RIDEM to perform aerial application of mosquito larvicide in South Kingstown, Westerly

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said that it has licensed a contractor to perform aerial application of mosquito larvicide in two towns.

North Fork Helicopters will conduct the applications Chapman Swamp in Westerly and Great Swamp in South Kingstown between Aug. 29 and Aug. 30.

RIDEM said that pellets that kill mosquito larvae will be dropped from a helicopter between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and should not pose a threat to humans.

The department added that all access points to the Great Swamp Management Area, the Great Swamp Shooting Range, and a part of the William C. O’Neill  Bike Path, from Ministerial Road to the Kingston Train Station, will be closed during the application and that residents should avoid the area.

The dispersal is part of the state’s plan to combat West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.