Pinellas to spray for mosquitoes by helicopter in St. Petersburg, Clearwater

Zoom in: The treatment, a soil bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, isn't harmful to humans, pets or pollinators, per the county.

• But the helicopters, borrowed from Lee County, will be loud. They have to fly at low altitudes to better target the mist, county public works spokesperson Brian Pellerin said.

• While mosquito control trucks use a similar larvae-killing treatment, helicopters can cover more area in less time.

Yes, but: Residents should still take their own precautions, Pellerin said. That means dumping out standing water on a weekly basis, wearing bug spray and covering up when outside.

By the numbers: Pinellas has reported 37 cases of dengue, per the most recent Department of Health data.

• Hillsborough, which is also conducting aerial treatments this week, is up to 310 cases.

What's next: A timeline for Pinellas' treatments wasn't yet available Tuesday.

• The county is awaiting approval from the Federal Aviation Administration, Pellerin said, and deployment will be based on the weather. Spraying will happen between 9am and 3pm.
• Pellerin encouraged residents to sign up for Alert Pinellas to find out when a treatment is scheduled around them.