DNREC’s Mosquito Control Section Set to Spray Woodland Pools

The DNREC Mosquito Control section’s woodland pools spray campaign targets larval (immature) mosquitoes before they can emerge as biting insects that torment Delawareans and visitors alike later in spring and summer. /DNREC photo

Spring Campaign to Reduce Numbers of Year’s First Biting Mosquitoes

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will begin its annual spraying of spring woodland pools to control aquatic immature (larval) mosquitoes as early as Friday, March 15, weather permitting. The spring spray campaign by DNREC’s Mosquito Control section will begin in southern Sussex County, then expand into Kent and New Castle counties over the next several weeks. Controlling early-season woodland pool larval mosquitoes limits the emergence of biting adult mosquitoes later in the spring.

Up to 10,000 acres of wet woodlands near select populated areas will be treated with a helicopter applying the bacteria-derived insecticide Bti. As with all insecticides used by the Mosquito Control section within the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, Bti has been determined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to pose no unreasonable risks to human health, wildlife or the environment when applied in accordance with product label instructions as required by federal law.

The spring woodland mosquito larvae spraying campaign marks the beginning of Delaware’s mosquito control season – which in most years continues until late October or early November. Starting in April, Mosquito Control section activities will expand to larval and adult saltmarsh mosquitoes, other freshwater mosquitoes, and urban and suburban container-breeding mosquitoes to manage mosquito populations for improving the state’s quality of life and to protect public health.

Locations and times for scheduled mosquito spraying activity in the state can be obtained by calling toll-free 800-338-8181. Mosquito spraying announcements can also be received by email, text or voicemail by subscribing to Mosquito Control’s Spray Zone Notification System at de.gov/mosquitospray.

To request local mosquito control service, call a Mosquito Control section field office:

Glasgow Office, 302-836-2555, serving New Castle County and the northern half of Kent County, including Dover.
Milford Office, 302-422-1512, serving the southern half of Kent County south of Dover and all of Sussex County.

For more information on DNREC’s mosquito control efforts in Delaware, visit de.gov/mosquito.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 68,000 acres of public land owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov

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Watch Out for Deer During Mating Season, Delaware Authorities Caution Drivers

As the days shorten and white-tailed deer mating season nears, Delaware drivers are advised to be alert around dusk and dawn when deer are typically most active. /DNREC photo

Extra Vigilance on Roads Called for as Days Shorten and Deer Become More Active Morning and Evening

As clocks are about to fall back to Eastern Standard Time and the days and daylight shorten, it’s also a dangerous time of year to be on the road because of the annual white-tailed deer mating season known as the rut. During the rut, which lasts from late October through November and into December, males (bucks) go about their annual pursuit of females (does) in the First State. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the Office of Highway Safety (OHS) within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security and Delaware State Police (DSP) are again urging extra caution at the wheel during this time – especially after the Nov. 5 change from Daylight Saving Time to EST.

From that day through much of the holiday season, the busiest times for motorists on Delaware roadways will be around dusk and dawn, times when deer also are typically most active. Driving unlit rural roads without heavy traffic or traveling busier roadways bordered by woods are the most common scenarios for deer-vehicle collisions in Delaware. The reason is simple, according to DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife biologist Sam Millman: “From late October to mid-December, Delaware’s white-tailed deer population explodes into a flurry of activity known as the rut, the once-a-year deer breeding season. Throughout the rut, bucks are actively searching for and chasing does to mate with them.”

The danger for motorists, he said, is that “white-tailed deer frequently cross Delaware roadways. That’s why we remind Delaware drivers to take extra precautions this time of year, especially when traveling on backroads and roadways lined by woodlands and forests, where white-tailed deer are more likely to cross.”

The latest figures from OHS also show that most deer-vehicle collisions in Delaware occur between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m., spiking again between 5 p.m. and midnight. In 2022, the state recorded 1,619 crashes involving deer on the roadway. To date in 2023, there have been more than 860 deer-related crashes. OHS data also finds deer-related crashes to be most common in October, November and December, representing 46% of all Delaware vehicle-deer collisions from 2017 to 2021.

