Identify and Manage Outdoor Insects

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. 

Oleander aphids, (Aphis nerii) are little orange insects that commonly infest milkweed plants.

Mud daubers are dark, often metallic black or blue wasps. They are not aggressive.

Kissing bugs, the bloodsucking conenose (Triatoma sanguisuga), are present in Maryland, but they are of little cause for concern. The risk of contracting a disease from them is extremely low. Common wheel bugs and boxelder bugs are often mistaken for kissing bugs.

Horse flies and deer flies live in wet areas. The females can inflict a painful bite.

Chiggers are a tiny larvae of mites in the genus Eutrombicula. Their bite causes intense itching.

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

Asian longhorn ticks are more commonly found in tall grass and pasture environments more so than forest environments. While they prefer to feed on wildlife and livestock, longhorned ticks will feed on pets and humans as well.

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

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