Mosquitoes will have a few less places to hide and Brookhavenwill have a few more dollars in its coffers with the city receivinga mosquito control grant from the state Department of Health.

Mayor Bob Massengill said this week the city has been approvedfor a $39,000 grant to assist in the battle against the problematicpests. Interestingly, he noted, the city had applied for only$34,000.

“It’s the first time we’ve ever been approved for more than whatwe applied for,” the mayor said about funding levels.

Massengill said the grant will allow the city to purchase anadditional spraying unit and three backpack units. Also, all of thecity’s mosquito spraying supplies will be covered next year underthe grant.

The additional spraying unit will be helpful followinganticipated approval of the city’s annexation case next year, whichwould result in the more areas needing spray coverage. Also,Massengill said, the backpack units will allow workers to sprayaround ditches and in other remote areas in an effort to reducemosquito populations.

“This is a real boon to the city,” Massengill said about thegrant.

With a number of West Nile virus cases reported in the area andaround the state this year, Massengill urged residents to continueto be take precautions to prevent its spread.