In an effort to make a dramatic difference in Iberia Parish’s mosquito population, abatement program officials have announced that they will begin aerial operations over the next several evenings starting tonight.

Executive Director of Iberia Parish Mosquito Abatement Program Herff Jones announced in a press release that on Wednesday evening August 22, operations will focus on Jeanerette, specifically from the St. Mary Parish line to East Admiral Doyle and all points in between.

Thursday, operations will focus in Grand Marais from Rynella to Cora Lane and all points in between. Friday the abatement program will focus in Willow Wood which would include Daspit, Willow Wood Park, Loreauville Road and all points in between.

“Here in Iberia Parish our road infrastructure is limited,” Jones said. “Therefore the aerial operations can reach acreage that the ground trucks cannot get to.”

“Secondly we can target a larger amount of mosquitoes with small applications of pesticide in a short amount of time, resulting in a significant decrease in the overall mosquito population,” Jones continued.

“This will not only target the amount of mosquitos in the population but will also affect the viruses we found during  the trapping of mosquitos,” he said. 

Mosquitos infected with the West Nile Virus were found in Jeanerette and Grand Marais areas over the last few weeks. 

Sprayings will begin near sunset hours each evening and should last approximately one and a half hours according to Jones. The District is asking citizens if you must be outdoors- wear repellent, cover exposed skin and avoid outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most active.

Jones advises hypersensitive individuals or persons that wish to avoid all exposure to chemicals in the designated spray area to refrain from outdoor activities, all other citizens can proceed with normal outdoor activities.

The district also warns individuals who notice the low flying aircraft to not follow its path. For more information visit www.iberiaparishgovernment.com and click “Mosquito Control.”