DEP to begin 2020 black fly control work

WILKES-BARRE — The north branch of the Susquehanna River in Luzerne County will be among the first areas to be part of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s 2020 Black Fly Suppression Program this week.

The program involves aerial and backpack spraying on roughly 1,700 stream miles in 35 counties of the Commonwealth.

“As warmer weather returns, black flies are a pest that can inundate folks seeking outdoor recreation, especially around rivers and streams,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Using environmentally compatible methods, this annual initiative reduces this nuisance so that Pennsylvanians and visitors can fully enjoy our natural resources.”

This year, 48 rivers and streams spanning more than 1,700 miles will be monitored and treated as needed. Spraying activities will be performed both by helicopter and ground crews. The frequency will depend upon weather and biological conditions. Treatments cannot occur during periods of heavy rain or when water levels are high as these conditions lower the effectiveness of the treatment as well as significantly increase the cost of the control operations.

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

Prior to any spraying activity, DEP notifies county and local emergency management officials. Helicopters can be seen flying over waterways and ground crews using backpack sprayers off bridges and wading in streams conducting control operations on behalf of DEP’s Black Fly Suppression Program. 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.

For more information on Pennsylvania’s Black Fly Suppression Program, visit DEP’s website.