Insects

Announcements

Oregon Vine Mealybug Trapping Program

Learn how to participate in Oregon's Vine Mealybug Trapping Program in 2023. Read more...

OSU Extension Service provides information on insect and arthropod management in Oregon and throughout the country. This includes Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, research on pollinators and specimen preservation.

2022 PNW Insect Management Handbook

By Navneet Kaur

Covers pesticide safety and toxicity, protecting bees, adjuvants, mixing tables, calibration and biological control. Other sections cover a wide variety of agricultural and nonagricultural products such as commercial vegetables, small fruit, turf and ornamentals, hay and pasture, grains, seeds, home gardens, greenhouses, livestock, poultry, household and public health. Each section describes pests, the damage they do, and recommended management.

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Photo Credit: Andrei310 - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Latest Resources

Where can we get ticks tested for disease?

Q: A few years ago, my mom sent me a web link to information on how to get a tick tested/identified. I think it was from OSU. Might you be able to help me find the link with the specific information for where to send the tick?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Five Insect Pests that Overwinter in Structures

Now that cool fall weather has arrived in the Klamath Basin, folks will be spending more time indoors to avoid the cold- and so will some of the insect normally found outside. Most of the insects prone to overwintering in...

Nicole Sanchez | Oct 2019 | Article

Five Facts About Wasps in Fall

Every September, Plant Clinic calls about wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets increase. These insects gradually build populations over the warm part of the year, resulting in the largest populations, and potential for stings, during ...

Nicole Sanchez | Sep 2019 | Article

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Have an insect problem?

Solve Pest Problems is a partnership between OSU and Oregon stakeholders to provide a user-friendly online resource to help urban and rural property managers to solve pest problems. Learn research-based, safe, and effective tactics for common garden and property pests and weeds. We provide non-chemical methods alongside the most effective and least toxic chemical options available, to reduce risk to people and the environment.

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A Pocket Guide to Common Natural Enemies of Nursery Crops and Garden Pests in the Pacific Northwest

By Melissa Scherr Robin Rosetta and Lloyd Nackley

Learn how to identify some common insects that prey on garden pests. See what they look like at various life stages, and learn how to encourage beneficial insects in your garden or nursery. Print this pocket guide on letter-size paper and cut pages as indicated to make a booklet.

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Photo Credit: Eduardo Estellez - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Oregon Insect Identification Resources

Common Spiders Found in Central Oregon

A list of spiders that can be commonly found in or around central Oregon.

Jul 2018 | Collection

Entomology for gardeners

Your garden is full of insects—some friends, some foes. Learn how to identify insects so that you know how to respond when you see them in your garden.

Jean R. Natter | Jan 2019 | Article

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Collecting and Preserving Insects

Collecting insects can be a fun hobby, and is also an important step in IPM. The resources in this collection will help you learn how to find and collect insects and arthropods, then prepare them so that they can be useful for identification and research efforts.

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Photo Credit: Jet Stouten - Unsplash.com (Cropped from original)

Featured Insect Questions

How can I support the endangered Monarch butterfly?

Q: I recently read in the news that the Monarch Butterfly was added to the endangered species list. What can I plant in my garden to help the butterfly? I read that milkweed plants are their natural habitat. Yesterday I ...

A: View answer | View all featured questions

What do I do if I suspect an emerald ash borer infestation?

Q: We have at least one ash tree that is showing top dieback. What should we do to try to confirm whether or not we have the beetle?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Stink bugs and boxelder bugs everywhere?

Q: The exterior of my house is covered in stink bugs and boxelder bugs. Occasionally, some also get inside my home. How do I get rid of them without using pesticides?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Latest News

OSU Extension newsletter helps mint growers save money on pest control

Mint Pest Alert helped save an average of $28.33 per acre, or a value of approximately $453,000 in pest control savings in mint production statewide.

Apr 2023 | Impact story

OSU Extension Master Gardeners plant plots to help save Oregon silverspot butterfly

OSU Extension Master Gardeners have planted two small silverspot butterfly beds at the Master Gardener demonstration gardens in Lincoln City and Yachats to draw the silverspot to a friendly place for food and shelter.

Kym Pokorny | Mar 15, 2023 | News story

New Extension website helps solve pest and disease problems

Solve Pest and Weed Problems focuses specifically on the Pacific Northwest and prioritizes low-risk approaches.

Kym Pokorny | Nov 11, 2022 | News story

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Bees and pollinators

Gardening techniques

Integrated pest management

Invasive species

Pesticide safety and education

Meet Our Experts

Vaughn Walton

Entomologist

Gail Langellotto

(Former)

Nik Wiman

Orchard Crops Specialist

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Where can we get ticks tested for disease?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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