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Identify and Manage Outdoor Insects

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Updated: April 17, 2026

Social Wasps: Yellowjackets, Hornets, and Paper Wasps

How to identify and manage common wasps such as yellowjackets, European hornets, baldfaced hornets, and paper wasps found in Maryland. The Northern giant hornet ("murder hornet") and yellow-legged hornet are not present in Maryland.
a yellow and black wasp - europen hornet
Updated: April 2, 2026

Spotted Lanternfly in Home Gardens

Learn about the Spotted Lanternfly life cycle, how to identify the insect, where it is currently located in Maryland, and what you can do to manage this invasive species around home landscapes.
spotted lanternfly side view
Updated: August 12, 2024

Outdoor Insects in the Home Landscape

Most of the insects in the home landscape are beneficial. Learn to identify them and attract them to the garden. Learn to identify and manage other insects that may cause problems.
a bee at blue false indigo flowers
Updated: April 2, 2024

Insects: Our Most Under-Appreciated Neighbors

Are insects bugging you? Very few (less than 1% of species) are pests. Most insects provide vital benefits to people and the environment. Before reaching for pesticides to kill insects around your home, learn about them and what they do-- we're here to help!
a green beetle with six white spots is resting on a human hand - this is a non-harmful insect
Updated: April 20, 2026

Box Tree Moth

Be on the lookout for a new pest of boxwoods. Box tree moth caterpillars chew the leaves of boxwood plants and can cause complete defoliation. Boxwoods are their only host plant. This pest has been found in several US states, and was first detected in Maryland in July 2025. If you find it, please report it to us.
a white moth and a green caterpillar on a boxwood branch
Updated: April 16, 2026

Chiggers

Chiggers are a tiny larvae of mites in the genus Eutrombicula. Their bite causes intense itching.
Updated: April 16, 2026

Controlling Mosquitoes

Prevent mosquito bites by wearing repellants and protective clothing. Eliminate standing water on your property to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
Asian tiger mosquito
Updated: March 16, 2026

White Grubs in Lawn and Garden Soil

Learn how to identify and manage white grubs (scarab beetle larvae) in the soil of lawns and garden beds.
beetle grubs
Updated: March 13, 2026

Aphids in Home Gardens

Learn how to identify and manage aphids on indoor and outdoor plants.
Adult Pea Aphid with two juveniles on a flower petal.
Updated: March 13, 2026

Indian Wax Scale

Learn how to identify and manage Indian wax scale insects.
A single indian wax scale on a twig