Bugs and spiders in Delaware

What to watch for in Delaware

Ticks matter most in Delaware. The lone star tick is the most-recorded of the established ticks here, ahead of the American dog tick and the blacklegged tick, and the brown dog tick is established too. The lone star tick can spread ehrlichiosis, and its bites are linked to alpha-gal syndrome, a red-meat allergy. The blacklegged tick can spread Lyme disease and other serious infections. Check yourself and pets after time outdoors, and watch for fever or rash after any bite.

The northern black widow is established in Delaware. If you suspect a bite from an adult female, get medical advice right away, since the pain can spread and muscle cramps can follow, and call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 if you are worried. The southern black widow has many records here but is not known to live in the state, and those sightings are often misidentifications or hitchhikers. Yellowjackets, European paper wasps, and eastern carpenter bees are the stinging insects to watch around the house.

Through the year

Spring

Lone star tick adults are most active April through June, and eastern carpenter bees are drilling and hovering around the house.

Summer

Lone star tick nymphs are out from May into August, spotted lanternflies reach the adult stage in July, and American cockroaches are seen most in the warm months.

Fall

Boxelder bugs, brown marmorated stink bugs and Asian lady beetles crowd onto sunny walls and windows in autumn, and yellow garden spiders are most noticeable in late summer and early fall.

Winter

A few stink bugs and boxelder bugs wake on mild days, greenhouse camel crickets linger in damp basements, and house centipedes are around all year.