Olean Star

Weather has delayed the aerial spraying of mosquito larvicide over wetland areas along the Allegheny River Valley from Portville to Salamanca.

Jeff Duflo of Duflo Spray Chemical Inc., Lowville, said Monday afternoon his airplane was stuck at his home airport near the Adirondacks due to wet, windy weather.

Duflo said he hoped to be able to fly to Great Valley on Tuesday and possibly begin spraying as early as Thursday afternoon or evening

Cattaraugus County lawmakers responded to an emergency declaration last Wednesday and approved a contract with Duflo Spray Chemical for $69,000. 

Part of that cost is covered by contact with several municipalities along the Allegheny River and its tributaries and part is budgeted by the county. After state aid is calculated, the county will pick up about $5,000 in added costs.  

The larvicide will be sprayed over wetland areas in cities of Olean and Salamanca and the towns of Allegany, Olean, Portville, Hinsdale, Carrollton and Great Valley, Watkins said.

Larvicide halts the growth of larvae in breeding pools so they do not advance to the adult flying and stinging stage.

It does nothing for existing adult mosquitoes, so residents will still need to protect themselves by using insect repellent with DEET or avoid being outdoors when the insects are most prevalent — in the morning and at dusk/nighttime.

People can also deprive mosquitoes of sources of stagnant water in various containers around their property including pool covers and gutters that are clogged and hold water.