Insect Friendly Gardens | University of Maryland Extension

Updated: June 15, 2023

Aphid Parasitoids

Aphid parasitoids are very tiny wasps that lay their eggs in aphids.

Updated: March 1, 2023

Bumble Bees

Bumble bees are important pollinators that feed on nectar and pollen. They very rarely sting.

Updated: March 1, 2023

Meet a Pollinator: Cellophane Bee

Cellophane bees are important pollinators of plants and they are not aggressive/defensive.

Updated: March 1, 2023

Meet a Pollinator: Carpenter Bee

Carpenter bees are the largest native bees in the United States and they are effective pollinators.

Updated: March 1, 2023

Giant Resin Bee

Giant resin bees are an introduced species and are native to parts of Asia.

Updated: March 1, 2023

Braconid and Ichneumonoid Wasps

Braconid wasps and Ichneumonoid wasps are types of parasitoids that are beneficial in a garden.

Updated: March 1, 2023

Pollinator Profiles

Common pollinators in Maryland include bees and wasps, butterflies and moths, beetles, and flies.

Updated: March 1, 2023

Scale and Whitefly Parasitoids

Scale and whitefly parasitoids are small insects that are beneficial for controlling pests in a garden.

Updated: February 3, 2023

Managing City and Suburban Yards and Gardens to Sustain Insect Communities (FS-2022-0633)

Simple changes to yard and greenspace management in cities and suburbs can facilitate healthy insect communities and maximize ecosystem services. Considering insect life cycle transitions can ensure that habitat requirements are met throughout the year and throughout all life stages. Authors: Lauren Schmitt, Kelsey McGurrin, Dr. Karin Burghardt; Title: Managing City and Suburban Yards and Gardens to Sustain Insect Communities (FS-2022-0633)

Updated: February 10, 2021

Scoliid Wasp

Scoliid wasps or digger wasps are often seen flying over lawns in search of white grubs.