Mosquito spraying will begin this evening, Sept. 13, in Holland, Boykins, Courtland, and Franklin, according to Virginia Health Department.

Spraying will not extend more than a ½-mile from the edge of each town.

The spraying is being done because of the increase in breeding of mosquitoes due to Hurricane Irene.

Spraying will be a very low volume application of the insecticide Dibrom, according to the news release. It should not be harmful to humans, pets, fish, birds or livestock.

Residents should remove standing water around homes to limit mosquito-breeding areas.