, VA 22030

Taking Photos with Phone Cameras

NPMA members can download this customizable document with tips and tricks for customers to take better pest photos. 

Customer Tips for Taking Pest Photos

Here are a few do's and don'ts to help NPMA entomologists provide fast and accurate identification of your pest or pest evidence:

Photo Taking Do's and Don'ts

This table shows examples of what you should do when taking pest photos for ID and what you should try to avoid. Following these guidelines ensures your best chance at getting a positive ID from NPMA (members only) or your own company's technical experts. 

What to Do What NOT to Do
Ensure proper lighting Do NOT use dim or extremely bright lighting

Stabilize phone and tap to focus.

Do NOT take a blurry photo.

Try to get as much detail visible by taking close up of pest. Zoom by moving closer or further away from the pest.

Do NOT take photos from far away. Do NOT use two fingers to zoom in, as this will cause low quality photos.