Our agency can assist residents in identifying mosquitoes and black flies only. If needed, we can accept other bug ID requests, however, there is no guarantee of precise identification.

Bug identification resources  

Extension Programs

Extension Programs are a great resource for insect identification for growers, landscapers, and gardeners—and especially for truly local expertise.

To find your local cooperative extension office and contact info (and put your tax dollars to work), try any of the following:

• Find Extension Services by ZIP Code (Gardening Know How)
• County Extension Offices (National Pesticide Information Center)
• Land-Grant University Website Directory (USDA- National Institute of Food and Agriculture)

Social Media

As in so many other realms, social media has connected people for sharing knowledge about insects in ways never before possible. For a quick identification of an insect or related arthropod, especially when you’re on the go, these social media groups and outlets are a great place to turn:

Facebook

• Entomology Group
• Insect Identification Group
• Ask an Entomologist
• Southern Forest and Tree Health Diagnostics Group

Twitter

• @BugQuestions (Ask an Entomologist)
• @RecluseOrNot (Recluse or not?)

Reddit

• r/whatsthisbug

Websites and Blogs

Similarly, the internet in general has become a wealth of accessible entomology. (Many cooperative extension programs host excellent, knowledge-rich websites themselves.) For insect identification questions, the websites below can be useful places to start.

• iNaturalist (also available via mobiel app: iOS, Android)
• Ask an Entomologist 
• What’s That Bug? 
• BugGuide.Net
• Pest World Pest Guide
• Insect Identification Forum
• Insect Identification Key
• Featured Creatures database

Do You Need Pest Management Services?

Some interactions with insects go beyond mere curiosity. If you’re dealing with an infestation in your home, business, or property, try these resources for finding an expert pest management professional near you:

• Find an Associate Certified Entomologist (Entomological Society of America Certification Corp.)
• Find a Local Exterminator (Pest World/National Pest Management Association)

See original post by Entomological Society of America