MARYLAND – As April 2026 brings mild spring weather to the Chesapeake Bay and the Blue Ridge Mountains, it also signals a seasonal surge in wildlife activity. The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have issued several updates this spring regarding invasive species and native threats that residents should monitor closely.
From a newly expanded statewide quarantine to the early emergence of forest-dwelling parasites, here is what you need to know to stay safe this season.
1. The Spotted Lanternfly: Now a Statewide Quarantine
As of March 6, 2026, the Maryland Department of Agriculture has expanded the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) quarantine to include Dorchester, Saint Mary’s, Somerset, and Worcester counties—effectively making the quarantine statewide. This invasive planthopper is no longer just a Northern Maryland problem; it is now a threat to the entire state’s agricultural economy.
- The Threat: These pests feed on over 70 types of plants, including grapevines, fruit trees, and hardwood timber. Their “honeydew” excretions lead to black sooty mold that can kill valuable backyard landscaping and commercial crops.
- What to Look For Now: In mid-April, you are looking for egg masses. They look like small smears of dry, cracked gray mud on trees, flat stones, or even the wheel wells of your car.
- Action Plan: If you find egg masses, scrape them into a bag with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to kill them. Businesses moving equipment or vehicles across county lines must now obtain a specialized permit.
2. Box Tree Moth: A New Threat in Western Maryland
The MDA also recently issued a brand-new quarantine for the Box Tree Moth in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties.
- The Danger: This pest is a major threat to boxwoods—a staple of Maryland landscaping. The caterpillars can quickly defoliate a shrub, eventually eating the bark and killing the plant entirely.
- Protection: Check your boxwood shrubs for webbing or bright green caterpillars with black stripes. If you suspect an infestation, contact the MDA immediately with a photo.
3. Ticks and “Early” Mosquitoes
Due to the mild winter of 2025-2026, Maryland is experiencing a “jumpstart” to the biting insect season.
- Tick Surge: Black-legged (Deer) ticks are already highly active in Maryland’s wooded corridors. With the northward expansion of the Lone Star Tick, residents must also be wary of Alpha-gal syndrome, which can cause a permanent allergy to red meat.
- Mosquito Control: As of April 13, 2026, state mosquito control activity is officially underway. Stagnant water from spring rains is the primary breeding ground.
- Prevention: Clear your gutters and tip over flowerpots. Maryland health officials remind residents that even a small amount of standing water can produce thousands of mosquitoes in just one week.
4. Venomous Residents: Snakes and Spiders
Spring in Maryland is the prime time for “brumation” to end, meaning venomous species are moving through yards in search of food and mates.
The Copperhead The most common venomous snake in Maryland, the Copperhead, is frequently found in rocky areas or under leaf litter. They are famous for their “Hershey Kiss” or hourglass markings. Recent reports in the Silver Spring area remind residents that these snakes often hide in woodpiles or near garden walls…