Delaware officials begin spraying ahead of mosquito season

(AP) – Officials in Delaware are beginning an annual effort to spray insecticide to combat mosquitoes.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control said in a statement that weather-permitting, the spraying will begin Thursday downstate and possibly Friday upstate. Officials said in most years about 10,000 acres are sprayed. The spraying is done by helicopter and other aircraft.

Woodland pools and other wet spots on the forest floor contain mosquito larvae, and how wet woodlands are affects how many acres officials spray. Officials said this year, drier conditions mean they'll spray 7,000 to 8,000 acres statewide.