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Mosquitoes in Delaware
Salt marsh and backyard breeders. Worst near standing water and the coast.
| Peak season | Jun – Aug |
|---|---|
| Size | 1/8 – 1/4 inch |
| Risk | Health risk — can carry West Nile virus |
| Who treats it | Mosquito & Pest Authority (sponsor) |
How to identify them
Slender flies with long legs and a needle-like mouth. The Asian tiger mosquito is black with bright white stripes.
Mosquitoes in Delaware
Delaware has miles of coastal salt marsh, and DNREC’s Mosquito Control Section treats marsh breeding areas by air and ground. But the mosquito biting you in the backyard is often the Asian tiger mosquito, which breeds in containers as small as a bottle cap and bites during the day.
When they’re active
Swipe to see all 12 months →
What you can do now
- Dump standing water weekly: buckets, plant saucers, toys, tarps, clogged gutters.
- Change birdbath water every few days.
- Use an EPA-registered repellent when outdoors at dawn and dusk.
When to call a pro
Call a pro when you can’t enjoy the yard, you have an event coming up, or you live near marsh or woods. Barrier treatments on a regular cycle knock back the adult population.
Mosquitoes: common questions
Why do I get bitten in the middle of the day?
The Asian tiger mosquito is active during the day and breeds in small containers of standing water. Emptying buckets, saucers, toys and clogged gutters around the yard often helps.
How often should I treat my yard for mosquitoes?
Treatments are commonly done on a regular cycle through the season, because a single visit does not last all summer. Mosquito & Pest Authority treats on a 21-day cycle and re-treats for free if mosquitoes return between visits.
Are mosquito treatments okay around kids and pets?
Products used by licensed professionals are EPA-registered and applied according to the label, which includes directions for re-entry. Ask your provider about their instructions, and about an all-natural option if you prefer one.
Where in Delaware
Where mosquitoes rank on each county’s top-pest list:
- New Castle County Not in the county top six
- Kent County Common
- Sussex County Top concern
Towns where mosquitoes are on the local top-pest list: