MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Aerial spraying has been scheduled for Thursday night in Miami-Dade County to combat the Black Salt Marsh mosquito, an insect that comes from the Everglades, county officials said.
Weather permitting, the aerial spraying of the insecticide naled will begin at 8 p.m.
Miami-Dade County officials said the controversial chemical is effective and harmless to humans at the rate it is dropped.
The Miami Herald reported that the aerial flight will stretch along the coast from the Rickenbacker Causeway south to Homestead.
The Herald reported that Kendall and areas around Redland and Florida City will also be sprayed with naled.
"I have a kid. He's 2 years old and I'm always looking that there's no mosquito at home because I don't want him to get bit," Kendall resident Ginethe Ayala said.
Officials said the Black Salt Marsh mosquito is different than the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which can carry the Zika virus, Dengue fever and other viruses.
The Black Salt Marsh mosquito is most active at night, while the Aedes Aegypti mosquito is most active at dawn.
Although the Black Salt Marsh mosquito is known primarily as a pest insect, it can transmit pathogens to humans and other animals.
County officials ask residents to do their part in combating the mosquitoes by draining standing water and cover items that collect water.