When Does Mosquito Season Start in Delaware?
Mosquito season in the Dover area gets underway in mid-March, when DNREC's Mosquito Control Section begins spraying woodland pools statewide, and runs through late October. Dover sits in Kent County, the second stop in DNREC's spring rollout, which starts in coastal Sussex County and expands north from there.
Why Kent County Sees Early Pressure
DNREC's Mosquito Control Section begins its spring larvicide campaign in southern Sussex County first, since coastal salt marsh habitat produces the earliest mosquito broods in the state, then expands into Kent County within weeks. Dover's proximity to the Delaware Bay and its tidal wetlands puts it closer to that early coastal pressure than Delaware's more inland or northern communities, and adult mosquitoes here typically emerge by early May once the spring campaign finishes.
Myth: Bug Zappers and Ultrasonic Devices Control Mosquitoes
Neither product does much against mosquitoes. Virginia Cooperative Extension has found that electric bug zappers kill very few mosquitoes while killing large numbers of harmless and beneficial insects instead, and that ultrasonic repellent devices haven't performed as advertised in controlled trials. Mosquito pressure tied to standing water on a Dover-area property won't respond to either device.
Dover-area mosquito season, 2026: DNREC's control season begins in coastal Sussex County in mid-March and reaches Kent County within weeks, with adult mosquitoes typically emerging by early May and activity continuing through late October.
Cutting Mosquito Breeding Around Your Dover Property
Standing water is the one factor a homeowner actually controls. Check gutters, plant saucers, tarps, and any low spot in the yard after every rain, since a female mosquito needs less than an inch of water to lay a batch of eggs that can hatch within two days. Properties near tidal marshland or drainage ditches common around Dover should pay extra attention to slow-draining areas that hold water longer after a storm.
For a look at what else is active in the area right now, see the most common summer pests in Dover.
Common Questions About Mosquito Treatment in Dover
What's included in a Dover-area mosquito treatment, and how often do you come back?
A plan includes an inspection, treatment of breeding and resting sites, and a set retreatment schedule through the season, so the coverage and cost are clear before the first visit rather than a surprise later.
What happens if mosquitoes come back between visits?
We return to retreat at no extra charge if activity picks back up before the next scheduled visit. That follow-up is part of the plan, not an upsell.
Do you offer treatment plans that work with a military family's schedule?
Yes. Service is scheduled on a recurring basis that doesn't require someone home for every visit, which fits well for Dover AFB families managing changing schedules or a PCS move mid-season.
Is treatment safe for a property near tidal marsh or wetland areas?
Yes, when applied by a trained technician following label directions. Treatment targets resting and breeding sites on the property itself rather than surrounding marsh or wetland habitat.
Ready for mosquito season, or already dealing with activity in the yard? Call Frontline Pest Control at 443-884-5571 and we'll help you figure out the right next step.
Clear Coverage, No Surprises
Frontline tells you exactly what's included and how often we're back, and if mosquitoes return between visits, so do we, at no extra charge.
See Dover Mosquito Control