Pennsylvania DEP to Begin Black Fly Spray Program

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Environmental Protection will soon begin aerial spraying on more than 1,600 stream miles in 33 Pennsylvania counties to control black flies.

The first aerial spraying will take place May 10 along the Delaware River. Other waterways will be treated as current and weather conditions allow.

"Adult black flies, also known as gnats, can be a nuisance to millions of Pennsylvanians and our guests from other states who enjoy spending time outdoors during warm weather," DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. "We will once again be taking aggressive action to control black fly populations as they begin to hatch, and will continue to treat our rivers, creeks and streams in an attempt to make time spent outdoors this spring and summer as enjoyable as possible."

This year, 47 rivers and streams spanning more than 1,600 miles will be monitored and treated as needed. Spraying activities will be performed by helicopter and the frequency will depend upon weather conditions. Treatments cannot occur during periods of heavy rain or when water levels are high. Fast-moving water can carry away the spray product, making the treatment ineffective.

DEP uses 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, 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 at the sight of a helicopter spraying 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 www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword Black Fly.

Media contact: John Repetz, 717-787-1323

Editor's Note: Below is a list of the 47 waterways in 33 counties to be sprayed for black flies:

Armstrong: Allegheny River, Kiskiminetas River, Mahoning Creek, Redbank Creek    

Beaver: Connoquenessing Creek

Berks: Maiden Creek, Manatawny Creek, Schuylkill River, Tulpehocken 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

Clearfield: Chest Creek, West Branch Susquehanna River

Columbia: Fishing Creek, North Branch Susquehanna River

Cumberland: Conodoguinet Creek, Susquehanna River, Yellow Breeches Creek

Dauphin: Juniata River, Mahantango Creek, Susquehanna River, Swatara Creek

Elk: Clarion River

Fayette: Youghiogheny River

Forest: Allegheny River, Clarion River, Tionesta Creek

Huntingdon: Aughwick Creek, Frankstown Branch Juniata River, Juniata River

Indiana: Conemaugh River, Kiskiminetas River

Juniata: Juniata River, Susquehanna River, Tuscarora Creek

Lawrence: Connoquenessing Creek, Neshannock Creek, Slippery Rock Creek

Lehigh: Lehigh River

Luzerne: North Branch Susquehanna River

Lycoming: Loyalsock Creek, Pine Creek, West Branch Susquehanna River

Mifflin: Juniata River

Northampton: Delaware River, Lehigh River

Northumberland: Mahantango Creek, North Branch Susquehanna River, Susquehanna River, West Branch Susquehanna River

Perry: Juniata River, Sherman Creek, Susquehanna River

Schuylkill: Schuylkill River

Snyder: Middle Creek, Penns Creek, Susquehanna River

Union: Penns Creek, West Branch Susquehanna River

Venango: Allegheny River, French Creek, Oil Creek, Sandy Creek, Sugar Creek

Warren: Allegheny River, Brokenstraw Creek, Conewango Creek

Westmoreland: Conemaugh River, Kiskiminetas River, Youghiogheny River

Wyoming: North Branch Susquehanna River, Tunkhannock Creek

York: Conewago Creek, Susquehanna River, Yellow Breeches Creek

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

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