Aerial Mosquito Larvicide Treatment Planned for Ridgewood on April 17

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Bergen County Mosquito Control (BCMC) will conduct an aerial larvicide application by helicopter on Thursday, April 17, between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM, weather permitting, in an effort to control mosquito populations in natural wetland areas.

Target Area for Treatment: Grove Park (see map)

This proactive measure is part of BCMC’s routine mosquito control efforts, focused on non-residential, marshy, and inaccessible wetlands where mosquitoes are known to breed — especially following heavy rain or tidal activity.

Why a Helicopter Is Used

Many of Bergen County’s wetlands and marshes are difficult to reach by land. As a result, BCMC uses low-flying helicopters to safely and efficiently apply granular larvicides that specifically target mosquito larvae before they hatch into biting adults.

👉 Note: You may see helicopters flying over nearby residential neighborhoods. However, no larvicide is applied over homes or backyards. The helicopter is simply maneuvering into position to access the wetland treatment areas.

Municipalities with Treatment Zones

Aerial larvicide treatment areas may include uninhabited wetlands in the following Bergen County municipalities:

• Alpine

• Lyndhurst

• Ridgefield

• Carlstadt

• Mahwah

• Ridgefield Park

• Closter

• Moonachie

• Ridgewood

• Franklin Lakes

• North Arlington

• Rockleigh

• Harrington Park

• Norwood

• Tenafly

• Leonia

• Old Tappan

• Teterboro

• Little Ferry

• Park Ridge

• Emerson

• Ramsey

🚫 Not a Spraying Operation

It’s important to understand that this is not a mosquito spraying activity. Instead, the method involves a granular larvicide treatment applied at low altitude directly over wetland environments.

🧪 Larvicide Products Being Used:

• Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti)

• (S)-methoprene

Both products are EPA-approved and are widely used in mosquito control programs across the country. Are Precautions Necessary?

No special precautions are necessary.

Human exposure to the larvicide is extremely minimal, and the operation is targeted only at mosquito breeding habitats, not public or residential areas.

 Why It Matters

Effective mosquito control helps:

• Prevent the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus, EEE, and Zika

• Reduce mosquito populations in public parks and outdoor spaces

• Promote a more comfortable and enjoyable outdoor environment for Bergen County residents

 Stay Informed

For updates or questions about mosquito control in your area, visit the Bergen County Mosquito Control website or contact them directly.

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