Where to send bedbugs for analysis? - briefly
Send the specimens to your municipal health department or to an accredited entomology laboratory, such as a university extension service. Both provide certified identification and recommendations for control measures.
Where to send bedbugs for analysis? - in detail
Collecting a specimen correctly is the first prerequisite for reliable identification. Use a fine‑toothed brush or a piece of clear tape to capture live insects or exuviae. Place the material in a sealed vial containing 70 % ethanol; for live bugs, keep them in a ventilated container with a small amount of food and maintain a temperature of 20–25 °C. Label the vial with date, location (address or GPS coordinates), and any observed symptoms (bites, infestations in furniture). Ship the package with a “Biological Sample – Non‑pathogenic” declaration and include a copy of the label.
The following institutions accept bed‑bug samples for professional analysis:
- Local public health department – most city or county health agencies run entomology units that provide free or low‑cost identification. Contact the environmental health division for submission guidelines.
- State university entomology laboratory – many land‑grant universities maintain diagnostic labs (e.g., University of Illinois Entomology, Texas A&M Department of Entomology). Request a specimen submission form from the department’s website.
- State agricultural extension service – extension offices often coordinate with university labs and can forward samples to certified entomologists.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Entomology Branch – the CDC accepts specimens for research and public‑health surveillance. Submit through the “Entomology Specimen Submission” portal, including a completed intake form.
- Commercial diagnostic companies – firms such as PestPath, EntoScience, and Biotoxin Labs offer paid identification services with turnaround times of 3–7 days. Orders are placed online; they provide pre‑paid shipping labels and detailed reporting.
- Professional pest‑management firms – licensed exterminators often have contracts with accredited labs and can arrange analysis on behalf of the client.
When contacting an organization, verify the following:
- Required preservation method (ethanol concentration, temperature).
- Packaging specifications (sealed containers, secondary packaging, cushioning).
- Documentation checklist (label details, consent forms, payment instructions).
- Expected turnaround time and format of the report (digital PDF, printed copy).
After the analysis, the report will typically include species identification, life‑stage distribution, and recommended control measures. Retain the original specimen, if possible, for future reference or verification.