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Pollinators and Beneficial Insects

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Updated: October 17, 2024

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: 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: March 1, 2023

Pollination Basics

What is pollination and how does it work? Pollination is the process by which plants reproduce and create seeds. Some plants are pollinated by wind and others by animals (pollinators) that move pollen from one plant to another.
sweat bee on a flower
Updated: May 14, 2025

Linthicum Walks

Linthicum Walks is a historic home and farm complex in the Gambrills/Crofton area of Anne Arundel County. An on-site demonstration pollinator garden was planted with over 25 different native plants. The goal of the garden is to demonstrate sustainable gardening practices, the importance of pollinators, and the ecological importance of native plants.
Linthicum Walks Native Plant Garden
Updated: April 8, 2025

Production Gardening and Beekeeping

Production gardening and beekeeping projects at Anne Arundel County
Updated: October 17, 2024

Honey Bees

Honey bees are non-native bees that are used for pollination and production of honey and wax. They are social insects that live in large colonies. They will only sting to defend themselves. 
honey bee
Updated: October 17, 2024

Pollinators and Pesticides

The Pollinator Protection Act prohibits the use of neonicotinoid pesticides outdoors by home by gardeners.
bumble bee on a flower
Updated: September 11, 2024

Ladybugs or Ladybird Beetles

Ladybugs or ladybird beetles are beneficial insects in a garden because they eat pests.
sevenspotted ladybird beetle
Updated: August 14, 2024

Native Pollinators Project

Native pollinator projects conducted by the Anne Arundel Count Master Gardener team
tabling