Mayflies Invade Kittanning Citizen’s Bridge

Jeremy Salsgiver submitted this video of the mayfly invasion Sunday night on the Citizen’s Bridge in Kittanning.

Mayflies “hatch” (emerge as adults) from spring to autumn, not necessarily in May, in enormous numbers.

Local resident Justin Radic, who enjoys fishing in the Allegheny River, said the huge number of mayflies fall into the river and are eaten by the fish; therefore the fish are not hungry and are harder to catch.

Mayflies only live for 24-72 hours, and are harmless unless your tires skid on them trying to cross the bridge. This has led in the past to the bridge being closed in the night in order to call out fire departments and wash it off with their fire truck hoses.

They go anywhere there is light at night; therefore, don’t wear a white shirt walking through the Kittanning Riverfront Park while searching for Pokémon. You may find them landing on your shirt!