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Bed Bugs in Delaware
Hitchhike in luggage. A year-round risk for rentals and travelers.
| Peak season | Year-round |
|---|---|
| Size | About 3/16 inch |
| Risk | Health — itchy bites, stress, sleep loss |
| Who treats it | Mosquito & Pest Authority (sponsor) |
How to identify them
Flat, oval and reddish-brown, about the size of an apple seed. Look for rusty spots on mattress seams and box springs.
Bed Bugs in Delaware
Beach rentals, hotels and frequent travel make bed bugs a real risk at the Delaware shore, especially during summer turnover.
When they’re active
Swipe to see all 12 months →
What you can do now
- Wash and dry bedding on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Don’t move furniture between rooms; it spreads them.
- Inspect luggage after travel.
When to call a pro
Call a pro. Bed bugs are very hard to clear with DIY products, and a partial treatment spreads them.
Bed Bugs: common questions
How do I know if I have bed bugs?
Look for flat, reddish-brown insects and rusty or dark spots along mattress seams and box springs. Itchy bites alone are not enough to confirm them.
Can I get rid of bed bugs myself?
They are very hard to clear with store-bought products, and partial treatment can spread them. Washing bedding on high heat helps, but a professional inspection is the surest next step.
Do bed bugs mean my home is dirty?
No. Bed bugs hitchhike on luggage, clothing and used furniture, and they turn up in clean homes and hotels too. What matters is acting quickly once you find them.
Where in Delaware
Where bed bugs rank on each county’s top-pest list:
- New Castle County Not in the county top six
- Kent County Not in the county top six
- Sussex County Common
Towns where bed bugs are on the local top-pest list: