Black Fly Spraying in PA Is On

After Pennsylvanians were plagued by a buggy late summer and early fall last year, due to a decision to terminate the state’s Black Fly Suppression Program earlier than in previous years, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) confirmed in a news release May 4 that it has begun aerial spraying along 1,600 miles of state waterways in 36 counties to control black flies.

“Black flies are a nuisance, especially when Pennsylvanians are trying to enjoy the outdoors and our many streams and rivers,” acting DEP Secretary John Quigley said. “This annual initiative reduces the nuisance so that all of us can get out there and enjoy Pennsylvania’s waterways.”

The news release confirmed that spraying will take place along the Lehigh River in Northampton and Lehigh counties and along the Delaware River in Northampton County. It will also take place along the Tohickon Creek in upper Bucks County.

“DEP uses Bti, a naturally occurring bacterium, to treat the larval stage of four specific human pest black fly species,” the release said. “This bacterium degrades quickly in the environment and does not harm the aquatic ecosystem, birds, or other insects.”

Spraying will be performed both by helicopter and ground crews, with the frequency of spraying dependent upon weather and biological conditions.

County and local emergency management officials are notified prior to any spraying activity, DEP said.

Anyone concerned at the sight of a helicopter or ground personnel is encouraged to call their county emergency management office to verify that a black fly treatment is taking place in their area on that day.

The Northampton County Emergency Management Office’s number is 610-759-2600.

For more information on Pennsylvania’s Black Fly Suppression Program, click here or visit www.dep.state.pa.us and use the keyword “Black Fly” to perform a search.