About the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension
The University of Delaware Cooperative Extension provides research-based education and outreach programs that support agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, environmental stewardship, youth development, and community well-being throughout Delaware. As part of the University of Delaware’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Extension connects residents, businesses, farmers, gardeners, and community leaders with practical solutions based on the latest scientific research.
Official Website
https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/
Although Delaware is one of the smallest states in the nation, it supports a diverse agricultural economy, extensive coastal resources, productive forests, and rapidly growing communities. The University of Delaware Cooperative Extension develops programs that address the unique needs of both rural and urban residents across the state.
Core Services Offered
The University of Delaware Cooperative Extension provides educational resources and technical assistance across a broad range of disciplines.
Agriculture and Crop Production
Delaware agriculture includes corn, soybeans, wheat, vegetables, fruits, poultry, and specialty crops. Extension specialists work with producers to improve efficiency, profitability, and sustainability.
- Crop production management
- Integrated pest management
- Nutrient management planning
- Soil health programs
- Irrigation management
- Agricultural business development
Extension recommendations help growers address changing environmental conditions while maintaining productive farming operations.
Poultry and Livestock Programs
Poultry production plays a major role in Delaware’s agricultural economy. Extension specialists provide education and support for animal agriculture throughout the region.
- Poultry management
- Livestock health education
- Pasture management
- Animal nutrition
- Biosecurity planning
- Sustainable livestock production
Home Gardening and Horticulture
Delaware homeowners and gardening enthusiasts rely on Extension resources for practical, science-based guidance on maintaining healthy landscapes and gardens.
- Vegetable gardening
- Fruit production
- Landscape maintenance
- Tree and shrub care
- Lawn management
- Garden pest control
Master Gardener Program
The Delaware Master Gardener Program trains volunteers to provide educational assistance to homeowners and community organizations throughout the state.
Master Gardeners help residents with:
- Plant selection
- Pest identification
- Garden planning
- Composting techniques
- Sustainable landscaping
- Native plant gardening
Natural Resources and Environmental Programs
Delaware’s coastal location makes environmental stewardship an important component of Extension programming.
- Watershed management
- Coastal resource protection
- Forest stewardship
- Wildlife habitat management
- Stormwater management
- Environmental conservation education
4-H Youth Development
The Delaware 4-H program provides educational opportunities that help young people develop leadership skills, technical knowledge, and community involvement.
- STEM education
- Agricultural sciences
- Leadership development
- Animal science programs
- Public speaking
- Community service activities
Pest Pressures and Challenges in Delaware
Delaware’s humid climate, extensive farmland, and coastal environment create ideal conditions for a variety of agricultural, landscape, and structural pests. Extension specialists provide ongoing monitoring and management recommendations to address these challenges.
Agricultural Crop Pests
Crop producers throughout Delaware regularly contend with insect pests that can impact yields and crop quality.
Common agricultural pests include:
- Stink Bugs
- Corn Earworms
- Armyworms
- Aphids
- Spider Mites
- Thrips
Extension entomologists provide seasonal monitoring reports and management recommendations to help growers make informed decisions.
Household and Structural Pests
Homeowners frequently encounter pests that invade structures and create nuisance or damage concerns.
Common household pests include:
- Termites
- Ants
- Cockroaches
- Rodents
- Spiders
- Silverfish
Extension resources emphasize prevention, exclusion, and integrated pest management approaches whenever possible.
Landscape and Garden Pests
Gardens, ornamental plantings, and landscapes are affected by a wide variety of insects and plant diseases throughout Delaware.
Common landscape pests include:
- Japanese Beetles
- Aphids
- Scale Insects
- Bagworms
- Spider Mites
- Whiteflies
Extension specialists provide identification assistance and management recommendations tailored to Delaware growing conditions.
Turfgrass Pests
Lawn care remains a major interest for many Delaware homeowners and landscape professionals.
Common turfgrass pests include:
- White Grubs
- Chinch Bugs
- Sod Webworms
- Billbugs
- Armyworms
Extension programs promote healthy lawn management practices that reduce pest pressure while minimizing environmental impacts.
Coastal and Environmental Pest Concerns
Delaware’s location along the Atlantic coast creates unique pest management challenges.
Residents and land managers may encounter:
- Mosquitoes associated with wetlands
- Salt marsh insects
- Invasive coastal pests
- Aquatic nuisance species
- Forest pests affecting coastal woodlands
Extension educators provide guidance on environmentally responsible management strategies that protect sensitive ecosystems.
Invasive Species
Delaware continues to monitor and manage invasive insects that threaten agriculture, forests, and landscapes.
Important invasive pests include:
- Spotted Lanternfly
- Emerald Ash Borer
- Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
- Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
- Asian Longhorned Beetle
Extension personnel work closely with state and federal agencies to support early detection, public education, and response efforts.
Integrated Pest Management Programs
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a cornerstone of Extension pest education programs throughout Delaware.
IPM programs focus on:
- Accurate pest identification
- Pest monitoring and scouting
- Preventive cultural practices
- Biological control strategies
- Habitat modification
- Responsible pesticide use
These strategies help reduce pest impacts while protecting beneficial organisms and environmental quality.
Educational Publications and Resources
The University of Delaware Cooperative Extension publishes a wide range of educational materials covering agriculture, gardening, pest management, environmental stewardship, and community development.
Popular Resources Include:
- Crop production guides
- Pest management recommendations
- Lawn care publications
- Garden pest identification resources
- Plant disease fact sheets
- Invasive species alerts
Many publications are available online and are updated regularly to reflect current research findings and emerging pest concerns.
Diagnostic Services and Expert Assistance
Extension educators and specialists provide support for homeowners, gardeners, agricultural producers, and land managers throughout Delaware.
Services may include:
- Pest identification assistance
- Plant disease diagnosis
- Soil testing information
- Crop management recommendations
- Landscape consultations
- Environmental stewardship guidance
Contact the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension
Whether you need help identifying a pest, managing a crop, improving a garden, protecting natural resources, or addressing a landscape problem, the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension provides access to research-based information and local expertise.
Residents can contact their local Extension office or visit the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension website to access educational publications, diagnostic resources, and professional guidance.