What Are the Most Common Pests in Delaware?

From First State National Historical Park to the Delaware Seashore State Park, Delaware is home to many natural wonders. While these places might be breathtakingly beautiful, they’re also where many of the state’s most common pests reside.

That’s fine for a quick visit, but not so great when you discover that some of them have followed you home. From health risks to property damage, knowing which pests are most prevalent and how to identify them is important for maintaining a safe, healthy home.

In this blog post, the experts at Home Paramount Pest Control explore the most common pests in Delaware, signs of their infestation, and the potential hazards they bring.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They’re nocturnal and typically hide in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and other furniture during the day.

Signs of a bed bug infestation include:

• Small, rusty stains on bedding
• Tiny eggs and eggshells
• Bites on the skin that appear in clusters or lines

These pesky insects can cause significant discomfort due to their bites, leading to itching and potential allergic reactions. They’re notoriously difficult to eliminate, often requiring professional pest control services to eradicate them successfully.

Ticks

Ticks are arachnids often found in grassy, wooded areas. They can attach themselves to humans and animals and are known for transmitting diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis.

Signs of a tick infestation typically include finding ticks on pets, on clothing after spending time outdoors, or in your home. Ticks can be dangerous, as the diseases they carry can lead to severe health issues, including fever, fatigue, and long-term neurological problems.

Ants

Ants are among Delaware’s most common household pests, with species like carpenter ants, odorous house ants, and pavement ants particularly prevalent. They’re known for their ability to form large colonies and invade homes in search of sustenance.

Signs of an ant infestation include visible trails of ants — especially near food sources — and small piles of dirt or wood shavings indicating nesting sites. While most ants are relatively harmless, carpenter ants can wreak havoc on your property as they tunnel through wooden furniture and fixtures to create their nests. Some ant species have the potential to contaminate food.  

Wasps

Wasps are stinging insects that can be aggressive when disturbed. They build nests in sheltered areas such as eaves, attics, and trees. Signs of a wasp infestation include the presence of nests and an increased number of wasps around your property.

The biggest risk associated with a wasp infestation is the potential for sustaining painful stings, which can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. Multiple stings can also lead to more serious health issues, making it important to address infestations promptly.

Spiders

Spiders are arachnids that can be found in various environments throughout Delaware. While house spiders and wolf spiders are common in the area and relatively harmless, other spiders — such as the Black Widow and Brown Recluse — are more dangerous. These species are venomous and commonly hide in cracks and crevices throughout your property.

Signs of a spider infestation typically include webs in corners, basements, and other undisturbed areas and sightings of the spiders themselves. If you see a Black Widow or Brown Recluse spider in your home, it’s important to act fast to address the issue, as a bite from either can cause pain, swelling, and severe reactions.  

Get Help From Our Pest Control Experts

If you suspect a pest problem in your Delaware home, consult with a professional pest control service to manage and eliminate the issue effectively. At Home Paramount Pest Control, we’ve been the leaders in pest control since 1939.

We deliver customized solutions that target the root cause of infestations using the most eco-friendly products possible to preserve the integrity of your surrounding ecosystem.

Request a free pest inspection in Delaware by contacting our team online today.