Bugs and spiders in Maryland

What to watch for in Maryland

Ticks are the main concern. The lone star tick and the American dog tick are the most-recorded, followed by the blacklegged tick, and the brown dog tick is established as well. The lone star tick can spread ehrlichiosis and is linked to alpha-gal syndrome, a red-meat allergy, and the blacklegged tick can spread Lyme disease. The northern black widow is established here too, and a bite from an adult female can cause spreading pain and cramps, so get medical advice right away.

Records of the southern black widow and the brown recluse exist, but neither is known to live in Maryland, and such sightings are often misidentified spiders or hitchhikers. Most brown recluse bites heal on their own, but call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 if a bite worries you. The yellow fever mosquito is established in parts of the state. Cockroaches are Common, with oriental, American and German all listed, and yellowjackets and European paper wasps are the common stingers.

Through the year

Spring

Eastern carpenter bees are busiest in April to June, lone star tick adults are active, and black carpenter ants indoors this early may signal a nest inside the house.

Summer

Spotted lanternfly nymphs are out through summer and adults appear in July, while mosquitoes bite in earnest from about June.

Fall

Boxelder bugs, brown marmorated stink bugs and Asian lady beetles move in between late August and November, and spotted orbweavers and yellow garden spiders leave their webs up.

Winter

Greenhouse camel crickets and house centipedes are the usual winter finds, and a few stink bugs and lady beetles wander out on mild days.