The County Entomologist identifies insects for County AWM programs such as the glassy-winged sharp shooter program and the nursery inspection program, as well as for private companies and residents.
Guidelines for Submitting an Insect to the Lab
Bees and Apiary
Removal of Bees
Africanized Honey Bees
Annual insect fair at Quail Botanical Gardens
Current Hot Topics
In 2006, the diaprepes root weevil was discovered in various parts of San Diego County. Several quarantines have been established and the California Department of Food and Agriculture has started an eradication program. Please visit our Diaprepes Root Weevil page for up-to-date information.
Bamboo mealybug has been found in San Diego County. Click on the link to view the informational flyer.
Other Insect Information
Residents are encouraged to submit unfamiliar insects to the lab for identification. These samples are often how AWM personnel become aware of exotic pests in San Diego County. Please submit clean, intact samples, preserved in alcohol if possible. If not, a small container will do. Avoid submitting samples on tape, or which have been squashed.
Bring the sample to one of our offices and fill out a Sample For Determination form. Click here for office addresses and phone numbers. You may also print out a form and mail it, with the sample, to either office.
Please allow 2 weeks for determination. The results will be mailed to the address you provide. Please ensure that you have COMPLETELY and LEGIBLY filled out the address portion of the form.
If you suspect you have Red Imported Fire Ant, please call (800)200-2337 to request a RIFA submission kit.
Please also be aware that our Lab does not currently have the specialized equipment or staffing expertise to respond to issues associated with pet or human health. Please contact your local veterinarian or health care provider in these instances.
The Entomology lab registers and regulates apiaries. Registered apiary owners are notified when a pesticide is being applied near their apiary. Please contact the Entomology lab if you wish to register, or have questions about apiary laws and regulations.
This is a process is designed to be beneficial to you, as well as those people who live and work near your apiaries. Registration is becoming even more important, since Africanized Honey Bees (AHB) have arrived in San Diego. There are several advantages to registration:
Registration is required by law. If you do not register and you are reported to the Commissioner, you can be fined up to $1,000. In addition, when complaints are received about registered bee keepers, we make every effort to resolve them without fines or regulatory action.
Your registration makes you part of our honey bee information network. We can send you the latest information on AHB location, research and any regulatory efforts that arise because of this problem.
We can inform you of educational opportunities in your field, since our office and the Cooperative Extension offers periodic training on how to continue AHB-free bee keeping.
You can download the current apiary registration form and mail it to us with your $10 registration fee.
2008 Apiary Registration Form (pdf)
Unfortunately, the County of San Diego CAN NOT remove bees from private property. We DO NOT recommend that you attempt to remove bees yourself. The bees may become agitated and you and others may be stung. Please contact a pest control company (look under "BEES" in the yellow pages) to find a local company that operates in your area.
Africanized honey bees (AHB) are in San Diego County! The entire County, from desert to coast, is considered colonized by AHB. This means that you might encounter aggressive honey bees anywhere in the County. Click the links below for more information.
Africanized Honey Bee Facts (pdf)
La abeja africanizada en California (pdf)
How to Protect Yourself from Africanized Honey Bees (pdf)
The Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures, in cooperation with Lloyd Pest Control hosts the annual Insect and Garden Festival at Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas. This yearly event introduces kids and parents to the wonderful world of insects with live bugs to see and hold, crafts, demonstrations, and even bugs for eating!! Check back for information about the next festival, usually held in July.
