He expects to spray against the insects soon. The larvaecide he sprays doesn’t affect other organisms in water, he said.

Because he uses a small quantity of spray, in most cases they don’t kill any flying insects except mosquitoes, he said.

He notifies people at least 48 hours before spraying and sprays after dusk.

“The spraying doesn’t affect people or pets,” he said.

He sends test samples to the state Department of Environmental Protection lab through the end of October or later depending upon weather. Some samples are sent on to the state Health Department laboratory.

He offered tips on ways to reduce the number of mosquitoes around a home and neighborhood:

Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water holding containers.

Pay special attention to discarded tires with a used tire the most important domestic mosquito producer in the U.S.

Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors.

Clean clogged roof gutters on an annual basis particularly if leaves from surrounding trees plug up the drains.

Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.

Turn over wheelbarrows and do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths.

Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens can become major mosquito producers if allowed to stagnate. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used. Be aware mosquitoes can breed in water that collects on swimming pool covers.

E-mail comments to kblackledge@thedanvillenews.com.