These 12 Bugs Found In Delaware Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine
By Katy|Updated on June 17, 2022(Originally published June 12, 2022)
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Katy
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Katy is a life-long Delaware resident who grew up on a small grain farm and spent her summers enjoying time at the beach. A full time public relations professional by day and a content specialist with OIYS at night, Katy loves sharing her love of her home state with fellow Delawareans and others. Loves: local food, dachshunds, horseshoe crabs, hiking, farmers markets, bourbon.
Warning: If you don’t want a case of the serious heebie jeebies, you might not want to scroll down. We found 12 insects that lurk in the shadows in Delaware that will surely send shivers down your spine.
Bed bugs aren't unique to Delaware, but our humid climate does make the First State fairly hospitable to these awful bugs. These little critters feed only on blood, preferably human, and have made headlines in recent years due to infestations in homes and hotels. Be sure to check your linens when staying somewhere away from home, because these creepy crawlies are notoriously difficult to remove.
Even though these bugs look like a scorpion, they don't have stingers and are harmless to humans. There are thousands of species worldwide, most of which are relatively tiny and not usually noticed. So, the scary look is all a farce! Still, I don't want to find one in my shower...
So. Many. Legs. There's an old saying that says, "if you enjoy frightening others, you will be reborn as a centipede." It's common to see them on hiking trails in New Castle County, so be careful where you step!
Because mole crickets live underground, and are mostly nocturnal, they usually go unnoticed. Phew! However, when you're digging around or gathering wood for a bonfire, you might run into one of these bizarre looking bugs.
A primarily aquatic insect, these big water bugs are also known as 'toe-biters' (eek) due to their large front legs that can grab prey before a painful bite. Watch yourself when you're swimming here in Delaware - these guys are terrible!
If you head into your basement, you might catch a glimpse of these insects hopping out of the light and into the darkness. They don't bite, sting or pinch, but WOW can they jump. I'm also pretty sure they can smell fear, and only jump onto those who are bothered by their presence.
Even though these bugs feed only on plants, and are harmless to humans, they look just like a stick and often catch people unaware...as suddenly what someone thinks is just a stick, moves! Once you realize what it is, though, these bugs are fun to watch.
Folklore says that these insects get their name because they will burrow into a person's ear (insert full body shiver here). And while it's highly unlikely that they do, earwigs will use their rear pincers to give a forceful clamp down on what ever is bugging them. Terrifying.
With a silver flash and the wiggle of tiny little feet, these common household pests will scurry about from under old boxes, papers and wood. You might even find them in your sink or shower because they love the humidity.
Even though these insects are common to the Northeast of the US, they usually go unnoticed. They are related to other 'assassin bugs,' who also have a long proboscis (mouth) used to feed on their prey. Ouch!
Cockroaches are most notably one of the most common creepy crawlies in the U.S. They are social creatures, congregating in large groups (gross factor #1) and feed on human and pet food (gross factor #2). Hopefully, you'll never have to see these guys in real life.
Even though there are several kinds of stink bugs, this kind is not native to the U.S. However, since it found its way to Delaware, it is a huge household and agricultural pest. You'll spot them in huge numbers in the fall as they try to come inside as the weather gets cold, and in the spring as they crawl out of the warmth back into nature. They seem to stick to everything.
And because technically spiders are in a whole other group of animals than insects (and because we didn’t even WANT to go there) this is just the start of the list of creepy crawlies that call Delaware home.
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bugs in delaware
Kim Magaraci|June 17, 2022
Are there any venomous bugs in Delaware?
Delaware has its fair share of venomous bugs. The only venomous spider in the state is the Black Widow, but it is found in each county. Kissing bugs are a threat, too, so be sure to know where they like to hide.
Are there any dangerous animals in Delaware?
In general, Delaware is a safe place to enjoy outdoor recreation. The First State doesn't have any major predators like black bears or mountain lions, which seems to set many minds at ease. However, there are a few dangerous animals in Delaware. While you're hiking, keep an eye out for timber rattlesnakes and copperheads. Black widow spiders are common, too, as well as the dangerous Kissing Bug. Occasionally, our shorelines pose a threat, too. Sharks frequently feed off the shore, and once in a while we are visited by the highly toxic Man O War jellyfish.
