The State Department of Environmental Protection has started its 2024 black fly suppression program.
The program will monitor and treat 48 rivers and streams spanning over 1800 miles across the state. The program involves arial and ground-based spraying by crews with backpacks. The DEP will use Bti, a naturally occurring bacterium to treat the larval stage of four specific species of black fly, While it is toxic to the black fly, it will not be toxic to fish and will not harm humans, birds, the aquatic ecosystem, birds or other insects. The frequency of the treatments depends on the weather and the water levels. The DEP will notify county and local emergency management officials before any activity begins.
Residents can report complaints about black fly populations to the DEP by logging on to their website and filling out a form.
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