Ticks in Delaware

Delaware, known as the "First State," may be small, but it packs a punch when it comes to outdoor recreational areas. With its diverse landscape encompassing beautiful beaches, lush forests, and scenic waterways, Delaware offers an array of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and enjoy nature. Unfortunately, Delaware is also home to a wide variety of dangerous ticks.

Ticks that live in Delaware may include the blacklegged tick (deer tick), American dog tick, brown dog tick, Lone Star tick, Asian longhorned tick, poultry tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick, Cayenne tick, Gulf Coast tick, and Pacific Coast tick. As ticks actively expand their habitats across the United States designating defined geographical regions as the sole place of residence of any given tick is becoming a fleeting challenge.

Ticks in Delaware are a threat everywhere, from the deep forest to urban backyards. These lethal arachnids employ a behavior known as "questing", a passive strategy where they position themselves in vegetation, such as tall grasses or shrubs, and wait for a potential host to pass by.

Ticks have specialized sensory organs located on their legs, known as Haller's organs, which can detect stimuli such as heat, carbon dioxide, vibrations, and odor. When a human or animal approaches a waiting tick senses these stimuli and reacts by extending its legs outward, latching on as you pass by.

Once a tick has hitched a ride, it will crawl to a secluded location on your body, attach, and feed on your blood. Ticks secrete a unique substance that prevents you from feeling their bite, so they can feast unnoticed. Disease transmission may occur.

Popular outdoor areas in Delaware that are also home to ticks:

Delaware's crown jewel is its stunning coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Spanning 26 miles, Delaware's beaches are a haven for sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts. The most famous among them is Rehoboth Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, pristine sandy shores, and charming town center. Families can bask in the sun, swim in the clear waters, or engage in activities like beach volleyball and sandcastle building.

Just a short drive south of Rehoboth Beach lies Cape Henlopen State Park, a nature lover's paradise. This scenic park boasts miles of picturesque trails that wind through dunes, marshes, and forests. Hikers, bikers, and birdwatchers can revel in the beauty of the park, spot migratory birds, or take in breathtaking views from the observation towers. Cape Henlopen State Park is also a great spot for fishing, kayaking, and surfing, offering a range of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.

For those seeking a tranquil escape, Delaware's lush forests and serene rivers beckon. White Clay Creek State Park, located near Newark, is a haven for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Its extensive trail network meanders through dense woodlands, alongside the meandering creek, and past picturesque waterfalls. The park's diverse ecosystems also provide ample opportunities for wildlife spotting and nature photography.

In the heart of Delaware lies Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, a paradise for birdwatchers and nature photographers. This vast wetland habitat provides shelter to over 300 species of birds, including migratory birds that make a stopover during their annual journey. Visitors can explore the refuge on foot or by car, spotting majestic herons, graceful egrets, and the elusive bald eagles. With its scenic trails and observation towers, Bombay Hook offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and witness its wonders up close.

Delaware's outdoor recreational areas are not limited to its natural wonders alone. The state also boasts a network of impressive parks and green spaces. Wilmington's Brandywine Park, for instance, offers a beautiful respite in the midst of the city. The park's rolling hills, meandering river, and stunning gardens provide an idyllic setting for picnicking, jogging, or simply enjoying a peaceful stroll. In addition, Bellevue State Park, located in North Wilmington, offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, cycling, and horseback riding, amidst its sprawling grounds.

Delaware may be one of the smallest states in the US, but its outdoor recreational areas are boundless in their beauty and offerings. From pristine beaches and scenic state parks to wildlife refuges and urban green spaces, Delaware provides a diverse range of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you seek adventure, tranquility, or a simple connection with nature, Delaware's outdoor recreational areas are sure to delight and inspire.

So, grab your hiking boots, your sense of adventure, and go experience all that Delaware has to offer. Just don’t forget your tick repellent. The wide variety of human biting ticks that call Delaware home commonly transmit over a dozen tick-borne diseases. Ticks are out there ruining lives every day, do not become a statistic.

Ticks in Delaware transmit conditions such as Lyme disease, tularemia, babesiosis, tick paralysis, Powassan virus, Heartland virus, Colorado tick fever, Borrelia miyamotoi disease, anaplasmosis, and Alfa gal allergy.

Major cities in Delaware that are home to ticks include Wilmington, Dover, Newark, Middletown, Smyrna, Milford, Seaford, Georgetown, Elsmere, and New Castle.