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Pests and pest control in Delaware

Pests to know in Delaware

Why each one matters here is cited in the sections below.

Pests documented in Delaware

From public GBIF occurrence records since 1990. A record means a species was documented in Delaware, not that it's common near you.

Many public records (338)

Fewer public records (288)

Range named by extension sources (2)

Invasive species reported here

  • The Delaware Department of Agriculture has confirmed spotted lanternfly populations in all three Delaware counties, and its spotted lanternfly quarantine now covers the entire state.[2]
  • In 2017 Delaware became the second state after Pennsylvania to find the spotted lanternfly, which was first detected in New Castle County.[2]
  • DNREC calls the Asian tiger mosquito Delaware's newest and toughest nuisance mosquito; it flies only about 300 feet from where it breeds.[3]

Pests local experts flag

  • The lone star tick is the most common tick in Delaware, especially in Kent and Sussex counties, and it is found in spring, summer, and early fall.[4]
  • Delaware's five most common ticks are the lone star, blacklegged (deer), American dog, Gulf Coast, and longhorned ticks.[4]
  • Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne infection in Delaware, and the state has one of the highest Lyme disease incidences in the country, according to CDC data cited by DNREC.[5]

Public agencies that handle pests

  • DNREC's tick program runs year-round, statewide surveillance for ticks and tick-borne pathogens, although the state does not offer tick pathogen testing for the public.[5]
  • DNREC's Mosquito Control Section provides mosquito control statewide to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illness, with field offices serving northern and southern Delaware.[6]

Hiring a licensed company

Delaware's pesticide regulatory agency is the Delaware Department of Agriculture (Pesticide Management).[1]

Licensing agency: Delaware Department of Agriculture — Pesticide Management[1].

See also how to check a pest control license.

Free local help

University of Delaware Cooperative Extension's Master Gardener Garden Helpline is a free resource for Delaware residents, with help on topics including insects.[7]

Local guides in Delaware

Through the year

Spring to Summer
Longhorned ticks are found in a variety of habitats in Delaware's New Castle and Kent counties during spring and summer.[4]

Sources

  1. National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
  2. Delaware Department of Agriculture, “Spotted Lanternfly.” agriculture.delaware.gov/plant-industries/spotted-lanternfly/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  3. Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, “Asian Tiger Mosquitoes.” dnrec.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/mosquito-control/asian-tiger-mosquitoes/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  4. Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, “Ticks of Delaware.” dnrec.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/ticks/of-delaware/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  5. Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, “Tick Program.” dnrec.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/ticks/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  6. Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, “Mosquito Control.” dnrec.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/mosquito-control/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  7. University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, “Gardener Helplines.” www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/environmental-stewardship/master-gardeners/garden-helpline/ (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-06. Every statement on this page comes from the cited state, federal or university source. Spot an error? Tell us.