Helicopters To Fly Over Livingston, Spray For Mosquitos

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Essex County is about to wage war against mosquitos, and residents along the Passaic River flood plains, including in Livingston, may find themselves on the front line of the battle on Friday.

According to an Essex County news release issued on Thursday, 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 19 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, officials said.

• See related article: North Caldwell Police Say Helicopter Will Do Mosquito Remediation Thursday

“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,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said. “However, recent weather conditions created perfect conditions for mosquitoes. The aerial spraying is a natural, safe and effective way to address the problem.”

According to county officials, 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,” county officials stated. “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.

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Livingston Facebook page here.

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to [email protected]

Patch file photo