Driver cautions from OHS include “using high beams during low-light situations to spot deer along the roadside, reducing speed in areas known for deer sightings, staying attentive while driving, avoiding distractions, and always wearing seatbelts,” said Office of Highway Safety Director Sharon Bryson. By following these precautions, she said, “Motorists can decrease the likelihood of deer-related crashes and ensure a safe journey during the autumn and winter months.”

Although the average white-tailed deer in Delaware weighs about 140 pounds, larger bucks can tip the scales at 200 pounds or more, according to the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. Hitting an animal that size may cause injury to drivers or passengers or trigger an accident involving other motorists – besides doing costly damage to vehicles involved in such a collision.

In 2022, 1,710 or 95% of the 1,801 vehicle-animal collisions investigated by Delaware State Police involved deer. Of that number, 746 collisions occurred during the deer mating season, when drivers are advised to be most attentive.

“During this time of the year, deer collisions typically increase, so it is essential for drivers to remain vigilant,” said Sergeant India Sturgis, DSP director of public information. “Deer are active during daylight hours as well as at dawn and dusk, when many drivers are on the road. Protect yourself and your vehicle from deer-related crashes by taking precautions. Buckle up, slow down, use high beams when appropriate, and scan for groups of deer. These measures may not prevent all crashes, but they can significantly reduce injuries and vehicle damage in the event of a crash.”

Based on reported insurance claims from July 1, 2022 to June 20, 2023, State Farm Insurance ranked Delaware 33rd nationally, with drivers having a 1-in-148 chance of being involved in an animal collision, and with deer accounting for the great majority of animal-related crashes and vehicle damage claims. Also, Delaware drivers rank 44th in the nation for the number of animal collision claims, with nearly 6,000 estimated animal collision claims filed during the same timeframe. State Farm statistics over the past five years show declining risk and increasing collisions claims, including 2018 to 2019, when Delaware ranked 26th with a 1-in-132 risk of animal collisions with 5,800 estimated claims.

DNREC, OHS and DSP, along with all police agencies and auto insurance companies, are unanimous in naming attentive driving as the best way to prevent or lessen the severity of deer-vehicle collisions. Attentive driving entails avoiding distractions that can take a driver’s eyes off the road, such as mobile phones, adjusting the radio or in-car computer screen, eating while driving, and engaging a driver in passenger activities. Results from a State Farm survey indicate that just one risky driving behavior, such as speeding or using your phone, increases the chance of an animal collision by 23%.

Additional safety tips from the three Delaware agencies promoting safe driving not just during the rut but any time deer might be active 365 days a year include:

Always wear your seatbelt to reduce your risk of injury in a collision.
Reduce speed at night, on curves and in bad weather.
Switch to high beams when there is no oncoming traffic to better reflect the eyes of deer on or near the roadway and scan the sides of the road as well as what’s directly ahead.
Watch for “Deer Crossing” signs marking commonly-traveled areas by deer on the road ahead. Slow down immediately and proceed with caution until past the crossing point.
Be aware deer usually travel in groups, so if you see one deer, there are likely to be others.
When deer are sighted, slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten them away. Do not depend on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer, as these devices have not been proven to reduce deer-vehicle collisions.
Do not swerve to miss a deer – brake and stay in your lane. Losing control of your vehicle, crossing into another lane, hitting an oncoming vehicle, or leaving the roadway and striking a tree or utility pole will likely result in a much more serious outcome than hitting a deer.
If you hit a deer, and your vehicle is damaged, stop at the scene, get your car off the road, if possible, turn on your vehicle hazard lights – and if you or anyone in your vehicle are injured, call 911.
Do not touch the animal or get too close to it; an injured deer may bite or kick and are capable of causing serious injury.

About the Delaware Office of Highway Safety
The Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is committed to improving the safety of Delaware’s motoring public by focusing on behavioral traffic safety issues such as impaired driving, seat belt use, speeding, child passenger safety, pedestrian and bicycle safety, motorcycle safety, and teen driving issues. FAQs can be answered at ArriveAliveDE.com. You can follow the Delaware Office of Highway Safety by visiting us at: ArriveAliveDE.com, OHS, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat, and YouTube.

