Stinging and Biting

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.

There are six species of ticks found in Maryland and the majority of them are capable of transmitting diseases to people and pets. Here are resources for identifying ticks in Maryland and protecting yourself from tick bites.

Bed bugs are small, brown insects that feed solely on the blood of animals, including humans.

Prevent mosquito bites by wearing repellants and protective clothing. Eliminate standing water on your property to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

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. 

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.

The cat flea is the most common flea encountered in homes. It survives on both dogs and cats and will bite humans.

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