ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO ANNOUNCES AERIAL SPRAYING WILL BE CONDUCTED TO COMBAT MOSQUITO POPULATION ON FRIDAY, MAY 19TH

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Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. announced that the Essex County Department of Public Works will be partnering with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection to conduct aerial spraying for mosquitoes on Friday, May 19th between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. The spraying will be done along the Passaic River flood plains in Fairfield, West Caldwell, Caldwell, Roseland and Livingston.

“Essex County has a comprehensive, year-round program to control the mosquito population that includes surveillance, inspections, education and eliminating conditions that enable mosquitoes to breed. However, recent weather conditions created perfect conditions for mosquitoes. The aerial spraying is a natural, safe and effective way to address the problem,” DiVincenzo said.

Residents along the flood plains may see or hear low-flying helicopters, which are used to spread granular BTI. These granules are naturally occurring larvicides and are harmless to humans and animals. The decision to conduct the spraying was made because the large amount of rainfall received over the last several weeks followed by periods of warm weather created ideal conditions for the mosquito population to grow.

If residents have any questions, they can call the Essex County Mosquito Control Hotline at 973-239-3366, Ext. 2480 or the Essex County Public Works Department at 973-226-8500.