Pests in Sussex County

DNREC’s Mosquito Control Section serves all of Sussex County from its Southern Delaware Office in Milford. You can also check DNREC’s Spray Zone Notification map and spraying calendar for planned aerial and truck spraying.

DNREC says Delaware’s mosquito control season usually begins with spring woodland-pool spraying in southern Sussex County and, in most years, continues until late October or early November.

Rutgers entomologists report greenheads peak in July and are active from late June into September. They breed in coastal salt marsh, so marsh edges are the worst spots.

DNREC says lone star ticks are the most common tick in Delaware, especially in Kent and Sussex counties. Blacklegged (deer) ticks are found in wooded areas and forest edges statewide.

Yes. The Delaware Department of Agriculture has confirmed spotted lanternfly populations in all three counties, and its quarantine now covers the entire state. The department asks residents and visitors to inspect vehicles and anything they’re moving, and to remove and destroy attached egg masses.

DNREC’s tick program has an online tick identification form at de.gov/ticks; a photo of the top of the tick helps. Delaware does not offer tick pathogen testing, so talk to your doctor or veterinarian if you’re worried about illness.