State To Spray Part Of The Potomac River Against Black Flies

It will take place Wednesday, May 30th.

 

 

Annapolis, Md (KM) If you see a helicopter flying over the Potomac River near Harpers Ferry on Wednesday morning. there’s no need to panic. Starting at 8:00 AM, the Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources will be treating a targeted area of the river for black flies.

The chopper will spray Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, or Bti, to kill black fly larvae. MDA says Bti is a bacterial insecticide, not a chemical. Btis bacteria which can be found naturally in soils all over the world.

MDA says Bti is only harmful to a very limited number of insects such as black fly, midge and mosquito larvae. .

The State Agriculture Department says there may be some discoloration of the water, but that is completely non-toxic, and not harmful to humans, fish, crabs and other aquatic life. .

The Black Fly Suppression Pilot Program was established by the General Assembly under a bill passed in 2016.

The Bti will be administered form a Bell 206 Long Ranger helicopter with a green and white paint scheme. The tail number is N641HA.

 

By Kevin McManus