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Identify and Manage Outdoor Insects

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Updated: August 18, 2023

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: August 17, 2023

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.
spicebush swallowtail caterpillar
Updated: August 10, 2023

Spotted Lanternfly Management for Residents

Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive sap-feeding insect native to eastern Asia. It was first detected in Maryland in 2018.
spotted lanternfly side view
Updated: September 15, 2023

Viburnum Leaf Beetle

Viburnum leaf beetle (Pyrrhalta viburni) is an introduced pest of viburnum in North America.
viburnum leaf beetle
Updated: September 15, 2023

Flower Fly

Flower flies are a natural predator of aphids. Flower flies are mainly nonselective pollinators, feeding on nectar and pollen from a variety of plants and agriculturally important crops.
adult flower fly sitting on a white flower
Updated: August 16, 2023

Predatory Bugs

Predatory bugs are in the insect order Hymenoptera and use piercing-sucking mouthparts to kill their prey.
wheel bug
Updated: August 7, 2023

Spiders in Maryland

Spiders are general predators, feeding on a wide range of prey (insects, other spiders, etc.). They are beneficial to people because they feed on harmful insects.
wolf spider
Updated: July 24, 2023

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: July 20, 2023

Lacewings

Lacewings are delicate green or brown insects, excellent predators of aphids and other small insects.
green lacewing insect resting on a leaf
Updated: July 20, 2023

Paper Wasps

Paper wasps are commonly found in Maryland and are often confused with yellowjackets.
Paper wasp adult