Hartford to use larvicide to control mosquitoes

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Hartford officials say crews will be treating catch basins and wetland areas in the city with larvicide to control mosquitoes and the West Nile virus.

The city's health director, Dr. Raul Pino, says a contractor will begin applying the liquid larvicide Monday, but no spraying is involved. Officials say the larvicide is registered with state and federal environmental agencies and doesn't pose any health or environmental risks.

Pino says the larvicide program has been successful and there were no West Nile virus cases in the city last year.

Health officials are also urging residents to take other mosquito precautions such as cleaning clogged gutters and eliminating other sources of standing water.