DEP Launches Annual Black Fly Control Program In 33 Counties

Pennsylvania is launching its annual black fly spraying program to control populations of the insects that pose a nuisance to outdoor recreation, Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger said this week.

 

“Controlling black flies helps to ensure that our citizens and visitors can enjoy warm weather outdoor activities without suffering painful bites,” Secretary Hanger said. “The department has been monitoring waterways for the presence of black fly larvae and will begin aerial spraying to target the black fly species that can ruin time spent outdoors.”

 

Gov. Rendell’s proposed fiscal year 2009-10 budget holds the line on the cost of these services by allocating $6.8 million for the black fly suppression program, which will allow over 1,500 stream miles to be treated.

 

DEP uses Bti, a naturally occurring bacterium, to target four specific black fly species. This bacterium degrades quickly in the environment and does not harm the aquatic ecosystem, birds or other insects. Spraying is done by helicopter during daylight hours.

 

Spraying depends on weather conditions and will not be done when it is heavily raining or if river and stream levels are elevated. If the water level is too high and the water is moving too rapidly, the material used for the spraying is carried away from the targeted location before it can be effective.

 

“DEP notifies county and local emergency management officials prior to spraying so they can be certain the helicopters seen flying over creeks, streams and rivers are doing so on behalf of the state’s black fly program,” said Secretary Hanger. “If any member of the public has questions when they see a helicopter spraying, they can call their county emergency management office to verify that a black fly treatment is taking place in their area on that day.”

 

The state pays for the bulk of this program, but participating counties also contribute. This is the final year of a contract that has kept costs for the service constant despite the rising costs of fuel and supplies. Services are currently provided by Helicopter Applicators, Inc. of Gettysburg.

 

Spraying for black flies is expected to begin as water levels recede to where the treatment can be effective, and surveillance shows sufficient numbers of black fly larvae present. Spraying typically begins between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. and continues until all waterways are completed, or until dark.

 

For more information, visit DEP's Black Fly Suppression Program webpage.