Airplanes conducting spraying operations for the light brown apple moth are expected to fly over Monterey, Pacific Grove and a lower portion of Seaside tonight, weather permitting.

Steve Lyle, a spokesman with the state Department of Food and Agriculture, said wind and visibility conditions are expected to be favorable for completing the second round of application in the Monterey Peninsula.

On Sunday night, airplanes dropped the pheromone solution over areas of Marina and Seaside.

The spray does not kill the pest but confuses male light brown apple moths, keeping them from mating and reproducing.

State officials say the eradication project is necessary to protect hundreds of plants and crops the moths feed upon.

The potential cost of damages if the moth is not controlled could surge into the millions of dollars, according to state officials.

Residents in the area have expressed concern over potential ill effects the spray could have and people, animals and the environment.

State officials have stressed the spray is harmless and highly specific to light brown apple moth.

A spokeswoman with Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula said today that there have not been any cases of people arriving at the emergency room with complaints as a result of exposure to the spray.

Lyle advised that residents can wash off any items left outdoors during spraying with plain water, though the washing is not necessary to protect residents.

Spraying

is also scheduled to take place on Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning until the 60-square-mile area being treated is covered.