Thanks To Rain, You May See Helicopters Over Livingston, Caldwells, Millburn: Here's Why

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — After Essex County saw more rain than usual this weekend, followed by flooding in West Caldwell and Fairfield, officials are seeing more mosquito larvae around. As a result, according to the West Caldwell police, helicopters will spray larvicides in several towns.

If you see a helicopter spraying, police said, there's no need to be concerned. Helicopters may spray through Thursday.

Message About Spraying:

Due to the large amount of rain, we received recently, and seeing the LARVE count going up, the County will be partnering with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Office of Mosquito Control, conducting an aerial larval control operation using granular BTI, on Wednesday May 3rd, 2023.

This operation could continue to Thursday, May 4th, 2023, as it is contingent on favorable weather. This will start from 6:00 AM in the morning till 8:00 PM at night. We will be treating the waters along the Passaic River floodplains in the West Essex Towns Fairfield, West Caldwell, Roseland, Millburn, and Livingston.

Residents may see low flying helicopter spraying granules from the sides of the copter. The helicopter will be operating from Essex County Airport in Fairfield. These granules we use are naturally occurring larvicides and harmless to humans and animals and residents should not concerned about them.

However, if residents have any questions, they can reach our mosquito control hotline 973-239-3366 extension 2480 or our Public Works 973 226 8500 X 0.