After A Stormy Boon For Parsippany Mosquitos, Helicopter To Apply Larvicide

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Last week's flooding was a boon for mosquitos in Parsippany. As a result, a low-flying helicopter will begin applying larvicide in efforts to control the population.

The Morris County Division of Mosquito Control and the state will apply granular larvicide Wednesday through Friday along the Passaic, Rockaway and Whippany Rivers. Affected towns also include East Hanover, Lincoln Park, Montville, Florham Park, Chatham Township and Chatham Borough.

Recent heavy rain and flooding allowed a large brood of eggs to hatch, according to officials. The county hopes to get them under control before they emerge as adults and cause major issues for residents. The operation will target floodplains and won't treat over residential areas, officials said.

Mosquito larvae, which live in standing water, are the immature stage of the flying adult mosquito, according to county officials. The operation will not treat adult mosquitos.

Operations will take place between around 12-7 p.m. Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday as necessary. All times provided are approximations.

The helicopter will deploy VectoPrime FG, which quickly kills mosquito larvae and doesn't harm non-target populations, according to biotechnology developer Valent BioSciences.

The county is working with the State Mosquito Control Commission. Anyone with questions can call the Morris County Division of Mosquito Control at 973-285-6450.

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