LAB CLOSURE NOTICE:
The UW Insect Diagnostic Lab will be closed from February 6th – February 17th, 2023. Diagnostic services will resume during the week of February 20th.
—PJ Liesch; Director of UW Insect Diagnostic Lab
IMPORTANT: COVID-19 UPDATE
Update (5/10/21): Visitors are once again welcome to drop off samples at the diagnostic lab. Please follow all posted signs in Russell Labs regarding campus mask policies.
Some work of the IDL continues to be done remotely. A sample drop-box has been installed on the IDL lab door, if the lab door is closed when you stop by.
The University of Wisconsin Insect Diagnostic Lab was established in 1978 to provide timely and accurate identification of insects, insect-damaged materials, spiders, and other arthropods from around Wisconsin. The lab typically processes ~2,500 samples each year.
Part of the mission of the IDL is to provide support to the county extension offices throughout Wisconsin. In addition, the diagnostic lab provides diagnostic services for the general public, private companies, agricultural producers, pest control professionals, the green industry, medical professionals, and other groups. Homeowners are encouraged to first check with their local extension office for help as many samples can be handled in a more efficient manner locally. Mail in samples, emails (with pictures if possible) and walk-in samples are all accepted.
The IDL also provides teaching and outreach services for the UW-Madison Department of Entomology.