ACWM operates an entomology and a plant pathology laboratory. The two labs process over 8,000 pest specimens annually for Los Angeles County residents, schools, governmental agencies, growers, nurseries, and pest control operators. Specimens can be taken directly to the labs (call first) or mailed in. Careful handling is required for specimens that are mailed in. The following are guidelines for mailing specimens to help ensure the specimens are intact and fresh enough for an accurate identification or diagnosis.
PLANT PATHOLOGY LABORATORY
Submitting specimens for plant disease diagnosis or plant/mushroom identification
To diagnose plant disease(s), the lab needs a sample of the plant parts that are infected or symptomatic (showing the symptoms of a disease). In many cases, a root sample may also be needed. If you are unsure, call the lab. Cut a 6 to 12 inch piece of the infected foliage off of the plant and seal in a zip-lock bag. If necessary, fold the stem in half to fit in the bag.
When submitting roots, collect a small handful of fine feeder roots from 3 to 6 inches below the surface of the soil. Shake the soil from the roots and place the roots in a zip-lock bag.
When submitting mushrooms, collect the entire mushroom by using a trowel to lift the mushroom from the soil (note the stem may extend into the soil). Wrap the mushroom in wax paper and place in a paper bag. Do not place the mushroom in a plastic bag or place a wet paper towel in the sample bag as this will cause the sample to rot quickly. The lab is closed Friday through Sunday, so it is best to mail the sample early in the week to ensure it does not sit over the weekend.
Samples should be sent along with the following information:
- Property Owner or Collector
- Street Address, City, and ZIP
- Daytime Phone Number
- Date the specimen was collected
- Date the specimen was sent
- Host (Plant Name)
- Plant damage or disease symptoms observed
A downloadable form is available on the ACWM website to assist with proper submission of samples:
Samples along with the complete information should be sent to:
Plant Pathology Laboratory
Los Angeles County Department of
Agricultural Commissioner/Weights & Measures
11012 South Garfield Avenue, South Gate, CA 90280
Questions regarding packaging and submitting specimens can be directed to the Plant Pathology Laboratory at (562) 622-0433.
ENTOMOLOGY LABORATORY
Submitting specimens for identification of insects, snails, slugs, spiders, mites, and other invertebrates
Invertebrate specimens should be submitted in crush-proof, non-glass containers to protect them from damage during mail handling. Plastic vials, pill bottles, and film canisters work for this purpose.
Collect multiple specimens of all available life cycles (larvae, pupae, adults). Make sure they are intact (do not send body parts). If the insects are attached to plant material, cut infested sections, wrap them in dry paper towels, and seal them in a plastic zip-lock bag. Please do not submit live specimens.
Containers with samples should be sent in sturdy mailing boxes or padded envelopes. The lab is closed Friday through Sunday, so it is best to mail the sample early in the week to ensure it does not sit over the weekend.
THE ENTOMOLOGY LABORATORY IS NOT EQUIPPED TO HANDLE SPECIMENS OF HUMAN PEST OR DISEASE AGENTS. Contact the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for guidance on how and where to submit such samples.
The sample should be sent with the following information:
- Property Owner or Collector
- Street Address, City and ZIP
- Daytime Phone Number
- Date the specimen was collected
- Date the specimen was sent
- Host plant name (for landscape & garden pests)
- Food product name (for pantry and food-storage pests)
- Location on/in the building (for structural pests)
- Damage observed
A downloadable form is available on the ACWM website to assist with proper submission of samples:
Samples along with the complete information should be sent to:
Entomology Laboratory
Los Angeles County Department of
Agricultural Commissioner/Weights & Measures
11012 South Garfield Avenue, South Gate, CA 90280
Questions regarding packaging and submitting specimens can be directed to the Entomology Laboratory at (562) 622-0431.
