Pennsylvania DEP to Begin Black Fly Spray Program

More than 1,500 Miles of Waterways to be Monitored, Treated

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Recent mild weather has prompted an early start to the Department of Environmental Protection's black fly spray program, an annual effort to limit the number of gnats that pose a nuisance during outdoor activities.

"It is an annual rite of spring in Pennsylvania," said DEP Secretary John Hanger. "The warm weather is an invitation for everyone to venture outdoors and enjoy our state's natural beauty. Unfortunately, the pesky black flies, also known as gnats, are starting to emerge, too. Because of the unseasonably warm temperatures we experienced in recent weeks, eggs have hatched and larvae are developing rapidly. This has prompted DEP to begin the spraying program a bit earlier than usual."

Hanger said spraying will begin on Friday, April 16. This year, 46 rivers and streams spanning more than 1,500 miles in 32 counties will be monitored and treated as needed. Lehigh County will be participating in the program for the first time. This ensures the Lehigh River will be treated from Easton to Weiders Corner.

Spraying will occur during daylight hours and will depend on weather conditions. Spraying will not be done when it is raining heavily or if river and stream levels are high. Water levels that are too high or moving too swiftly can carry the sprayed material away from its targeted location before it can be effective.

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.

DEP will notify county and local emergency management officials prior to any spraying activity to make them aware that helicopters seen flying over creeks, streams and rivers are working on behalf of the state's black fly program. Anyone concerned when they see a helicopter spraying can call their county emergency management office to verify that a black fly treatment is taking place in their area on that day.

"Pennsylvania's natural beauty is one of our greatest resources," said Hanger. "Through our efforts to control and suppress the black fly populations, we are striving to improve the quality of life of our residents and all who visit the commonwealth this summer."

For more information on Pennsylvania's Black Fly Suppression Program, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Black Fly.

Media contact: John Repetz, 717-787-1323

Editor's Note: The following is a list of waterways, by county, to be sprayed for black flies:

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection