Pennsylvania DEP Launches Annual Black Fly Control Program
Posted on: Wednesday, 22 April 2009, 08:30 CDT
Aerial Spraying Begins in 33 Counties
"Controlling black flies helps to ensure that our citizens and visitors can enjoy warm weather outdoor activities without suffering painful bites," 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."
Governor
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 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
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
For more information on
EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is a list of the 33 counties and 44 waterways to be sprayed for black flies:
Beaver: Connoquenessing Creek
Bradford: Chemung River, North Branch Susquehanna River, Wyalusing Creek
Bucks: Delaware River, Neshaminy Creek, Tohickon Creek
Butler: Slippery Rock Creek
Clarion: Allegheny River, Clarion River, Redbank Creek
Clinton: Bald Eagle Creek,
Dauphin:
Elk: Clarion River
Forest: Allegheny River, Clarion River, Tionesta Creek
Juniata:
Lawrence: Connoquenessing Creek, Neshannock Creek, Slippery Rock Creek
Perry:
Warren: Allegheny River, Brokenstraw Creek, Conewango Creek
York: Conewago Creek, Susquehanna River, Yellow Breeches Creek
CONTACT: John Repetz (717) 787-1323SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Source: PR Newswire
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