PALM BEACH COUNTY — The Palm Beach County Division of Mosquito Control will be conducting aerial spraying beginning 30 minutes after sunset on Sunday, Nov. 22, weather permitting.

Aerial spraying is necessary due to a large hatch of nuisance mosquitoes from the recent heavy rains in addition to continued response to Palm Beach County Mosquito Control Division and the Florida Department of Health’s surveillance and prevention efforts to combat mosquito spread diseases. The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County continues its mosquito-borne illness alert for the county due to the sustained presence of West Nile virus.

The planned coverage area of approximately 400,000 acres covers populated areas west of Military Trail, including the Glades communities of Pahokee, Belle Glade, South Bay and Lake Harbor.

The aerial spray operation is based on a range of predicted weather conditions that must be satisfied prior to making the call to implement the operation. Should weather cause a cancellation, the county will continue to attempt to spray by helicopter each evening until a successful spray operation is completed. To find out if aerial spraying was successfully completed, please call the Aerial Spray Hotline at 561-642-8775 to hear the most up-to-date information about the operation.

To further help control mosquitoes, residents are asked to drain or minimize standing water on their properties. If you are going be outdoors after dark, use an insect repellent containing DEET and wear long pants and a long-sleeve shirt.