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Pollinators and Beneficial 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: 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: July 15, 2026

Cultivating Conservation for Maryland and Delaware’s Historically Underserved Farmers (EM-2025-0752)

Authors: Sarah Hirsh - Shannon Dill - Caroline Kuchta - Neith Little - Kelly Nichols - Margaret Todd

This guidebook aims to increase knowledge of conservation practices and resources available to help farmers and land managers plan for and incorporate conservation onto their land. The guidebook discusses how conservation can fit into whole farm planning, conservation plans, the Web Soil Survey resource, an overview of agencies and conservation programs, and Natural Resource Conservation Service program eligibility and contract requirements. Authors: Sarah Hirsh, Shannon Dill, Caroline Kuchta, Neith Little, Kelly Nichols, and Margaret Todd; Title: Cultivating Conservation for Maryland and Delaware’s Historically Underserved Farmers (EM-2025-0752).
Updated: May 26, 2026

Native Pollinators Project

Native pollinator projects conducted by the Anne Arundel Count Master Gardener team
tabling
Updated: May 26, 2026

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: March 23, 2026

Scoliid Wasp

Scoliid wasps or digger wasps are often seen flying over lawns in search of white grubs.
scoliid wasps on a flower
Updated: December 17, 2025

Predatory Wasps

Predatory wasps are beneficial insects in a garden and landscape.
cicada killer wasp with prey
Updated: September 15, 2025

The Power of Pollinators (EC-2023-0675)

Authors: Amy Lang

The Power of Pollinators lessons provide engaging, interactive activities for youth audiences to explore the role pollinators play in our food supply, providing opportunities to explore pollinator species and habitats and engage in environmental stewardship practices to support these vital organisms.  As youth explore these concepts they will develop an increased affinity for the natural world and the science that can be used to explore and understand it. Author: Amy Lang; Title: The Power of Pollinators (EC-2023-0675).