BATTLING THE MEDFLY

Los Angeles County will conduct aerial spraying of malathion tonight from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m., weather permitting. Wind forced the helicopters to stop spraying after one hour Tuesday night with only five square miles completed in the Downey-Norwalk-Bellflower area.

Area: 41 square miles encompassing Bellflower, Cerritos and parts of Artesia, Bell Gardens, Commerce, Downey, East Los Angeles, Lakewood, Long Beach, Montebello, Norwalk, Paramount, South Gate and Santa Fe Springs.

Precautions: Stay indoors; keep animals indoors; wash animal dishes and toys left outside; cover cars; keep doors and windows closed.

Information: Toll-free numbers for the Agricultural Commissioner: (800) 356-2894; (800) 225-1346.