Delaware is facing a persistent bed bug problem, with several cities taking action to combat infestations that threaten homes, businesses, and public spaces. Here’s how five key Delaware cities—Wilmington, Dover, Newark, Middletown, and Bear—are responding to the bed bug onslaught.
1. Wilmington
Response and Ordinances:
- Wilmington has enacted specific city ordinances addressing bed bug infestations, particularly in multi-unit dwellings. Owners of buildings with two or more units are responsible for extermination if bed bugs are found or suspected in shared or public areas. When an infestation is reported, pest control services must be provided within 48 hours to assess and, if necessary, treat the problem.
- The city recognizes the challenge posed by dense housing and aims to increase public awareness about prevention and tenants’ rights.
2. Dover
Legal Protections and Landlord Responsibilities:
- Dover, along with other Delaware cities, is covered by statewide legislation that prohibits landlords from renting units with known or suspected bed bug infestations. Landlords must inspect units before renting, notify tenants about infestations in adjacent units, and respond promptly to complaints—initiating inspection within 120 hours and remediation within 14 days.
- These legal requirements ensure tenants have recourse and that landlords are held accountable for timely action.
3. Newark
Tenant Advocacy and Legal Support:
- Newark residents benefit from Delaware’s general landlord-tenant laws, which require landlords to maintain habitable living conditions. Bed bug infestations, which render units uninhabitable, can lead to landlord liability for damages and remediation costs. Legal experts in Newark assist tenants in pursuing claims if landlords fail to act.
4. Middletown
Professional Extermination and Community Education:
- Middletown relies on partnerships with professional pest control services that offer thorough inspections, targeted treatments, and follow-up visits. Companies like JEM Pest Solutions and Delmar Termite & Pest Control provide guarantees and education to help residents prevent reinfestation.
- Community outreach emphasizes early detection and the importance of not introducing infested items into homes or apartments.
5. Bear
Integrated Pest Management and Prevention:
- Bear residents have access to integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, including K9 inspections for early detection and targeted treatments. Local ordinances and state laws require landlords to act swiftly on tenant complaints and maintain records of all infestations and control measures for at least two years.
- Education campaigns focus on inspecting second-hand items and reducing clutter to minimize hiding places for bed bugs.
Statewide Strategies and Tenant Rights
- Landlord Obligations: Across Delaware, landlords must not rent units with known or suspected infestations, must inspect and disclose issues in adjacent units, and are responsible for remediation within specific timelines.
- Tenant Protections: Tenants are protected by both local ordinances and state law, with the right to prompt investigation and remediation. Tenants may share in remediation costs only if infestations are reported more than 60 days after move-in and not linked to adjacent units.
- Professional Help: Licensed exterminators are required for effective treatment. DIY methods are discouraged for large infestations due to the resilience and rapid reproduction of bed bugs.
Wilmington, Dover, Newark, Middletown, and Bear are at the forefront of Delaware’s fight against bed bugs, combining legal mandates, professional pest control, and public education to protect residents. With robust tenant protections and clear landlord responsibilities, these cities are working to curb the bed bug crisis and restore peace of mind to their communities
Sources
- https://www.vikingpest.com/pest-control/bed-bugs/delaware-bed-bug-control/
- https://jempestsolutions.com/bed-bugs/
- https://www.fox29.com/news/delaware-lawmakers-tenant-protections-from-bed-bug-infestations
- https://www.bedbugattorney.co/delaware-bed-bug-laws-wilmington-dover-newark-middleton-and-bear/
- https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/do-it-yourself-bed-bug-control
