Cathy Roache
County Agricultural Commissioner / Sealer
Agriculture / Weights & Measures

On-Duty Biologist Program


Photo of 4 white-colored termites on a piece of wood.
Termites
Structural Pest
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Photo of the beneficial insect Leatherwing Beetle perched on a red leaf.
Leatherwing Beetle
Beneficial Insect
Enlarge Photo
Photo of an Olive Fruit Fly with a brown-colored body and clear wings.
Olive Fruit Fly
Garden Pest
Enlarge Photo
Photo of a small black-colored moth.
Indian Meal Moth
Pantry Pest
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Photo of Spotted Lantern Fly.
Photo: Lawrence Barringer
Pennsylvania Dept.of Agriculture
Bugwood.org
Spotted Lantern Fly
Garden Pest
Enlarge Photo

Is something bugging you? We may be able to help.

You can either call us or bring a sample to our office for assistance. Samples can be dropped off at our Hayward office every weekday from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm or our Livermore office every weekday from 8:30 am - 9:30 am and 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm, or by appointment. One of our staff will assist you with your sample.


If you would like to bring in a sample, please follow these guidelines:

Insects:

Place in a clean glass or plastic container with tight fitting lid. If the insect is dead, place a small amount of Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol in the container to preserve it. **Please do not collect insects on scotch tape. We generally cannot identify samples collected that way.

Plants:

For general identification, bring in a sample of flowers, fruit or seeds (if present) and a stem portion with leaves attached, approximately 12 inches long. For disease identification, bring in a part of the plant showing both healthy and diseased symptoms along the same stem portion.

Plant & Pest Gallery
Visit our insect, weed, vertebrate, plant disease, and exotic pest galleries for pictures and information about pests and insects commonly found in the Bay Area.
GALLERY

OTHER RESOURCES:

For general gardening questions, insect identification, plant diseases:
University of California Agricultural Extension Service, Master Gardeners
(510) 567-6812
https://acmg.ucanr.edu/
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/


For composting questions, composting classes and compost or worm bin purchases:
Alameda County Waste Management Authority "Rotline"
(510) 444-SOIL
www.stopwaste.org


For questions about rat control, wasps and yellow jackets:
Alameda County Vector Control
(510) 567-6800
http://www.acvcsd.org/


For questions about insect pests affecting human health:
Alameda County Department of Environmental Health
(510) 567-6700
https://deh.acgov.org/


For questions about mosquito control, West Nile Virus, how to get Mosquito Fish:
Mosquito Abatement (510) 783-7744
http://www.mosquitos.org/