Submitting Physical Specimens

To submit a physical sample, print and complete THIS FORM as completely as possible and take your sample to your local county Extension Office. They may be able to identify the sample themselves or they can assist you with sending the sample to the diagnostic lab in Manhattan. See mailing instructions HERE.

Preparing the Specimen for Shipment

DO:

1. Try to collect several of the specimens without damaging them in order to aid in identification.
2. Kill large, hard-bodied insects in the freezer for 24 hours.
3. Allow previously frozen specimens to thaw and air dry briefly to avoid condensation.
4. Place very small or soft-bodied insects directly into a leak-proof container of preservative (rubbing alcohol or vinegar). Aphids, caterpillars, maggots, grubs, spiders, ticks, mites, lice, fleas, centipedes and millipedes require preservative. When in doubt, place it in the liquid.
5. Carefully wrap the dead, dry insect in tissue paper and ship in a crush-proof container. Insects in preservative should also be shipped in crush-proof containers.

DO NOT:

1. Mail live insects.
2. Mail sticky traps.
3. Send dry samples in cotton as legs and other appendages will get tangled and break.
4. Mail specimens taped to index cards or loose in envelopes. These arrive crushed.
5. Mail insects that have been smashed or stepped on.
6. Mail insects in plain water. These specimens will rot.

MEDICAL SAMPLES: All human ectoparasites should be submitted by qualified personnel such as extension agents, pest control professionals or medical workers to ensure that the parasite has been properly packed and preserved.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Responses will be transmitted using the provided contact information. One to five business days may be required to make an identification once the specimen is delivered to the diagnostics lab. Depending on time of the year and complexity of the problem, more time may be needed.

CONTROL RECOMMENDATIONS: When control measures are requested along with identification, our specialists will refer the client to an appropriate K-State Research and Extension publication where solutions to many common problems can be found. If there is not a publication that addresses the problem, the specialists may be able to suggest a non-chemical or cultural control method. For liability reasons, we are unable to provide chemical control recommendations not listed in a K-State publication. Publications, newsletters and insect images are available on the Department of Entomology Web site at www.entomology.k-state.edu/extension.