DEP Sprayed for Black Flies During Weekend

The Department of Environmental Protection hopes a bacterium spray applied through today will keep black flys away from local residents.

As they do annually, DEP will apply the first black fly control treatments of the year to the Redbank Creek and Mahoning Creek in Armstrong County and the Kiskiminetas in Parks Township through today, Tuesday, April 17.

DEP controls black fly populations by spraying BTI, a naturally occurring bacterium, to target 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, fish, birds or other insects.

The spraying greatly reduces the black fly population, which makes it easier for area residents to enjoy outdoor activities during the summer months.

County and local emergency management officials are notified before any spraying is done to make them aware that helicopters seen flying over rivers and streams are doing so as part of the black fly program. Anyone with concerns over the sight of a helicopter 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 sprayings will continue periodically in the southwest through August. The rivers and streams will be monitored and treated as needed.

Other areas sprayed include: the Conemaugh River in Westmoreland County, the Connoquenessing Creek in Beaver and Butler counties, the Youghiogheny River in Fayette County, the Slippery Rock Creek in Butler and Lawrence counties; and the Neshannock Creek in Lawrence County.

For more information on Pennsylvania’s Black Fly Suppression Program, visit www.dep.state.pa.us or call 717-346-8238