Common Pests in the Home

The Master Gardeners at CCE Genesee County most frequently receives questions about the following Insect Pests. If you have an insect that you would like to have identified before you treat for it, please call the Master Gardeners at 585-343-3040 x 127 or email at GeneseeMG@hotmail.com

For a comprehensive list of insect fact sheets visit Cornell’s Insect Diagnostic Laboratory website, where you’ll find detailed fact sheets in alphabetical order or grouped by category

Contact

Janice Beglinger
Agriculture Outreach Coordinator
jmb374@cornell.edu
585-343-3040 x132

Last updated April 18, 2025

Your Home

Pest Identification

Our Master Gardeners would be happy to identify any unknown insect pesks for you.

Please place the insect in a sealed clear bag or container before bringing it to the office.

Our Master Gardeners are in the office Monday-Friday, 10 am to noon. Samples can be dropped off anytime Monday-Friday during regular business hours.

What about Bed Bugs?

Adult Bed Bug- Photo from University of Minnesota Extension

If you suspect that you have bed bugs in your home, contact the Health Department first. The Health Dept. is located at County Building 2, 3837 West Main St., Batavia. Insect samples should be put in a clear sandwich bag and then in another sealed bag or in a clear bag and then in a jar. Place them in the freezer for 3 days.

Please do not bring live samples into the Master Gardener office.

Resources:

Cornell University-Bed Bug Fact Sheet (pdf)

NYSIPM - Guidelines for Prevention and Management of Bed Bugs in Shelters and Group Living Facilities

Michigan State - Guide to Controlling Bed Bugs in Your Home (pdf)

U.S. CDC- Bed Bugs-Frequently Asked Questions

NYC Health - Getting Rid of Bed Bugs Safely(pdf)

NPMA - Best Management Practices for Bed Bugs

University of Kentucky - Bed Bug Information

Environmental Protection Agency - Bed Bug Fact Sheet

Purdue University - Bed Bug IPM

Penn State - Bed Bugs Fact Sheet