Media Contacts:
DNREC: Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov, Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov
OHS: Jason Coleman, jason.coleman@delaware.gov
DSP: Sergeant India Sturgis, india.sturgis@delaware.gov

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Teenager Arrested for Attempted Carjacking

A Delaware Natural Resources Police investigation has lead to the arrest of a 16-year-old male of Wilmington, DE, on a charge of attempted carjacking at Bellevue State Park.

On Thursday, Sept. 07, 2023, at approximately 3:30 p.m., officers responded to the main parking lot of Bellevue State Park following 911 calls reporting an attempted carjacking. When officers arrived, they learned that the 67-year-old victim of Wilmington, Del., was approached by a teenage male. The suspect pointed a handgun at the victim and demanded the keys to their vehicle, at which time the victim complied and dropped the keys. The suspect then entered the vehicle, but quickly fled on foot after the victim began yelling for help. Officers from Delaware Natural Resources Police, Delaware State Police and New Castle County Police searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect. During the investigation, the suspect was found to have been captured on security cameras in the area. These images assisted officers in positively identifying the suspect.

An arrest warrant was issued for the suspect with the following crimes:

Robbery First Degree (Class B Felony)
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Class B Felony)
Possess, Purchase, Own or Control a Firearm/Destructive Weapon If Previously Convicted of A Violent Felony (Class C Felony)
Aggravated Menacing (Class E Felony)

On Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, the suspect was located and taken into custody by Wilmington Police officers following a traffic stop. The suspect was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to Ferris Juvenile Detention Center on a $100,000 cash bond.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Captain John McDerby, john.mcderby@delaware.gov

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First 2023 Delaware Evidence of West Nile Virus Detected in DNREC’s Sentinel Chickens

No Human Cases of WNV Reported to Date in State; Equine
Owners Urged by Department of Agriculture to Vaccinate Animals

West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in Delaware the first time for 2023 in a sentinel chicken, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today. This initial finding was from a sentinel chicken station near Wilmington sampled on July 31 by the DNREC Mosquito Control Section, and then tested and reported virus positive by the Delaware Public Health Laboratory on Aug. 4. While there have been no reported WNV cases in humans this year in the state, Delawareans are reminded that the possibility of contracting mosquito-transmitted diseases, including WNV and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), will continue until colder autumn temperatures arrive in mid-October or later.

Blood samples are collected by the DNREC Mosquito Control section each week from early July into October from the state’s outdoor-caged sentinel chickens that are humanely housed and handled at 20 monitoring stations statewide. The blood samples are tested for WNV and EEE antibodies by the Delaware Public Health Laboratory. Sentinel chickens bitten by mosquitoes carrying WNV or EEE develop antibodies to these diseases but are otherwise unaffected. Mosquitoes can transmit both WNV and EEE to humans and horses.

Most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms, but about 20% can develop a mild illness, including fever, body and muscle aches, headache, nausea, vomiting, and rash symptoms. A small number of people can develop serious illness involving neurological problems, paralysis, and possibly death. The Division of Public Health Disease Prevention & Control Section reports that Delaware had one confirmed case of invasive WNV in 2022, and none so far this year. EEE is not as prevalent as WNV but can present more severe symptoms in humans and horses.

The public is reminded to take common-sense precautions to avoid mosquito bites, including wearing light-colored clothing of long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors in mosquito-prone areas; applying insect repellent containing 10 to 30% diethyltoluamide (DEET) in accordance with label instructions; and avoiding mosquito-infested areas and at times of peak mosquito activity around dusk, dawn and at night.

According to the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA), there were no equine cases of WNV or EEE in 2022. The State Veterinarian urges horse owners to contact their veterinarians to vaccinate horses and other equines against WNV and EEE. Both vaccines are highly effective in minimizing disease and may be the reason why Delaware had no equine cases in 2022. Horses that have been vaccinated in the past will need an annual booster shot. Neither disease has a specific drug treatment, and infections in horses are fatal in 70% to 90% of EEE cases and 30% of WNV cases.

