The Mill Creek Towne Garden Club in Derwood, Maryland was established in 1968 with the mission to stimulate and increase knowledge and interest in all facets of gardening among amateurs, establish an active community beautification program and to encourage civic beautification, and foster group activities for the benefit of the members and the community. The garden club also landscapes and maintains the Mill Creek Towne entrances and common areas.
To raise awareness around reducing wildlife hazards, let’s review some common actions and pest management tools that can unfortunately harm our pollinators.
(1) Bug zappers: Research has shown outdoor electric insect traps do not effectively manage biting insects and can attract and harm nighttime pollinators.
(2) Mosquito spraying: Some mosquito spray applications and their active ingredients do not only affect mosquitoes, but can also harm pollinators and other beneficial insects. More research is revealing impacts not only within treated yards, but also in neighboring yards. Consider alternatives.
(3) ‘Low-Impact’ Pesticides: Even ‘lower impact’ pesticide products like neem oil and insecticidal soap can harm pollinators if they get in contact with the product. Consider alternatives first. Avoid applying these products to flowering outdoor plants.
(4) Sticky bands & traps: Outdoor sticky tree bands and sticky traps can harm pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. Rethink using these traps outdoors. Utilize other, less-harmful pest management tools.
(5) Outdoor lights (light pollution): Light pollution can confuse, tire, and disrupt nighttime pollinators and other wildlife. Consider turning off unnecessary lighting or opt for motion activated lights, or dim lights low to the ground.
(6) Leaf litter removal: Many different moths, butterflies, and other insects spend one of their life stages in leaf litter during the cold months. Removing this material from your yard removes these pollinators.
Comment below if any of these surprised you! Infographics and caption put together by Madeline E. Potter, University of Maryland Extension Faculty Specialist for Entomology and Integrated Pest Management
Heritage Days Saturday, June 27 & Sunday, June 28, 2026, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
This year marks the 27th annual Heritage Days weekend – a countywide festival offering programs, activities, and tours appealing to visitors of all ages and interests and will take place June 27 and 28.
In addition to Civil War and agricultural history, the stories of local railroads and trolleys, African American communities, life along the C&O Canal, astronomy, and much more are featured.
Explore local history and culture during the 27th Annual Heritage Days weekend from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28. More than 30 museums, parks, and historic sites will offer free admission, exhibits, live music, demonstrations, and family‑friendly activities highlighting the people and places that shaped Montgomery County.