Spraying to reduce mosquito populations in areas where WNV or EEE is detected may be initiated by the DNREC Mosquito Control Section as warranted, based on factors to include mosquito population levels and mosquito species present in affected areas. To reduce mosquito-breeding habitat and chances of disease transmission, residents should drain or remove outdoor items that collect water, such as discarded buckets or containers, uncovered trashcans, stagnant birdbaths, unprotected rain barrels or cisterns, old tires, upright wheelbarrows, flowerpot liners, depressions in boat tarps, clogged rain gutters, corrugated downspout extenders, and unused swimming pools.

Horse owners can take several additional steps in the barn and around the farm to help protect horses from mosquito bites. Horses should be kept inside at dawn and dusk, peak hours for mosquito activity. Topical insect repellents labeled for use on horses may be applied. Wind generated by fans installed in horse stalls can also help deter mosquitoes. Water troughs or buckets should be emptied, cleaned, and refilled every 2-3 days to remove mosquito eggs or larvae.

For mosquito biology/ecology and control, contact the DNREC Mosquito Control section office in Dover at 302-739-9917.
- For requests for mosquito relief in upstate areas from Dover north, contact Mosquito Control’s Glasgow field office at 302-836-2555.
- For requests for mosquito relief in downstate areas south of Dover, contact Mosquito Control’s Milford field office at 302-422-1512.
For animal health questions, contact the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Poultry and Animal Health Section at 302-698-4500.
To report suspected cases of human WNV, call the Delaware Division of Public Health Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology toll-free at 888-295-5156.
- For more information on West Nile virus or eastern equine encephalitis, visit cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm.

Media contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov
DDA: Stacey Hofmann, stacey.hofmann@delaware.gov

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DNREC Advises Better Air Quality is Back in Delaware

Lums Pond State Park./ DNREC photo

Public Reminded to be Vigilant During State’s ‘Ozone Season’

While the air quality has improved in Delaware, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control advises residents and visitors that the state is currently amidst the ozone season. They should continue to be vigilant about poor air quality and its impacts on their health and safety every day.

Wildfires in Quebec emitted particulate matter into the atmosphere making the air unhealthy — and at times hazardous — to breathe in Delaware, triggering DNREC last week to issue back-to-back Code Red Action Days. Today’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reading shows Delaware as yellow for particulate matter signifying air quality remains a moderate concern in the state.

While the looming haze and unhealthy air of last week may have dissipated for now, DNREC monitoring for air quality continues. Because with a change in meteorological conditions and dozens of wildfires still burning throughout Canada, the poor air quality for particulate matter could return, carried down the East Coast and into Delaware by prevailing winds.

“We are forcibly coming to terms with the many faces of climate change in Delaware,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “The Code Red Action Days for particulate matter is a telltale indication of it. The Canadian wildfires dispersed particulate matter in the some of the highest amounts recorded. The smoke was carried by winds and affected air quality many hundreds of miles away. Which is why we as a country, and as global citizens, must continue to monitor, to prepare, to adapt, but also take action to address the impacts of climate change for protecting the health of people in Delaware and the planet.”

With warmer summer weather ahead and little rain in the forecast after almost a month of negligible precipitation, most of Delaware’s attention to air quality now reverts to the state’s ozone season (May 1-Sept. 30). “Bad ozone” can hover in the state and contribute to existing health conditions in sensitive groups, particularly children, older adults and people respiratory or cardiovascular problems.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s mantra for ozone is “Good up high, bad nearby” – “nearby” meaning the ground-level ozone known as the troposphere. It’s “bad” ozone” to be aware of in Delaware, the country’s lowest-lying state, where the transportation sector currently is the largest single cause of air pollution.

This kind of ozone pollution is formed from a chemical reaction in the lower atmosphere on hot, still, sunny days. DNREC Division of Air Quality has found ozone pollution levels in Delaware – comprising the air pollutants that contribute most to ozone formation, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) – comes from in-state sources and blow in from upwind cities and states. But ozone pollution doesn’t discriminate on where it ends up, and Delaware must always be on the alert for this unhealthy intrusion.

Today’s AQI for ozone shows levels in the 40s indicated by a green color code, meaning good air quality. DNREC advises that the public continue to check the state’s air quality report in the coming days, specifically by signing up to receive air quality alerts at de.gov/aqi and via accessing real-time data and interactive maps on current conditions at EPA’s airnow.gov.